Wisconsin State Law

Wisconsin businesses must register with the Department of Financial Institutions before conducting business. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA with the county register of deeds. Businesses…

Source: WI Department of Financial Institutions

Wisconsin employers who pay $1,500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter or employ at least one worker in 20 weeks of a year must register with the Department…

Source: WI Department of Workforce Development

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax of 5% on retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services, with county taxes bringing combined rates up to 5.6% in most areas.…

Source: WI Department of Revenue

Wisconsin minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate. Tipped employees may be paid $2.33 per hour provided tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage.…

Source: WI Department of Workforce Development

Wisconsin employers with three or more employees, or any employer that pays total wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter, must carry workers compensation insurance. Coverage may be…

Source: WI Department of Workforce Development

Wisconsin professional licensing is administered by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which oversees more than 180 credential types including contractors, engineers, architects, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and…

Source: WI Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wisconsin requires dwelling contractors to be certified by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors must hold separate state licenses. General commercial contractors are not…

Source: WI Department of Safety and Professional Services

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers grant programs to support Wisconsin small businesses, including the Main Street Bounceback Grant for businesses moving into vacant commercial spaces. Program availability and…

Source: WI Economic Development Corporation

The WEDC Business Development Loan program provides gap financing loans of up to $5,000,000 to Wisconsin businesses creating or retaining jobs. Loans may be used for equipment, real estate, and…

Source: WI Economic Development Corporation

Home-based businesses in Wisconsin are regulated by local city and county zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions permit home occupations as an accessory residential use subject to restrictions on signage, customer visits,…

Source: WI Economic Development Corporation

Wisconsin LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Department of Financial Institutions and paying a $130 fee online. All LLCs must designate a registered agent with a…

Source: WI Department of Financial Institutions

Wisconsin corporations are formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Financial Institutions and paying a $100 fee online. Corporations must designate a registered agent in Wisconsin and…

Source: WI Department of Financial Institutions

Wisconsin LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Report with the Department of Financial Institutions by the end of the quarter in which the anniversary of formation falls. The filing…

Source: WI Department of Financial Institutions

Wisconsin imposes a 7.9% corporate income and franchise tax on net income attributable to Wisconsin. C corporations file Form 4 with the Department of Revenue. Multi-state corporations apportion income using…

Source: WI Department of Revenue