Wisconsin Business Filing Deadlines & Ongoing Requirements

Wisconsin ongoing requirements

(LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): Last day of the calendar quarter containing the anniversary month; fee $25.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Register for state taxes with Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income/franchise tax; pass-through entity tax (optional election).
Sales tax: get a Wisconsin seller's permit from Wisconsin Department of Revenue before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
If you have employees, withhold Wisconsin income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (UI). The 2026 taxable wage base is $14,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0% to 10.7%. Official page
New employers start at 2.5%.
Workers' compensation through Wisconsin DWD Worker's Compensation Division and private insurers. Required when: 3 employees, or $500 of payroll in a calendar quarter
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

Form your LLC or corporation with Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Official page
A trade name (DBA) is registered with the County register of deeds.

Business filings and annual reports: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Official page
Taxes: Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (UI). Official page
Workers' compensation: Wisconsin DWD Worker's Compensation Division.
Contractor licensing: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (dwelling contractor qualifier).
Real estate licensing: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Alcohol licensing: Wisconsin Department of Revenue (with municipal licensing).
Child care licensing: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
Health facility licensing: Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Local permits (City, village or county): Wisconsin has no general business license; local permits and zoning approvals apply.
Cannabis: only CBD products are allowed; there is no licensing regime for other products.

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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