Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Wisconsin?
Filing it yourself, a Wisconsin LLC costs $130 to start (about $155 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $130 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $25/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Wisconsin: $25 online annual report ($40 by mail), due by end of the quarter of your formation anniversary. Typical processing: Online: same-day; mail ~5 business days ($170 mail filing fee). Figures are estimates — verify with the Wisconsin Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Wisconsin LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Wisconsin is $130. The recurring cost is $25/year ($25 online annual report ($40 by mail), due by end of the quarter of your formation anniversary). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Wisconsin Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Wisconsin?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $130 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Wisconsin Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full Wisconsin LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Wisconsin, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.