Filing an Annual Report for a Wisconsin LLC
Every LLC in Wisconsin is required to submit an Annual Report annually to maintain their LLC's status.
If you have recently established your Limited Liability Company, the initial Annual Report submission isn't required until the following year. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference.
For those who need to file their Wisconsin Annual Report, this guide offers detailed instructions for the process.
What is the Annual Report for an LLC?
The Wisconsin LLC Annual Report is a document that updates your LLC's contact information with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
Filing this report ensures that your LLC remains compliant and in good standing.
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Is an Annual Report required in Wisconsin?
Yes, all Wisconsin LLCs are required to file an Annual Report each year. This is a state-mandated obligation to maintain your LLC’s good standing.
This requirement holds regardless of whether your business is active or generating income. Even if your LLC is inactive or earning no money, the Annual Report must still be filed annually.
It's important to note that late submissions are permitted in Wisconsin, though there are penalties. However, these penalties are relatively minor.
What is the cost of filing an Annual Report in Wisconsin?
Filing an Annual Report in Wisconsin costs $25 per year. This fee is an annual obligation for the lifetime of your LLC.
Annual Report due dates in Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses a quarterly schedule for Annual Report deadlines. The date your LLC was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is known as the Effective Date, and it is this date that determines the deadline for your first Annual Report.
This date is listed on your approved Articles of Organization or can be checked on the Wisconsin OneStop Business Portal.
For example, if your LLC was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions on February 12, 2024, then February 12 is your LLC’s Effective Date. Consequently, your Annual Report is due by March 31 each year thereafter.
Approval Date and Annual Report Due Date Schedule
When is the first Annual Report due?
Your first Annual Report is due in the year following your LLC's approval. The due date is the final day of the quarter in which your LLC was approved.
For instance, if your LLC was approved on March 12, 2024, your first Annual Report is due by March 31, 2025. Subsequent reports are due by March 31 each year thereafter.
Annual Report Due Dates
How early can the Annual Report be filed?
You may submit your Wisconsin Annual Report anytime during the quarter in which it is due.
For example, if your LLC was approved on July 12, 2024, you can file your Annual Report at any time between July 1 and September 30, starting in 2025.
What happens if the Annual Report is not filed?
If you miss the deadline for filing your Annual Report, there’s no need to panic. Wisconsin does not impose significant fees for late submissions. However, if an Annual Report is not filed for three consecutive years, your LLC may face administrative dissolution.
For Annual Reports that are 1 to 2 years overdue:
You can simply pay the overdue report fees and submit the missing reports to restore your LLC's status to "good standing".
For Annual Reports that are 3 years overdue:
Your LLC may be administratively dissolved by the Department of Financial Institutions. In this case, you will need to file for reinstatement.
What to do if your LLC is administratively dissolved?
If you wish to close your LLC, you can allow the state to dissolve it without any additional penalties or required filings.
You would then need to file a final tax return to complete the dissolution process.
If you intend to continue using your LLC, you must reinstate it by submitting an Application for Reinstatement.
Steps to Reinstate an LLC
To reinstate your LLC, contact the Wisconsin DFI Corporations Division at 608-261-7577 to obtain the Application for Reinstatement.
Submit the Application for Reinstatement along with one Annual Report. The reinstatement fee is $100, plus $25 for each overdue Annual Report. Reinstatement documents must be filed by mail only.
Make the check or money order payable to "Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions" and mail it along with your documents.
✎ Note:
You can reinstate your LLC at any time after dissolution. If the name of your LLC has been taken by another entity, you will need to choose a new name for your business.
Reminders
Reminder postcards are sent to your Registered Agent approximately two weeks after the earliest date you can file.
Postcards are distributed in the middle of January for Annual Reports that are due in Q1 (January 1 to March 31). Postcards for Q3 (July 1–September 30) are sent in the middle of July.
We recommend setting up recurring reminders on your phone, computer, or calendar to avoid missing the deadline.
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Instructions for Filing a Wisconsin Annual Report Online
Wisconsin permits filing Annual Report forms online or by mail, but online filing is recommended for its speed and convenience.
Get Started
- Visit the Wisconsin OneStop Business Portal page.
Find your LLC Name
- Locate your LLC by entering its name and clicking "Search".
- Click on your LLC from the search results.
- Confirm your LLC’s name on the next page and click "Next".
Registered Agent
- Review and confirm your LLC's Registered Agent information.
- Make changes if needed and click "Next".
Principal Office
Ensure your Principal Office information is current.
This is the primary address for your LLC and does not need to be located in Wisconsin.
Management (Member or Manager)
Indicate if your LLC is handled by a manager or by members, and include the necessary information.
Then click Next.
★ Tip:
Your Articles of Organization contain information regarding the management structure of your company, if you're not sure what it is.
Statements
Enter a brief description of your business and confirm its legitimate purpose.
Next, choose "Yes" or "No" from the dropdown menu to indicate whether your business has entered into any contracts, agreements, or conspiracies that restrict trade or commerce.
Click "Next" to continue.
Contact Information
Give the Annual Report's contact details.
Indicate who should receive your authorized annual report by entering their name, address, phone number, and email.
Click "Next".
Summary
Verify the accuracy of the data you entered. To make any necessary changes, select "Edit" next to each field.
Click "Next".
Signature
Sign the report, select the date, and agree to the terms.
Enter the signer's name and click "Next".
Payment
Verify the payment information, select "Make Payment", and use a debit or credit card to pay the $25 fee via the Wisconsin e-Payment Services website.
Congratulations
Your Annual Report was submitted online and will be processed shortly. A copy of your approved Annual Report will be sent to the email address provided in the Contact Information section.
✎ Note:
If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, please check your spam folder.
Contact Information for Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
For any inquiries, contact the Division of Corporate & Consumer Services at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Phone: 608-261-7577
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Central Time