When starting a new corporation in Wisconsin, you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
Articles of Incorporation is a legal document registering your corporation to do business in Wisconsin. Once your business gets the green light from the Wisconsin DFI, you’re good to get started. Filing Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation (AOI) is the first and most critical step in this process.
How to Complete Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation
Per the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), every domestic (in-state) for-profit corporation wanting to do business in the state must file AOI in the prescribed format. Sample forms are available on the DFI website that meets these legal requirements, according to Chapter 180 of the Business Corporations Act. You can file online or print the hard copy and mail it.
For Domestic Entities
A domestic corporation in Wisconsin needs the following information to file Articles of Incorporation:
- Corporation name: It must be unique and represent your business purposes. It should follow Wisconsin naming guidelines.
- A statement under Section 180.0202(1) (a) stating that the entity is formed according to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 180.
- The number of shares authorized.
- Details about the Registered Agent: Every entity functioning legally in Wisconsin needs to appoint a registered agent to act as a point of contact on its behalf. The agent must have a registered office address with a physical location in Wisconsin. The corporation itself can’t become the registered agent. You can get in touch with our registered agent partners to hire their services and forget your worries.
- Name and addresses of all incorporators for a business corporation
- Signature of the incorporator
For Foreign Entities
If you’ve incorporated your business entity in any other state or country, Wisconsin Statutes define it as a foreign corporation. In this case, you must file a Certificate of Authority with the DFI.
Per Chapter 180.1503, you can file for this certificate with the following information:
- Name of your foreign entity
- State or country where it was incorporated
- Date of incorporation and existence period
- Complete address of the principal office
- The registered agent in Wisconsin and registered office address
- Name and business address of current officers, managers, and directors
- Number of aggregate shares issued with a par value
- The number of shares the corporation has authority to issue and the number of shares issued, itemized by class and series (if any), and the par value of the shares, or a statement that the shares are without par value
- A Certificate of Status issued by the Secretary of State under whose authority the business was incorporated
How to Obtain a Business Name in Wisconsin
Wisconsin DFI specifies two main naming guidelines for selecting the business name. First, the name should be distinguishable for entities covered by Chapters 178, 180, 181, and 183. Second, the name shouldn’t be similar to any other business already registered in the state. Avoid prohibited terms, such as words representing a government body (FBI, Department of State, etc.)
Use the right designator at the end of the business name. Your name must conclude with one of the following designators: “Company,” “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or “Limited.” The abbreviations “Corp.”, “Inc.”, “Co.,” or “Ltd.” are also allowed.
You can check the name availability on the Wisconsin Corporate Registration System database. Once you find a name you like, you may reserve it. It will ensure that the name is saved for 120 days so no other business can use it.
Or, ZenBusiness name reservation services to take this off your plate so you can focus on other things.
Optional Information to File Articles of Incorporation
If you want to provide additional information, such as a grant or details not covered by the law, you can mention it on the form. Other optional information includes:
- The secondary corporate name
- Purpose of organization
- Powers of organization, directors, and shareholders
- Name and addresses of the initial directors
Include any supplemental forms
Apart from the Certificate of Authority, foreign corporations also have to provide a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) for incorporation. It’s a legal document issued by the Secretary of State where the business was incorporated. The document verifies the business’s legality, its compliance with state laws, and tax filing. It may be called the Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Fact in some states.
How to Submit the Form
Online filing is the quickest way to submit AOI, but the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions also allows for filing by mail.
After you file, you’ll want to make sure you stay in good standing with the state. Use our Worry Free Compliance service to put your mind at ease and focus on what’s important.
Conclusion
This guide will lead your way when filing for your Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation. If you need any guidance, ZenBusiness is here to help. Take a look at our business formation plans and let us help you get started.
Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation FAQs
- What does it cost to incorporate in Wisconsin?
Check the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website to see the most current information on fees and methods of payment available.
- How long does the incorporation process take in Wisconsin?
It takes around five working days to process any charter documents. High volumes of applications may cause delays. You can expedite the service with an additional fee.
- Who processes the Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation?
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions processes the Articles of Incorporation.
- What Wisconsin statute governs the Articles of Incorporation?
Wisconsin Statute 180.0202 governs the Articles of Incorporation.
- Do I need an attorney to file the Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation?
No, itโs not legally required. It depends on your needs. If you need professional help, you can reach out to ZenBusiness for assistance.
File Your Articles of Incorporation
Learn How to File Articles of Incorporation in the Following States
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California Articles of Incorporation
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Texas Certificate of Formation, For-Profit Corporation
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Florida Articles of Incorporation
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New York Certificate of Incorporation
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Michigan Articles of Incorporation
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Ohio Articles of Incorporation
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Colorado Articles of Incorporation
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North Carolina Articles of Incorporation
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Nevada Articles of Incorporation
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Delaware Certificate of Incorporation
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Illinois Articles of Incorporation
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Alabama Certificate of Incorporation
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Arizona Articles of Incorporation
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Alaska Articles of Incorporation
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Arkansas Articles of Incorporation
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Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation
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Georgia Certificate of Existence
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Hawaii Articles of Incorporation
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Idaho Articles of Incorporation
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Indiana Articles of Incorporation
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Iowa Articles of Incorporation
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Kansas Articles of Incorporation
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Kentucky Articles of Incorporation
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Louisiana Articles of Incorporation
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Maine Articles of Incorporation
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Maryland Articles of Incorporation
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Massachusetts Articles of Organization
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Minnesota Articles of Incorporation
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Mississippi Articles of Incorporation
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Missouri Articles of Incorporation
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Montana Articles of Incorporation
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Nebraska Articles of Incorporation
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New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation
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New Jersey Certificate of Incorporation
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New Mexico Articles of Incorporation
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North Dakota Articles of Incorporation
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Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation
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Oregon Articles of Incorporation
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Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation
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Rhode Island Articles of Incorporation
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South Carolina Articles of Incorporation
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South Dakota Articles of Incorporation
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Tennessee Charter For-Profit Corporation
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Utah Articles of Incorporation
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Vermont Articles of Incorporation
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Virginia Articles of Incorporation
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Washington Articles of Incorporation
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West Virginia Articles of Incorporation
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Wyoming Articles of Incorporation
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District of Columbia Articles of Incorporation