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Start a Business in Wisconsin

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for WI.

Cost Index

93%

7% below avg

Income Tax

3.54-7.65%

Sales Tax

5%

LLC Fee

$130

Business Guides for Wisconsin

Cleaning Business

$1,900 - $9,300

Lawn Care

$2,800 - $18,600

Pressure Washing

$2,800 - $18,600

Food Truck

$46,500 - $186,000

Photography

$1,900 - $27,900

Bakery

$18,600 - $139,500

Restaurant

$162,800 - $697,500

Coffee Shop

$74,400 - $325,500

Catering

$9,300 - $69,800

Landscaping

$4,700 - $46,500

Handyman

$1,900 - $9,300

Pool Cleaning

$1,900 - $14,000

Pest Control

$9,300 - $46,500

Carpet Cleaning

$4,700 - $23,300

Window Cleaning

$900 - $9,300

Junk Removal

$4,700 - $46,500

Moving Company

$9,300 - $93,000

HVAC

$18,600 - $93,000

Plumbing

$14,000 - $69,800

Electrician

$14,000 - $69,800

Auto Detailing

$4,700 - $139,500

Car Wash

$46,500 - $465,000

Pet Grooming

$4,700 - $69,800

Dog Walking

$500 - $4,700

Barber Shop

$23,300 - $139,500

Hair Salon

$46,500 - $232,500

Nail Salon

$37,200 - $186,000

Mobile Spa

$4,700 - $27,900

Bookkeeping

$1,900 - $14,000

Tax Preparation

$2,800 - $18,600

Notary Services

$500 - $4,700

Consulting

$900 - $18,600

Event Planning

$4,700 - $27,900

DJ Service

$2,800 - $23,300

Wedding Photography

$4,700 - $27,900

Web Design

$900 - $9,300

Graphic Design

$900 - $9,300

Social Media Management

$500 - $4,700

Personal Training

$1,900 - $46,500

Gym

$46,500 - $465,000

Tutoring

$500 - $4,700

Daycare

$46,500 - $465,000

Vending Machine

$2,800 - $27,900

Massage Therapy

$4,700 - $46,500

Yoga Studio

$14,000 - $93,000

Laundromat

$93,000 - $465,000

Florist

$9,300 - $46,500

Ice Cream Shop

$18,600 - $93,000

House Painting

$1,900 - $14,000

Tree Service

$9,300 - $46,500

Interior Design

$1,900 - $14,000

E-Commerce

$500 - $9,300

Pet Sitting

$500 - $2,800

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Business Requirements in Wisconsin

1

Register Your Business

File with Wisconsin Secretary of State. LLC fee: $130

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 5%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Wisconsin?
Startup costs in Wisconsin are 7% lower than the national average. LLC filing costs $130, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Wisconsin have income tax?
Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of 3.54-7.65%.
What is the sales tax in Wisconsin?
The state sales tax in Wisconsin is 5%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Wisconsin?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $130). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

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