Online filing is $130. Paper filing is $170. Optional next-day expedited service adds $100. An eligible student entrepreneur can request a formation-fee waiver through the paper form; the online route still charges its nonrefundable fee.
Official sourceWhat does Wisconsin charge to form and maintain an LLC?
| Formation document and method | Articles of Organization, Form 502. File online through the Department of Financial Institutions or submit the paper form. The online route requires the agent's name, email and Wisconsin registered office, principal office details, organizer information and a signature. |
|---|---|
| Formation charges | Online filing is $130. Paper filing is $170. Optional next-day expedited service adds $100. An eligible student entrepreneur can request a formation-fee waiver through the paper form; the online route still charges its nonrefundable fee. |
| Recurring filing | Domestic LLC annual report: $25 online. The $15 paper surcharge makes an ordinary one-year paper report $40. The foreign-LLC report schedule is different and is not the domestic amount shown here. |
| First and later due dates | The first report falls in the calendar year after formation. File during the quarter containing the formation anniversary, by March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31. For an LLC formed in October 2026, the first report is due December 31, 2027. |
| Registered agent and office | Appoint a Wisconsin resident individual or an eligible domestic or Wisconsin-authorized foreign entity. The agent must consent, have an email address and use a physical Wisconsin business office matching the registered office. A P.O. box or mailbox service alone does not qualify. The LLC cannot name itself as agent. |
| Taxes and other costs | The state filing and report amounts are not a tax estimate. The student entrepreneur formation waiver has eligibility conditions and requires paper filing. A paid agent, optional expedited filing and activity-specific tax or licenses add to the budget. |
When does the first Wisconsin LLC report fall due?
The first report falls in the calendar year after formation. File during the quarter containing the formation anniversary, by March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31. For an LLC formed in October 2026, the first report is due December 31, 2027.
Domestic LLC annual report: $25 online. The $15 paper surcharge makes an ordinary one-year paper report $40. The foreign-LLC report schedule is different and is not the domestic amount shown here.
Who can be the Wisconsin registered agent?
Appoint a Wisconsin resident individual or an eligible domestic or Wisconsin-authorized foreign entity. The agent must consent, have an email address and use a physical Wisconsin business office matching the registered office. A P.O. box or mailbox service alone does not qualify. The LLC cannot name itself as agent.
What comes after the LLC filing?
Save the filed articles and record the annual-report quarter. Wisconsin DOR directs businesses that already filed with DFI to review tax registration separately. Sales, employment and other business activity determine which tax accounts and permits the business needs.
Use the EIN guide for founders without an SSN if it fits your situation. An EIN does not replace state tax registration.
Which costs are outside the state filing fees?
The state filing and report amounts are not a tax estimate. The student entrepreneur formation waiver has eligibility conditions and requires paper filing. A paid agent, optional expedited filing and activity-specific tax or licenses add to the budget.
Compare the known state charges in the calculator and the 50-state and DC fee table. If the business works elsewhere, review when another state can require registration before choosing a formation state.
Which official sources support these figures?
- Online formation instructions - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Paper Articles of Organization - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Annual report fees and deadlines - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Registered agent statute - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Wisconsin tax registration - reviewed September 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Wisconsin online and paper LLC filings cost different amounts?
DFI lists $130 for the online Articles of Organization and $170 on Form 502. Neither amount is a full startup budget.
When does a new Wisconsin LLC file its first annual report?
In the year following formation, during the formation-anniversary quarter. The due date is that quarter's last day.
Does a Wisconsin LLC pay $25 or $40 for its annual report?
An ordinary domestic report costs $25 online. Paper filing adds a $15 surcharge, for $40 for one year.
Can I be my own Wisconsin registered agent?
Yes, as an individual if you meet the Wisconsin-resident, physical-office, email and consent requirements. The LLC itself cannot be its own agent.
Does Wisconsin waive the LLC fee for students?
DFI offers a student entrepreneur formation-fee waiver to applicants meeting its conditions. Apply on paper; filing online incurs the $130 nonrefundable fee.
Official sources reviewed September 30, 2026. This guide covers an ordinary domestic LLC, not a personal legal or tax ruling. Government charges can change.