Make a Wisconsin LLC
by
Attorney Anthony Mancuso
Tips for LLC formation in Wisconsin.
A limited liability company, more commonly known as an LLC, is a legal ownership structure much like a corporation. Both corporations and LLCs offer owners protection from being held personally liable for the debts of the business. (In contrast, when you operate as a sole proprietor or a partnership, you are personally responsible for debts of the business.)
Setting up an LLC in Wisconsin requires two short steps:
1. Choose a name for your LLC.
The name of your business cannot be the same as the name of another business entity on file with the Department of Financial Institutions. To see if your proposed name is unique, you can search Wisconsin’s name database.
In Wisconsin your LLC name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or "Limited Liability Co.," or end with the abbreviation "LLC" or "L.L.C."
2. File the formation document.
Prepare and file Articles of Organization (a corporation's formation document) with the Department of Financial Institutions. The Articles of Organization should include your LLC’s name, its purpose, its address, and the name and address of your registered agent.
To form your LLC online right now, use Nolo's online formation service, called Online Wisconsin LLC. Nolo will file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
That’s it! That’s all it takes to become an LLC in Wisconsin.
Operating Your LLC
Though not legally required, you should also create an LLC operating agreement that will guide the LLC owners in operating the business (much like a partnership agreement or corporate bylaws). Nolo's Online Wisconsin LLC can create a customized LLC operating agreement for you when you form your LLC. If you've already formed an LLC, see Form Your Own Limited Liability Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo), for a standard LLC operating agreement. The operating agreement does not need to be filed with the Department of Financial Institutions.
To retain your LLC’s status as a separate entity, LLC members must observe certain formalities, such as keeping detailed financial records and recording minutes of major decisions. For more information, as well as minutes forms, consent forms, and over 80 resolutions, see Your Limited Liability Company: An Operating Manual, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo).
Last updated on 11/16/07.
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