How to File Articles of Organization in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC and officially become a legal entity. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as a registered business entity in Wisconsin. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the Wisconsin Articles of Organization

In Wisconsin, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business

• Business name
• Registered agent name and address
• Management structure
• Organizer name and address
• Drafter (person completing the document)

2. Visit the state’s Department of Financial Institutions website 

Find Wisconsin’s articles of organization form here. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

At the bottom of the page, click the button that says “begin filing”. On the next page, it will direct you to do a name availability search, to make sure that your proposed business name is available. 

If it’s available, you’ll fill out your business name in the box. 

On the next page, you’ll fill out your registered agent name and address. Then click to the next page and select whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed (click the link to learn more).

On the next page, you’ll fill out the organizer name and address, then move on to the name of the drafter. These can be the same – for example, you may be the organizer and the drafter.

Finally, you’ll fill out the contact information for your LLC. You’ll then have the opportunity to review all your information. 

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to check and double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain, so accuracy is crucial. 

File Articles of Organization 

The final step is to go to the payment page so that you can pay your articles of organization filing fee, which is $130 in Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Contact Info

Here’s the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website. Contact the Department of Financial Institutions office at (608) 261-9555.

The mailing address for the department is:

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower
Madison, WI 53705 

The Bottom Line

In Wisconsin, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Badger State.