Are you thinking of forming a Wisconsin LLC? Before you get started, it is important to understand how to fill out the Wisconsin Articles of Organization correctly. Check out the step-by-step instructions so you can complete them yourself!
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Steps To Fill Out The Wisconsin LLC Articles Of Organization
The paperwork to officially create an LLC in Wisconsin is called the Articles of Organization. To submit the paperwork, you can either file online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ website. If you prefer to fill out and mail the application, download the Certificate of Formation (Form 502).
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
The first step is to pick a business name. There are a few requirements when choosing a Wisconsin LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to that of another business entity already registered with the state of Wisconsin. You can verify name availability by doing a Wisconsin LLC name search with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company Co.
- L.L.C.
- LLC
To continue, enter the LLC name, including the identifier. If you choose a name that is taken, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions will return your application.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
We will skip to Article 3 because Article 2 says, “The Wisconsin Limited Liability Company is organized under Chapter 183 of the Wisconsin Statutes,” there is nothing for you to do.
In Article 3, you will appoint a Wisconsin registered agent. The registered agent is a party physically located in the state of Wisconsin that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
Provided the LLC member lives in the state of Wisconsin and is generally available during business hours, they may act as the Registered Agent. Additionally, any adult resident of the state, attorney or accountant in the state, or a registered agent service can also act as the LLC’s Agent.
Related: Should you be the registered agent?
Step 3: Provide the Registered Office Address
In Step 3 enter the address for the registered agent, which may or may not be the same as the business’s address.
This must be a physical address in the state of Wisconsin.
Step 4: Provide the Principal Office Address
In step 4, you will enter the physical address of the business.
This may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business, the physical street address, or the main location where the business records are kept. A physical address must be used, as P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
Step 5: List the LLC Organizers
The Organizer is someone who is involved with the LLC formation. The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but any initial member(s) could be listed as an organizer.
List the name and address of each Organizer. There will be at least one Organizer for the LLC.
Next, enter the name of the individual who drafted the Articles of Organization. It could be the Organizer or anyone who assisted with filling out the document.
Step 6: Include Additional Provisions
If you wish to include additional items regarding the governance of the LLC (not common), attach them to this section.
Step 7: Provide the Drafter’s Information
The drafter is the person who filled in the Articles of Organization. The drafter may also be an Organizer.
Step 8: Delayed Effective Date
You have the option of having an effective date different from the date it is filed by the state of Wisconsin. The effective date can be up to 90 days after the filing date.
Step 9: Sign the Articles of Organization
In step 9, one of the Organizers must sign the form.
Step 10: Provide Contact Information
Enter the contact information of someone who should receive updates from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions should there be questions when filing the Articles.
Step 11: Review the Articles of Organization
Review the information provided to ensure everything is correct. If it is, click “Next.”
Step 12: Pay & File the Articles of Organization
To finish the filing, enter your payment information and submit the Articles of Organization to the Department of Financial Institutions!
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Wisconsin LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
To start an LLC in Wisconsin, the state filing fee is $130 for online filings and $170 for filing by mail.
How long does it take to form a Wisconsin LLC?
Wisconsin LLCs that are formed online are processed immediately, while mailed-in forms typically take 5-7 days for the state to approve.
Does Wisconsin require an LLC to have an operating agreement?
Wisconsin LLC Statute Chapter 183 states that an operating agreement is optional. Even though it isn’t required, it is recommended that most LLCs have one, as it can help prevent disputes among members and better protect the LLC’s legal status.
Do Wisconsin LLCs have ongoing requirements?
LLCs are required to file an annual report and pay the $25 state filing fee with the
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.