How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Wisconsin. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Wisconsin to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Wisconsin. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Wisconsin to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Wisconsin Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Wisconsin,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Wisconsin is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Wisconsin LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Wisconsin, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Wisconsin Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Wisconsin LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Wisconsin Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Wisconsin that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Wisconsin, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Wisconsin.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Wisconsin?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293. For online filing, you must log in to the Wisconsin Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Wisconsin Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Wisconsin includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($15), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Wisconsin, the filing fee of a formation document is $170 (by mail and $130 online). The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Wisconsin Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Wisconsin Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin is a document filed with the Department of Financial Institutions to officially create a limited liability company in the state.
How much does it cost to file LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
The filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin is $130.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization online in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ website.
What information is required in the LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin must include the LLC’s name, registered agent’s name and address, purpose of the LLC, members/managers’ names and addresses, and signature of organizer.
How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
It typically takes the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions about 5-10 business days to process LLC Articles of Organization.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC for up to 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Are there any naming requirements for an LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, the name of an LLC in Wisconsin must include the words ‘Limited Liability Company’, ‘LLC’, or ‘L.L.C.’ and cannot contain certain restricted words without prior approval.
Do I need an operating agreement in Wisconsin when filing LLC Articles of Organization?
While not required, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement in place for an LLC in Wisconsin to outline ownership and operating procedures.
Can a foreign LLC file Articles of Organization in Wisconsin?
Yes, a foreign LLC can file Articles of Organization in Wisconsin to operate as a foreign entity in the state.
Can I change the information in the LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin after filing?
Yes, you can amend the LLC Articles of Organization in Wisconsin by filing an Articles of Amendment form with the Department of Financial Institutions.
How can I dissolve an LLC in Wisconsin?
To dissolve an LLC in Wisconsin, you must file Articles of Dissolution with the Department of Financial Institutions.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, if your LLC has multiple members, hires employees, or elects to be taxed as a corporation, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Can I serve as my own registered agent for my LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent for your LLC in Wisconsin, as long as you have a physical street address within the state.
Do I need to publish my LLC Articles of Organization in a local newspaper in Wisconsin?
No, there is no requirement to publish LLC Articles of Organization in a local newspaper in Wisconsin.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Wisconsin?
Yes, licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Wisconsin.
Can an LLC be formed by a single member in Wisconsin?
Yes, a single individual can form a single-member LLC in Wisconsin.
Does an LLC in Wisconsin need a business license?
Depending on the nature of the business, an LLC in Wisconsin may be required to obtain specific local or state business licenses.
Are there annual fees for maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, LLCs in Wisconsin are required to file an annual report and pay an annual fee of $25.
Can an LLC in Wisconsin convert into another type of business entity?
Yes, an LLC in Wisconsin can convert into a different business entity by filing paperwork as required by the state.
Can I act as a nominee director for an LLC in Wisconsin?
No, Wisconsin law requires every LLC to have at least one member or manager listed in the Articles of Organization.
Can an LLC in Wisconsin be converted into an LLP?
Yes, an LLC in Wisconsin can be converted into a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) by filing the necessary forms with the state.
Can I reserve an entity name in Wisconsin without forming the LLC?
Yes, you can reserve an entity name in Wisconsin for up to 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application with the Department of Financial Institutions.
Do I need a business address in Wisconsin to file LLC Articles of Organization?
Yes, you need to provide a physical street address within Wisconsin as the registered office and principal place of business for the LLC.
Can I use a PO Box address as the registered office for my LLC in Wisconsin?
No, a PO Box address is not acceptable as the registered office of an LLC in Wisconsin.
Can I operate an LLC in Wisconsin under a different name than the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can operate an LLC under a trade name or ‘doing business as’ (DBA) name, but you must register the name with the Department of Financial Institutions.
Do I need to file LLC Articles of Organization at the county level in Wisconsin?
No, LLC Articles of Organization must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions at the state level.
Can I file Articles of Organization in Wisconsin on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can have an authorized representative, attorney, or professional service provider file LLC Articles of Organization on your behalf in Wisconsin.
Do foreign LLCs need to file annual reports in Wisconsin?
Yes, foreign LLCs doing business in Wisconsin are required to file an annual report and pay the $25 annual fee to the Department of Financial Institutions.
Can I have a non-US resident as a member of an LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, a non-US resident can be a member of an LLC in Wisconsin, but there may be additional requirements for foreign individuals conducting business in the state.
What is an LLC and why should I choose to organize my business as one in Wisconsin?
An LLC, or limited liability company, offers limited liability protection to its owners while providing the flexibility of a partnership. It is a popular choice among business owners in Wisconsin due to its tax benefits and ease of operation.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Wisconsin. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Wisconsin, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Status for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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