Initial Fees and Licenses in Wisconsin

April 13, 2006

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If you're going to operate your business in Wisconsin, when you start up you're likely to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC)).

Corporations. If you're doing business as a domestic corporation (a corporation incorporated in Wisconsin), you will be subject to various fees when you start up. The following are the filing requirements and payments by domestic corporations to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions:

Document	Fee
Articles of incorporation	$100
Amendment or restated articles	$40
Articles of merger	$150
Articles of share exchange	$50 for each domestic and licensed foreign corporation

If you're doing business as a foreign corporation (a corporation incorporated outside of Wisconsin), you will be subject to initial fees when you start up. The following are the filing requirements and payments by foreign corporations to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions:

Document	Fee
Application for certificate of authority	Minimum $100
Application for amended certificate of authority	$40
Articles of correction	$40
Name registration	$50

Limited liability companies (LLCs). If your company is either a domestic or foreign limited liability company (LLC), you must file documents with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. If your company is a domestic LLC, you must deliver articles of organization along with a $170 fee to the Department ($130 if filed electronically). If your company is a foreign LLC, you must apply for a certificate of registration and pay a $100 fee to the Department.

Foreign LLCs must file an annual report with a $80 fee. There is no such requirement for a domestic LLC.

Business licenses and fees. Wisconsin requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.