After forming an LLC in Wisconsin, there are certain requirements needed to keep your business compliant with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

What to know about an annual report in Wisconsin

To keep your Wisconsin LLC active, you must file an annual report by your assigned due date each year. Think of this as a yearly check-in with the state. It isn’t a financial statement, but a way to confirm or update important information about your business. The annual report does not contain financial details but is used to update or confirm essential business information.

The state uses this information to:

• Keep their records current
• Verify your registered agent information
• Have the most current contact details for your LLC
• Make sure they can reach you in the event of any legal or tax situations

Filing this report is non-negotiable. Failure to file the annual report could result in penalties and consequences, like losing your good-standing status or possibly having an administrative dissolution of your LLC.

How to file an annual report in Wisconsin

Your annual report is due by the last day of the quarter when your LLC was formed:

• January – March formation: Due March 31
• April – June formation: Due June 30
• July – September formation: Due September 30
• October – December formation: Due December 31

Here’s what you need to do to file your annual report:

1. Fill out the form with the required information

To complete your Wisconsin LLC Annual Report, you need to provide the following:

• LLC Business Name – The official registered name of your LLC
• Your LLC State Reference Number – The state-assigned LLC number
• Primary Business Address – The official business address on record
• Business Mailing Address – If different from the primary address
• Registered Agent Information – The name and address of your Wisconsin registered agent
• Members and/or Managers’ Names & Addresses – List all relevant owners or managers
• Business Purpose & Industry – Briefly describe what your business does
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Your federal registered number
• CEO/Principal Office Contact Details – Who is responsible for the LLC

2. Choose one of the filing options

File online

• Go to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website here.
• Locate your LLC using the business entity search tool.
• Complete the online form.
• Pay the fee with a credit/debit card.
• Receive an instant confirmation. This is the quickest and most inexpensive way to get this done.

The online system is user-friendly and guides you through each step. You’ll typically spend less than 15 minutes on the process if you have all your information ready. Plus, you’ll receive immediate confirmation that your filing was received.

File by mail

If you prefer paper, you can mail in your report, but the fee is a lot more:

• Download the Annual Report Form from the Wisconsin DFI website.
• Fill out all required sections (you may write the information, but a typed document is preferred).
• Include a check or money order for the filing fee.
• Mail it with payment to:
  Department of Financial Institutions
  P.O. Box 93348 Milwaukee,
  WI 53293-0348

Keep in mind that mail processing takes time, so you’ll want to send it well before the deadline. I’d recommend mailing it at least 2-3 weeks early to ensure it arrives and is processed on time.

File with a compliance service

If you prefer a hassle-free filing process, consider using a compliance service to handle your Wisconsin LLC Annual Report. They may sure everything is filed correctly and on time

A good compliance service will:

• Track your filing deadlines
• Prepare the necessary paperwork
• Submit everything on your behalf
• Provide confirmation when complete
• Store records of your filings

This option costs more but provides peace of mind, especially if you’re managing multiple businesses or have a hectic schedule.

Pay the filing fees

Each solution has a different filing fee. If you file online, the fee is $25. Mail-in, fax, or in-person is $40. These fees are the same when using a compliance service and may have an additional fee attached.

Make sure you file on time

Not sure when your report is due? Simply visit the Wisconsin DFI website and search for your LLC in their business entity database. Your filing due date will be displayed in your business record.

While you’re there, you can also verify that your current information is accurate. This is important, especially if you’ve moved, changed registered agents, or had membership changes since your last filing.

Can I File My Annual Report Early?

Absolutely! Wisconsin allows you to file your annual report as soon as the filing window opens. Many business owners prefer to file early to:

• Get it off their to-do list
• Avoid last-minute rushes
• Ensure plenty of time to correct any issues
• Maintain continuous good standing

There’s no penalty or downside to filing early, and it’s often a smart business practice to handle compliance matters promptly.

What Happens if you fail to file on time (or at all)?

Wisconsin doesn’t immediately charge a late fee, but the consequences can still be significant.

Penalties

If you do not file your LLC’s annual report on time, the Wisconsin DFI could do the following:

• Your LLC becomes “delinquent” in state records
• You can’t get a certificate of good standing (which you might need for loans, business transactions, or expansion to other states).
• Your personal liability protection could be at risk.
• Banks may freeze your business accounts if they discover your non-compliant status.
• Over time, your LLC could be dissolved by the state.

Dissolution 

If your LLC gets dissolved, you’ll have to go through the reinstatement process, which involves:

• Filing all past-due reports
• Paying outstanding fees
• Submitting additional paperwork
• Possibly paying reinstatement fees
• And if someone has taken your business name in the meantime, You might have to choose a new one

Final thoughts

Keeping up with your Annual Report filing might seem like just another administrative task, but it’s one of those small things that can protect your business. By staying on top of this yearly requirement, you’re making sure your Wisconsin LLC maintains its good standing and continues to provide you with liability protection and benefits.

It only takes about fifteen minutes once a year. This is a small price to pay for maintaining the legal protections and benefits of your LLC. Think of it as an annual investment in your business’s legal health and security.

To stay on track:

• Know your due date. That could mean setting calendar reminders to keep you on track.
• Designate a point person responsible for making sure it’s filed.
• Keep your information updated throughout the year. Note any changes early so the filing is accurate and complete. This includes addresses, members, and registered agents.
• Save any digital copies of your filings.
• File on time and online.
• Consider using a compliance service to avoid administrative headaches.

Need help managing your LLC filings? Our Compliance Service can help you meet all your state requirements on time. Contact us today to learn more!

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