Forming an LLC in
Wisconsin WI
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Filing fee
$130
Articles of Organization
Annual fee
$25
per year, normalised
State income tax
7.65%
top rate
Cost rank
#22
of 51, first-year fees
Wisconsin LLC costs
| Filing fee | $130 |
|---|---|
| Annual report / franchise fee | $25 Annual report: $25, due by the end of the calendar quarter containing your formation anniversary. |
| First-year state fees | $155 |
| Registered agent | Required (about $50–$300/year if you don't use your own address in the state) |
| Newspaper publication | No |
| Anonymous ownership | No |
| Processing time | 5 days |
Wisconsin taxes for LLCs
| Personal income tax (top) | 7.65% Graduated 3.5%–7.65%. |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 7.9% Flat 7.9% on net income. |
| State sales tax | 5% |
| Franchise / gross receipts | No LLC franchise tax; pass-through entity tax election available. |
A single-member LLC is a disregarded entity: profit flows to the owner's personal return. Federal income tax applies in every state. Non-US owners without US-source business income generally owe no US income tax but must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma 1120 each year.
Pros and cons
Why form in Wisconsin
- Low annual report fee
- Online filing
- Pass-through tax election
Watch out for
- $130 formation fee
- High income and corporate rates
Best for: Wisconsin-based businesses · Manufacturing and agriculture
Wisconsin LLC: common questions
How much does an LLC cost in Wisconsin?
Filing the Articles of Organization in Wisconsin costs $130. After that, expect a $25 annual report. Annual report: $25, due by the end of the calendar quarter containing your formation anniversary. A commercial registered agent, if you need one, is typically $50–$300 a year extra.
Do I need a registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to accept legal and tax notices. You can act as your own agent if you live there, but non-residents and owners who want privacy usually pay a commercial agent, typically $50–$300 a year.
Can a non-US resident form an LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin does not require US citizenship, residency or an SSN to own an LLC; you need a Wisconsin registered agent address and then an EIN from the IRS (by fax or mail with Form SS-4 if you have no SSN). A foreign-owned single-member LLC must also file Form 5472 with the IRS every year, even with no US income. Check what Wisconsin publishes, since member or manager names may appear in public filings.
Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?
Yes. Graduated 3.5%–7.65%. LLC profits normally pass through to the owners' personal returns. Corporate income tax: Flat 7.9% on net income.
How much is the Wisconsin LLC annual report?
Wisconsin charges $25 for the annual report, due by the end of the quarter containing the LLC's formation anniversary.
Sources
Wisconsin Secretary of State business filings
- Wisconsin Secretary of State / business filing office
- Tax Foundation – 2026 state income tax rates
- LLC University – LLC filing and annual fees by state (cross-check)
Similar states
Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.