Why our LLC is $159
"Free" LLC ads leave out the $130 state fee — and the price tends to swell at checkout. Ours doesn't.
$159, all in. Articles of Organization prepared and filed, operating agreement, client portal. Every filing is reviewed by someone you can actually call.
Need an EIN or registered agent? Posted prices, à la carte. Add them if you want them.
Which Entity Type Is Right for You?
Choosing the right structure depends on your goals, your tax situation, and how many people are involved. Here's a plain-English breakdown of the most common options in Wisconsin:
LLC (Limited Liability Company) — The most popular choice for small businesses. An LLC separates your personal assets from business liabilities, offers pass-through taxation (profits flow to your personal return), and requires minimal ongoing formalities. Wisconsin LLCs file Articles of Organization with the DFI.
Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp) — Better suited for businesses planning to raise outside investment, issue stock, or eventually go public. Corporations have more formality requirements (bylaws, board meetings, stock ledgers) but also more flexibility for certain tax strategies. An S-Corp election with the IRS can allow owners to pay themselves a salary and take remaining profits as distributions, reducing self-employment taxes.
Nonprofit Corporation — For organizations with a charitable, educational, religious, or public-benefit mission. Forming a nonprofit corporation is the first step toward applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Wisconsin nonprofits file Articles of Incorporation for a Nonstock Corporation with the DFI.
What's Included
Every formation includes
- Preparation and filing of your Articles with the Wisconsin DFI
- All Wisconsin state filing fees paid (no hidden extras)
- Operating agreement or bylaws template
- Official DFI confirmation delivered to your client portal
- EIN application guidance and next-step checklist
- Support from our team throughout the process
The Formation Process
- You order and provide your information. After checkout you'll fill out a short questionnaire: entity name, registered agent, member/officer names, and your principal address.
- We prepare your documents. We draft your Articles of Organization (or Incorporation) and double-check everything before filing.
- We file with the Wisconsin DFI. Online filing typically takes 1–3 business days. Expedited processing is available if you need it faster.
- Documents land in your portal. We upload your filed Articles and operating agreement to your secure client portal, along with a next-steps guide for getting your EIN, opening a business bank account, and staying compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the price include Wisconsin state fees?
Yes. Every formation price includes all Wisconsin DFI filing fees. There are no hidden costs or separate state fee invoices. The LLC fee is currently $130, the Corporation fee is $100, and the Nonprofit fee is $35 — all included in our listed prices.
How long does formation take?
Online filings with the Wisconsin DFI typically process in 1–3 business days. Once confirmed, we upload your documents to your client portal immediately. Rush processing is available through the DFI for an additional state fee if you need same-day confirmation.
Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin law does not require an attorney to form an LLC. Anchor Filings is a filing service — we prepare and submit the state documents on your behalf. For complex situations (multiple members with detailed ownership splits, IP assignments, raising outside capital) consulting a business attorney in addition to using a filing service is always smart.
What's the difference between LLC Formation ($159) and LLC Pro ($399)?
LLC Formation includes the Articles, operating agreement template, and filing. LLC Pro adds a custom (not template) operating agreement drafted for your specific situation, your EIN filing with the IRS, and your member ledger and organizational consent — everything you need to open a bank account on day one. Most clients who plan to bank, hire, or have more than one member choose Pro.