Wisconsin Secretary of State

The Wisconsin Secretary of State (SOS) is an elected body that runs the office for 4 years. Constitutionally, the officer has to keep the official acts of the Legislature and Governor. Moreover, he/she maintains the Great Seal of the State and attaches it to all official acts of the Governor.   

The office of the WI SOS regulates the process of business formation in the state and has a database of the entities operating in this area. 

Therefore, in our article, you will find short information on how to conduct a business entity search in the state through the WI SOS website and how to set up a company here. 

How Do You Check if a Business is Registered in Wisconsin?

To look up a company in WI, a person may use WI Business Entity Search System. Thereby, one may obtain data on any entity in WI. 

Conduct a check to have the list of the corporations operating in the state. Thereafter, look through the list of business entities and check if your preferred name is available or not. 

How Do I Look Up a Business Name in Wisconsin?

The WI Department of Financial Institutions offers an online database that contains detailed information on corporations registered in the state of WI. 

With the help of its search system, a person is to find data on both active and expired companies. Their service is free and open to the public.  

The main search options include:

• Legal corporation’s name 

• Effective data

• Type of the business entity

• Current status 

• Registered Agent

Firstly, perform an entity name search, as it is the most popular and easiest way to get data on a certain entity. Just enter the name in a special box and click on the “search” button. No need to indicate the type of business in the search field. 

Secondly, you may choose the “Advanced Search” option and search with the effective date. Hence, by filling out the date range, you will get results for any corporation registered within the intended timeframe. 

The “Advanced Search” option also allows one to look up by entity type or with the use of the details of the registered agent.

What is An Electronic Filing?

The WI offers the One Stop Business Portal, which is an electronic filing tool. Those who want to set up a company in this state can find all the necessary tools and public requirements in one place.  

Consequently, when a person finishes the electronic filing, the business automatically is registered with the following state agencies:  

• Firstly, the Department of Financial Institutions 

• Secondly, the Department of Revenue

• Finally, the Department of Workforce Development

What Payment Options are Available if I File Online?

Electronic payment options include:

• Direct debit

• Credit card

• Apple Pay

• Paypal

If you pay from a checking or savings account, then there will not be paying fees.  

What Is an Electronic Check?

To make payments online, people use an electronic check, which is a digital version of a paper check. 

The WI Department of Revenue (DOR) has a special e-file system that offers a variety of online services for people’s personal and business needs. Moreover, residents of WI file their taxes electronically using this system. 

Do I Need to Submit More Than One Copy of a Document for Filing? 

For successful filing, a person should submit the original document and one copy. The latter will be marked “FILED” and returned as evidence of filing. 

Can Documents Be Fax Filed?

One may only send documents electronically. 

How Much Does a Business License Cost in Wisconsin?

The fee for the Business Tax Registration is $20 for the first 2 years. Then, the fee is $10 biennially.

However, some special local licenses may cost anywhere between $15 and $2,000, depending on the type of entity.  

Contact Information

Mailing address: P.O. 7848
Madison, WI 53707-7848
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 608-266-8888