How to Form an LLC in Wisconsin Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)
Last verified against official Wisconsin sources on 2026-09-15.
- State filing fee
- $130 online, $170 by mail
- Form
- Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company (Form 502)
- Filed with
- Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate & Consumer Services
- Processing time
- Not published by the state
- Annual report
- $25 (annual)
- Be your own registered agent
- Yes, if you meet the rules below
Quick answer
The cost to file online is $130 with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate & Consumer Services (file online).
Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available
Search the agency's business name records before filing.
Step 2: Choose a registered agent
The registered agent must be an individual or existing entity resident in Wisconsin and may be an officer or employee of the entity (so a Wisconsin-resident member can serve), but the LLC may not name itself. The registered office must be an actual physical Wisconsin street address identical to the agent's business office, not solely a P.O. Box, mailbox service, or telephone answering service. An agent email address is required.
Step 3: File your Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company (Form 502)
Submit Form 502 through the agency. The filing fee online is $130. If you file by mail, the fee is $170. You may add expedited service if needed. Next-day expedited service costs $100 and is available for online or paper filings. Customer service counter expedited service within four hours costs $250 for in-person documents delivered to the Madison office. Customer service counter expedited service within one hour costs $500 for in-person documents delivered to the Madison office.
Step 4: Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement covers ownership, roles, voting, and what happens if a member leaves.
Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS
The EIN is free from the IRS (get your EIN).
Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing
You must file an Annual Report (Form 5) every year. The fee is $25 when filed online. Paper filing adds a $15 surcharge. The report is due by the end of the calendar quarter in which the formation anniversary falls (March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31), each year starting the year after formation. Failure to file can lead to delinquency and administrative dissolution. There is no newspaper publication requirement.
Three ways to get it done
State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.
Do it yourself
Follow this guide in Wisconsin. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.
Download the PDF guideWe file it for you
We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Wisconsin so you don’t have to learn the portal.
Have us file itDone for you
Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.
Book a callThis is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file an LLC in Wisconsin online?
The total state cost to file online is $130.
What is the fee for mail filings?
The filing fee by mail is $170.
Does Wisconsin require newspaper publication for LLCs?
No, there is no newspaper publication requirement.
When is the annual report due?
The annual report is due by the end of the calendar quarter in which the formation anniversary falls (March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31), each year starting the year after formation.
Can I serve as my own registered agent?
Yes, if you are an individual resident in Wisconsin. The agent may be an officer or employee of the entity, so a Wisconsin-resident member can serve. The LLC may not name itself.