Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered agent in Wisconsin?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive service of process, legal documents, and official government correspondence on behalf of a business entity registered in Wisconsin. The Department of Financial Institutions maintains registered agent information for entities doing business in the state.

Why do Wisconsin businesses need a registered agent?

Wisconsin law generally expects every LLC, corporation, nonprofit, and similar entity registered with the Department of Financial Institutions to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Wisconsin. This creates a reliable location where courts, government agencies, and other parties can deliver important legal documents during normal business hours.

Who can serve as a registered agent in Wisconsin?

Individuals must be Wisconsin residents whose business office is identical to the registered office, and they must be at least 18 years old. Domestic entities can serve as registered agents. Foreign entities must be authorized in Wisconsin. Notably, Wisconsin explicitly doesn't allow an entity to serve as its own registered agent.

What types of documents do registered agents receive?

Registered agents receive service of process (lawsuits and legal summons), correspondence from the Department of Financial Institutions, tax notices, annual report reminders, compliance notices from state agencies, and other official documents directed to your business entity.

Can I be my own registered agent in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin residents who are at least 18 years old can serve as registered agents if their business office is identical to the registered office. However, your personal address will appear on public records with the Department of Financial Institutions, you must be available at that address during normal business hours, and you may receive service of process at inconvenient times.

How do I change my registered agent in Wisconsin?

File a change of registered agent form with the Department of Financial Institutions. The filing fee is $10. You'll provide your current registered agent information and designate your new registered agent along with the registered office address. The change becomes effective once the Department of Financial Institutions processes your filing.

What are Wisconsin's annual report requirements?

Wisconsin entities file annual reports with the Department of Financial Institutions. Annual reports filed online cost $25, while paper filings by mail cost $40. Reports are due by the end of the quarter in which your LLC was formed. These reports keep your entity information current in state records.

What is the Department of Financial Institutions?

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) handles business entity registration and compliance in Wisconsin, taking on roles that the Secretary of State handles in many other states. The DFI maintains the business registry, processes formation documents and amendments, collects annual reports, and tracks registered agent information. Their website is https://dfi.wi.gov/

Why does Wisconsin Registered Agent cost $99 per year?

We focus on delivering core registered agent services efficiently and quickly. Many providers charge $125 to $436 annually. Our speed-focused approach provides same-day document forwarding, compliance alerts, online portal access, and privacy protection at $99 per year.

What's included in the $99 annual fee?

Your subscription includes a registered office address in Wisconsin that meets Department of Financial Institutions requirements, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders for annual reports and deadlines, secure online portal access to all forwarded documents, and privacy protection with our address on public filings.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and forward documents the same day they arrive at your registered office. You'll receive an email with the scanned document attached immediately, and it will be available in your online portal for future reference.

How do I sign up for registered agent service?

Visit our checkout page to begin enrollment. You'll provide your business information, contact details, and payment. Once setup is complete, we immediately provide your Wisconsin registered office address to use on filings with the Department of Financial Institutions.

Can I use your address as my business mailing address?

Our address serves specifically as your registered office for official legal documents and service of process. It's not for general business mail, package delivery, or customer correspondence. If you need a mailing address for other purposes, consider a separate mail forwarding service.

What are Wisconsin's formation filing fees?

Wisconsin charges $130 for online LLC formation and $170 for paper filings by mail. These fees are separate from annual report fees and registered agent service costs. The Department of Financial Institutions sets fee schedules for all business entity filings.

What happens if I miss an annual report deadline?

The Department of Financial Institutions may assess late penalties for annual reports filed after the deadline. Continued non-compliance can lead to administrative dissolution of your entity and loss of good standing status. Our compliance reminders help you stay aware of deadlines.

Do you provide registered agent service for all entity types?

Yes. We serve LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other business entities registered with Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions. Whether you're forming a new entity or have an established business, Wisconsin Registered Agent can serve as your registered agent.

What if I need to cancel my service?

Contact us at support@wiregisteredagent.org if you need to discontinue service. Remember that you'll need to designate a new registered agent and file a change form with the Department of Financial Institutions before canceling to maintain compliance with Wisconsin requirements.

How do I contact Wisconsin Registered Agent?

Email us at support@wiregisteredagent.org or call . Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm CT. You can also write to us at 123 Commerce St, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703.

Does Wisconsin Registered Agent serve all of Wisconsin?

Yes. We provide registered agent service for businesses registered anywhere in Wisconsin. Your entity's principal office can be located in any city or county, but your registered agent must maintain a physical Wisconsin address, which we provide.