Filing Your Annual Report in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, there are more than 452,000 small business owners and, as one of them, you know how much you have on your plate. Product ideation, development, roll-out, dealing with customers, and hiring and paying employees. And then there’s the paperwork.

It’s important to have a good grasp of the rules and regulations when you file your annual report. In Wisconsin, failure to file this report can cause the state to dissolve your business’s legal entity structure. Most business entities in Wisconsin must file, including corporations and Wisconsin limited liability companies (LLCs). Here’s your guide to filing a Wisconsin annual report.  

What is a Wisconsin annual report? 

Business entities in Wisconsin are required to file an annual report. This mandatory filing provides important information to the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI) on who’s doing business, and how, within its borders. This shows the state that the business is playing by the rules and is in good standing to continue operation for the near future. 

Annual reports are filed via the WDFI.  The state sends a notice to each registered agent that an annual report must be filed. The form includes an ID number in a shaded box, which you need to file the annual report online. If you did not receive your form, call WDFI at (608) 261-7577.

Take care to not confuse the annual report with your required tax filings in Wisconsin. Tax filings are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WDOR). Consult the WDOR for the most up-to-date information and to learn which taxes are applicable to your particular business structure and situation. 

Wisconsin Annual Report for Corporations and LLCs 

Corporations and LLCs must file annual reports in Wisconsin. But each entity has its own form with specific information that you need to provide. One of the main differences between entities is the cost to file. Fees depend on the legal structure of your business, and whether you’re filing online or by mail.

A significant difference exists for businesses that have been certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as Foreign Qualified New Business Venture Corporations. They have to file the 18QNBV Form, which replaces the form used by other business entities, by mail. Do not submit the form used by other entities because the fee is non-refundable and the form does not meet the state requirements for QNBVs. The annual report filing fee for QNBVs is $80.

Where do I file my Wisconsin annual report? 

The WDFI collects annual reports and fees for the Wisconsin Secretary of State. To do this, the WDFI created its “One Stop Business Portal” that allows business owners to file the annual report electronically and pay with a credit card. The steps to file a Wisconsin annual report via the online portal are:

1. Navigate to the WDFI’s One Stop Business Portal.
2. Click “File My Annual Report Today.”
3. Enter the Corporation/LLC ID (found in a shaded box on the form sent by WDFI) or search by your business name.
4. Click on your business name.
5. Select “File an Annual Report” and follow the prompts to complete the filing.
6. Pay with a business credit/debit card.

If you prefer to file via mail, you must email DFIAnnualReport@wisconsin.gov and request the proper form. Once it’s filled out, mail it to the WDFI.

Filing fees for corporations increase to $40 if not filing online.

Be aware that some company information and annual reports are public records. Anyone can obtain your basic business information such as when the business was incorporated, its legal entity type, and the registered agent’s name and office of record by visiting the Wisconsin Secretary of State website and searching for your business name. They can also request a copy of your annual report via WDFI. However, the business employer identification number (EIN), member names of domestic LLCs, telephone numbers, owners, trade names, and Wisconsin tax information are not recorded by the WDFI.

When is the Wisconsin annual report due? 

The annual report is due by the end of the quarter in which the business was first registered. Your first annual report will be a year after registration, and then at the end of the quarter. 

So, if your business was originally registered in May, that means your annual report’s due date is the end of June. All foreign (out-of-state) entities must file their annual reports by March 31st.

While there is no monetary penalty for failing to file an annual report, Wisconsin will administratively dissolve entities that fail to file an annual report within one year of the failure. This means that your business no longer has liability coverage or protection, even if you’re in the process of closing.

If your company has been administratively dissolved for failure to file an annual report and you wish for the company to be reinstated, call (608) 261-7577 to request the forms for reinstatement. 

How much does the Wisconsin annual report cost? 

The fee to file an annual report in Wisconsin falls between between $25 and $80. The exact fee is determined by the legal structure of the company. 

• Domestic (in-state) corporations and LLCs pay $25 to file online.
• Domestic corporations filing by mail, in person, or by fax pay $40 instead of $25.
• Nonstock corporations pay $10, regardless of the filing method.
• Foreign corporations and LLCs pay $65 online and $80 if filing in person or by fax. If the venture is a Foreign Qualified New Business Venture, then the annual report must be made via Form 18QNBV and mailed, incurring the $80 fee.

If you need help determining the annual report fee, call the WDFI at (608) 261-9555. 

What information do I need to file the annual report? 

It is helpful to gather all the required information before attempting to file your Wisconsin annual report. That information includes:

• Legal business name
• Corporation/LLC ID. This number is found in a shaded box on the form sent to the business’s registered agent. You can also find it by looking up the business on the WDFI site.  
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Names, addresses, and titles for all officers, directors, managers, and/or partners. LLCs are not required to include individual member names and information
• Business email address
• Name, signature, and title of the person filing the annual report

Before beginning the online filing process, it may be helpful to first obtain a WAMS ID for use at the One Stop Business Portal. Getting a WAMS ID allows you to log into the site and file various forms on behalf of the business, including the annual report. It also lets you pause and save during the process, so you can finish it at a later time.

Need some help navigating the portal? Contact the Wisconsin Interactive Network via email at wi_helpdesk@egov.com or call them at (608) 250-4606. 

What happens after you file your annual report? 

When you finish the online process of filing the annual report, you should end up at a screen that confirms your report was received. Online filings are typically addressed by the state within five business days. During high volume times like the end of the quarter or year, it may take more time. If your annual report contains errors, your registered agent should receive notification from the state.

What if you miss the deadline to file your report? 

If you fail to file an annual report on time in the state of Wisconsin, your company will eventually be administratively dissolved. This will happen around one year after the report’s due date. The business will no longer receive the legal protections the entity affords from this point forward.

If administrative dissolution happens, all is not lost and you may be able to be reinstated. However, Wisconsin requires more paperwork and fees to do this, including the original annual report filing fees that weren’t paid. Call WDFI at (608) 261-7577 to request the forms and information for reinstatement.

Who do I contact if I have issues filing my Wisconsin annual report? 

If you have questions or problems filing your Wisconsin annual report online, reach out to WDFI via email. You can also speak to someone directly by calling.