Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
The Wisconsin Secretary of State controls a business sector that keeps records of all of the state’s business activity. Information on all business entities registered with the Wisconsin Secretary of State can be found by simply conducting a business search on the Wisconsin Secretary of State website. The Wisconsin Secretary of State keeps track of all businesses, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLC), and limited liability partnerships (LLP).
| Official Website: | https://sos.wi.gov/ |
| Address: | Coporation Bureau, Suite 300, P.O Box 7846, Madison, WI 53707-7846 |
| Telephone: | 1(608)261-7577 |
| Fax: | 1(608)267-6813 |
| E-mail: | mailto:statesec@sos.state.wi.us |
Wisconsin Business Search Shortcut
Need help forming an LLC in Wisconsin? Create an LLC in minutes with ZenBusiness.
How To Lookup An Entity In Wisconsin
Wisconsin Secretary Of State Business Search By Name
- Firstly, you’ll need to go to the Wisconsin Secretary of State’s Business Search website.
- To begin the search, type the entity name or entity ID number in the search box and select Search Records.
- On the next page, reports of entity names matching the parameters of your search will be shown. Continue scrolling through the results till you find the business you want to learn more about.
- To examine the information regarding a specific business, simply tap on the highlighted business name. The result will show you all the information that the Department of Financial Institutions has made public. You have the option to file your yearly reports, obtain a Certificate of Status, or amend your registered agent or office at this time.
Wisconsin Secretary Of State Business Search By Effective Date
- Click the “Advanced Search” option and go down to the bottom of the page to search by the effective date.
- Fill in the date range.
- Choose the “Search” option. The database will return results for any object that was registered within the specified time frame.
>>MORE: Arizona Secretary Of State Business Search | South Carolina Secretary Of State Business Search | Hawaii Secretary Of State Business Search | Illinois Secretary Of State Business Search | New Jersey Secretary of State Business Search
Wisconsin Secretary Of State Business Search By Registered Agent
- Choose the “Advanced Search” option from the drop-down menu.
- Fill in the name of the registered agent.
- Select “Search” after entering the first or last name.
- Search by type of entity
- Use the “Advanced Search” option.
- Choose the entity type you want.
- Select “Search.”
Wisconsin Secretary Of State Business Search For Name Availability
- On the Department of Financial Institutions’ website, you can check the availability of a business name. Type the specific operating business name in the space available and then click Search Records.
- On the next page, you’ll see the result of your search. If the name you’ve provided is available for use, you’ll receive a notification confirming that no entries appear to clash with it.
Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Wisconsin
1. Name your Wisconsin-based business
The name of your corporation must include the terms “Incorporated,” “Corporation,” “Company,” or “Limited,” or a short version of one of those phrases. The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Wisconsin Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
By checking the Wisconsin business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Wisconsin Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
2. Select a Registered Agent in Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Wisconsin such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Wisconsin resident, a Wisconsin company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent
3. Make bylaws and have them approved
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
4. Choose your first director
The management of the corporation is done by the board of directors. A company’s first board of directors is frequently chosen by the incorporators. Following that, the board is picked by the shareholders every year. A director or shareholder may be an incorporator. A Massachusetts corporation can really be founded by one individual, who can also hold all of the titles that go along with it. The three titles, however, are connected to various corporate functions.
5. Complete the Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation and file them with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators
6. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your Wisconsin corporation
Obtaining a federal employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
7. Examine the requirements for obtaining a business license
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
>>MORE: How To Start An LLC In Wisconsin | How To Sell A House In Wisconsin | How To Sell A Car In Wisconsin | How Much Is A Speeding Ticket In Wisconsin? | Utah Secretary of State Business Search
Frequently Asked Questions On Wisconsin Secretary Of State Business Search
What distinguishes one name from another?
A business name is distinctive if it does not duplicate an existing name. A difference of a single word or a single letter in a name might be enough to distinguish it from another.
Why should you register your business name?
The legislation requires individuals who are doing business in Oregon under a fictitious name to register it with the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division as a public record. This registration informs the public that the name’s owner plans to do business with that name. It helps business owners promote their brand among other firms while also providing contact details for legal processes to the general public.
Who is eligible to serve as a registered agent?
An individual, a corporate organization, or a professional registered agency can serve as your registered agent. Any member of the company or individual can function as your Wisconsin registered agent if they are 18 years old or older, live in the state where business is done, and are available during work hours.
What is the article of incorporation?
Articles of Incorporation are the legal documents that establish your Wisconsin company. You can submit it to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions by mail or online. The cost of filing is $100. This document will include information such as your company’s name, the registered agent’s name and address, the number of authorized shares the company can issue, and the incorporator’s name and address.
Is it necessary for me to obtain business licenses and permits?
You must follow federal, state, and municipal restrictions if you want to run a business in Wisconsin. Obtain the necessary Wisconsin business licenses and permits online, or hire a professional licensing firm to do it for you.