Formation 2026-03-10

Step 1: Get Your EIN (Federal Tax ID)

Do this first. Everything else depends on it.

Your EIN is your business's Social Security Number for IRS purposes. You need it to open a business bank account (banks require it), file business taxes, hire employees, and apply for business credit. Wi Filings handles EIN applications for LLCs in all 50 states — same-day in most cases.

Step 2: Open a Business Bank Account

Never mix personal and business finances. This is one of the easiest ways to accidentally pierce the corporate veil — the legal protection that keeps your personal assets separate from business debts. You'll need your EIN confirmation, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement (some banks require it), and a valid photo ID.

Step 3: Create or Update Your Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement defines who owns what percentage, how profits are distributed, how decisions are made, and what happens if a member leaves. Many states don't legally require it, but banks may ask for it and it's your rulebook for co-owner disputes. Even single-member LLCs benefit from one.

Step 4: Set Up a Registered Agent

A registered agent receives legal documents and official government correspondence on behalf of your LLC. Every LLC is required to have one. A professional registered agent service keeps your personal address private and ensures you never miss a critical legal notice. Wi Filings offers registered agent service at $169/year.

Step 5: Open a Business Credit Card

Keeps business expenses completely separate from personal and starts building your business credit history. Use it for recurring business expenses and pay it off monthly. This builds a credit profile under your EIN that you'll need for future business loans or lines of credit.

Step 6: Register for State and Local Taxes

Your EIN is a federal tax ID. Many states and localities have separate registration requirements. If you sell taxable goods in Wisconsin, register with the Wisconsin DOR. Some cities require a general business license. Check your municipality.

Step 7: Set Up a Business Email Address

Using a Gmail or Yahoo address for business signals you're not serious. A professional business email ([email protected]) builds immediate credibility. Google Workspace starts at $6/month and gives you Gmail with your domain, Drive, Calendar, and Meet.

Step 8: Get Business Insurance

Depending on your business type, consider general liability insurance, professional liability (E&O), or a business owner's policy (BOP). Even solo consultants benefit from professional liability coverage. Hiscox and Next both offer pay-per-month options starting around $25/month for basic coverage.

Step 9: Set Up Basic Bookkeeping

Tracking income and expenses from day one saves enormous pain at tax time. Choose an accounting tool (Wave is free, QuickBooks Self-Employed is $15/mo), connect your business bank account and credit card, and categorize transactions weekly, not quarterly.

Step 10: File Your Annual Report (Don't Miss the Deadline)

Most states require LLCs to file an annual report — a simple update confirming your LLC is still active. Miss it, and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. In Wisconsin, annual reports are due by the end of your LLC's anniversary quarter, with a $25 state filing fee. Wi Filings handles this for $75 total — we track the deadline, prepare the filing, and submit it for you.

Legal Disclaimer The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Wi Filings is not a law firm and is not authorized to provide legal advice. Every business situation is unique — consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney or qualified accountant before making decisions about your LLC's structure, compliance obligations, or financial strategy. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship between you and Wi Filings.