Wisconsin
Taxes and business formation • USA 2025–2026
TL;DR
Wisconsin at a glance — 2026 figures
State filing fees and tax position for individuals and companies registered in Wisconsin.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax | See the income tax section below |
| LLC formation fee | $130.00 |
| LLC annual report fee | $25.00 |
| LLC annual report deadline | The annual report is due according to the registration date: registered January 1–March 31 — due March 31 each year; April 1–June 30 — due June 30; July 1–September 30 — due September 30; October 1–December 31 — due December 31. |
| LLC dissolution fee | $20.00 |
| Corporation formation fee | $100.00 |
| Corporation annual report fee | $25.00 |
State filing fees are set by the Secretary of State and change without notice — the official source is linked in each section below. Federal figures for tax year 2026 are on the 2026 tax cheat sheet.
Updated: August 2026
LLC in Wisconsin
Corporation in Wisconsin
Tax system of Wisconsin
Income Tax
Wisconsin applies a progressive personal income tax scale, with rates ranging from 3.5% to 7.65% depending on income level and filing status. The tax covers all types of income, including wages, business income, capital gains, dividends, and interest. The state has tax credits and deductions for families with children, students, retirees, and low-income individuals.
Sales Tax
Wisconsin's base sales tax rate is 5%, and most counties add a local tax of 0.5%, bringing the total rate to 5.5%. The tax is levied on sales of most goods, certain services, rentals, digital products, and software. Groceries, medications, and certain medical items are exempt from tax.
Property Tax
Property tax is levied at the local county and school district level. The average effective rate is about 1.51% of market value, which is above the U.S. average. Assessments are conducted annually, and the tax applies to both residential and commercial real estate.
Business Taxes
Wisconsin has a corporate income tax (Corporate Income/Franchise Tax) of 7.9% on net profit, which applies to both C-corporations and S-corporations. In addition, some companies are required to pay a Franchise Tax even if they have no taxable profit. An Annual Report is required for all legal entities (LLCs, corporations, and others). The filing deadline is annually by the end of the quarter of the company's registration month. Our firm provides services for preparing and filing the Annual Report, registering businesses, choosing a tax structure, calculating taxes, and maintaining bookkeeping.
Excise Taxes
Wisconsin levies excise taxes on fuel, alcohol, tobacco, car rentals, and on cable and satellite TV.
Favorable Tax Conditions
Personal income tax is higher than in states without a tax (for example, Florida or Texas), but lower than in California or New York. The Corporate Income Tax (7.9%) is above average, but a flexible system of deductions helps reduce the tax burden. Property tax is high, as in Illinois or New Jersey. At the same time, there is no estate tax, which is an advantage compared with Maryland or Vermont.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin have a personal income tax?+
Yes. Wisconsin levies a personal income tax on residents. The current rates and brackets are set out in the income tax section on this page, with a link to the state tax authority — rates are revised by the legislature, so always check the official source before filing.
How much does it cost to register an LLC in Wisconsin?+
The state filing fee in Wisconsin is $130.00. On top of that you need a registered agent with a physical address in the state, and FinTaxes charges from $299 for the formation service itself.
When is the annual report due for a Wisconsin LLC?+
The Wisconsin annual report fee is $25.00, due The annual report is due according to the registration date: registered January 1–March 31 — due March 31 each year; April 1–June 30 — due June 30; July 1–September 30 — due September 30; October 1–December 31 — due December 31.. Missing it typically triggers a late penalty and, if left unresolved, administrative dissolution of the company.
Do I need to live in Wisconsin to open an LLC there?+
No. You do not need to live in Wisconsin — or in the United States at all — to own an LLC registered there. Non-residents can form and own a US LLC; what the state requires is a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Your own tax residency is a separate question and decides which returns you file.
Can FinTaxes file my Wisconsin state return remotely?+
Yes. FinTaxes prepares and e-files federal and Wisconsin state returns entirely remotely, for clients anywhere in the US or abroad, as an Authorized IRS e-file Provider.
Starting a business in Wisconsin?
I'll help you form an LLC, navigate taxes, and avoid overpaying