Wisconsin is a great state to set up your business. It’s one of the best business environments in the US. If you plan on setting up a business in the State of Wisconsin, one of the foremost requirements of the state government is having a registered agent.
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent can be a business or an individual appointed to receive legal documents for your company. These legal documents include tax notices, subpoenas, lawsuits, and others.
All companies doing business in the state of Wisconsin must have a registered agent to ensure tracking of all legal mail sent within the state. To become a registered agent in the state of Wisconsin, you must meet the following requirements:
You must
- Be able to receive mail during business hours at an office
- Be present to receive the legal mail intended for the business you represent
- Have a physical address within Wisconsin. Note that making use of a P.O Box is not allowed.
Registered Agent in Wisconsin, who can work as one?
A person must meet certain requirements before he/she can work as a registered agent in Wisconsin. These requirements are made by the Secretary of the State of Wisconsin.
- A registered agent can be an employee of the company or third parties such as lawyers and registered agent service companies that is a resident or an organization that is located in Wisconsin and has a valid street address in Wisconsin. Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) cannot be their registered agents. However, if you are a resident and of legal age (more than 18) in Wisconsin, you are allowed to register as your business’s registered agent in a case whereby you have a start-up business or you are a small business entrepreneur.
- If you are a business owner based outside Wisconsin, you must first have the authorization to do business.
Changing your Registered Agent in Wisconsin
If you have decided to shift to another agency or entity to represent your company in Wisconsin, maybe because your previous registered agent moved out of the state, no longer wants the responsibility, or he left your company for another. Changing registered agents is easy. All you need to do is follow the following steps, as outlined by the Secretary of the State of Wisconsin:
- Start the process by filing the Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent with the Department of Financial Institute in the State of Wisconsin. You can change your registered agent in Wisconsin by making the change in your annual report which you submit or update online after which you’ll proceed to the business search page. Annual reports in the state of Wisconsin are required to be submitted every year online before the quarter they were formed along with a fee of 25 dollars made payable by Credit or Debit card.
- The document you’ll fill has step-by-step instructions on how to complete the form and instructions on how to submit or deliver the forms.
The form must be correctly filled, note that changing your registered agent in the State of Wisconsin costs 10 dollars. You can choose to make payment with your Credit or Debit card irrespective of the means of filing.
The document and the check will then be mailed to the address:
State of WI-Dept. of Financial Institutions
Box 93348
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0348.
Processing your registered agent in the State of Wisconsin takes up to 5 working days to be processed.
Should I Get a Professional Registered Agent Service Company?
Getting a professional registered agent company can reduce a lot of effort and time for any business owner. There are numerous benefits to it whether you are an established company or a small business owner. Some of these benefits are:
- Making use of their address instead of your home address, especially if you don’t have an office yet. This detail will be included in public records.
- Registered Agent processes paperwork for you
- Notify you immediately if you receive any new legal mail
- Notify you of mandatory filing of Wisconsin annual reports
- Help you to avoid penalties for delayed filings
- Assist you with forms and instructions needed to set up your business
- If you operate a small business out of state, they fill in as your local contact in the state.
Several agencies offer registered agent services in Wisconsin. However, you have to be careful in finding a trustworthy agent to handle your business.
Advantages of Using a Wisconsin Business Address vs. Personal Address
- A business address minimizes exposure of your home address as public information
- Some city municipalities may not allow using home addresses as business offices
- Using your personal address can probably link you to business liabilities
- Using a business address can help you separate business and personal transactions
Conclusion
Having a registered agent is your gateway to setting up a business in the state of Wisconsin. Doing it yourself is possible, but it can eat up a lot of your time, money, and energy. It is better to get a registered agent service and use the resources to build your business instead. Let them help you do business hassle-free in Wisconsin.
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