How to Create an LLC in Wisconsin
Wisconsin allows a business to create a limited liability company with a single member, or an unlimited number of members. A business in Wisconsin may create an LLC with the help of an attorney, though it's not mandatory to do so. Filing the formation documents with Wisconsin creates a distinct legal entity that has a separate existence from the members of the LLC. LLC members and managers of an LLC in Wisconsin have personal asset protection against business lawsuits, debts and other obligations that might arise while operating the company.
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Instructions
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Pick a business name for the LLC. The LLC's business name must be "distinguishable" from business names that are currently in use or are held on reserve in tWisconsin. Furthermore, the LLC's chosen business name can't be too similar to the business name of another registered entity in of Wisconsin.
Conduct a business name availability search using the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website. A representative of the LLC may confirm business name availability by calling 608-261-7577.
The business name of an LLC in Wisconsin must end with the words "limited liability company" or an appropriate abbreviation.
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Obtain articles of organization. An LLC representative may complete the Wisconsin articles of organization online using the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website. In other instances, a fill-in-the-blank articles of organization may be downloaded and printed from that department's website.
Send a written request for articles of organization to Division of Corporate and Consumer Services, PO Box 7846, Madison, WI 53707-7846. An LLC representative may visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions office in person to pick up articles of organization. The address is 345 W. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI 53703. A representative of the LLC may call 608-261-7577 to have articles of organization sent by mail.
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Prepare articles of organization by providing information such as the legal name and principal address of the business. Indicate whether the LLC will be managed by LLC members or by non-members. Provide the names and addresses of the individuals or entity responsible for organizing the LLC. The organizers of the Wisconsin LLC are required to sign the articles of organization.
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State the name of an individual, or a business registered with the state, that will act as the LLC's registered agent. The resident agent is responsible for accepting the Wisconsin LLC's legal documents and other business correspondence.
If an individual is named as the LLC's registered agent, Wisconsin requires that person to be at least 18 years old with a physical address in the state. In other instances, an LLC may act as its own registered agent as long as the LLC maintains a physical address in Wisconsin.
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File articles of organization with the state. An LLC may submit articles of organization electronically by using the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website. As of 2010, a business must pay $130 to file articles of organization electronically in Wisconsin.
In other cases, a representative of the LLC may hand-deliver the articles of organization to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions office. LLCs in Wisconsin may submit articles of organization by mail to the department's office. As of 2010, it costs businesses $170 to file a paper copy of its articles of organization with the state.
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