Wisconsin Business Licensing Center

Important Points:

• Wisconsin does not issue a general business license. However, the state still regulates many types of occupations and businesses.

How to Get a Business License in Wisconsin:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact Internal Revenue Service to get an Employer ID Number (EIN), and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Register your business entity and apply for your Wisconsin business licenses using the State of Wisconsin Business License, Permit and Registration Services.
  • You can also use the Business Wizard to look up licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements and forms for your business.
• Check with your local municipality about local business requirements.

Wisconsin State Sales Tax:

• Wisconsin state sales tax is 5%,
  • Many counties have an additional sales tax of 0.5%.

Useful Links:

• Build Your Business
• State of Wisconsin Business Licenses, Permits and Registration
• Wisconsin Business Name Registration
• Wisconsin Business Wizard
• Sales and Use Tax
• SBA Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business