Wisconsin Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Wisconsin incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Wisconsin

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Wisconsin corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Wisconsin with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name of the corporation must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof, or words or abbreviations of words with similar meanings in another language. The word "Bank" and variations cannot be used, and use of the word "Cooperative" is restricted. The name may not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for a purpose other than as permitted in its Articles of Incorporation. It must be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State from other corporations, limited liability companies and other business entities authorized to use the name in the state.

Director information.

The following are Wisconsin’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Wisconsin does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Wisconsin does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Wisconsin is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Wisconsin's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Wisconsin. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Wisconsin allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC) , which is called a Service Corporation (SC) in Wisconsin.

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Wisconsin corporations.

Corporate records

Wisconsin corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal office:

• Appropriate accounting records
• Minutes of shareholder and director meetings
• Records of actions taken by the shareholders or directors without a meeting and/or by a committee of the board of directors in place of the board of directors on behalf of the corporation
• A list of the shareholders, organized by class/series of shares and including names and addresses, outlining the number and class/series of shares held by each

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Wisconsin corporations:

• Annual report. Wisconsin requires corporations to file an annual report. The due date is the last day of the calendar quarter in which the anniversary date of the company’s incorporation falls. (For example, if incorporation date were February 3, the annual report would be due March 31.) The filing fee is $40.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Wisconsin corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Wisconsin .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Wisconsin does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Wisconsin recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Wisconsin information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Wisconsin:

• Wisconsin LLC Formation