• General Information

• None applicable. Sole proprietors are not required to file forms of organization. See General Information above.

• Step-by-Step Instructions and Forms for Naming Your Business

• Information for Employers using Independent Contractors

• Sole Proprietors, Partners and Members of Limited Liability Companies

• Information for Employers using Independent Contractors

• Business Tax Registration FAQs
• Sales and Use Tax FAQs
• Withholding Tax FAQs

• Excise Tax Forms (Alcohol, Fuel, Tobacco)
• Sales and Use Tax Forms (Business Tax Registration form which includes Seller's Permit)
• Utility Tax Forms (Ad Valorem, Gross Receipts, Occupational Tax)
• Withholding Tax Forms

• Wisconsin Employer Withholding Tax Guide (pdf)

• Application for Permit/Certificate (pdf)

• Understanding your EIN -- Employer Identification Number (pdf)
• Applying for an EIN -- Step-by-Step Instructions

• Application Form for Employer Identification Number (pdf)

• Corporation & Partnership Tax Forms
• FAQs - Corporations
• FAQs - Partnerships

This section contains requirements that should be considered with any business.

Environmental Regulations
Even the smallest of businesses may need to obtain one or more environmental permits. A business involved in activities that may affect the environment such as furniture refinishing, gasoline stations, heating and air conditioning repair and dry cleaners are just a few that must meet environmental regulations.

If your business needs drinking water, process water or fire suppression capabilities you will need to obtain permits. Permits may be necessary for businesses that emit dust, organic compounds or other contaminants; discharge processed water, sanitary sewage and cooling water; alter the landscape or build structures on or near a waterway. Also, any business that generates any hazardous waste or is a solid waste disposal/processing operation will need to obtain permits and/or meet certain requirements.

Are you not sure if your business needs an environmental permit? The DNR's interactive Permit Primer webpage can help you identify the permits you may need. The Permit Primer web site will take you through step-by-step, the various DNR programs to 1) determine what environmental requirements apply to you including if you may need any environmental permits and how to get them and 2) provide ways to save money and resources through pollution prevention, waste minimization, water conservation and resource protection.

Even though the costs of adhering to regulations can be burdensome for a business owner, the cost of noncompliance including fines, penalties and even closures can be much greater.

The Small Business Clean Air Specialists are liaisons between small business and state and federal regulators and can provide “plain language” answers to your questions. Contact them at CleanAir@commerce.state.wi.us.

Endangered and Threatened Species
Rare plant and animal species are protected by the Wisconsin Endangered Species Law and should be considered for any proposed project that impacts the lands or waters within Wisconsin. To determine if a project may impact rare species, you can request that an Endangered Resources Review be conducted as early in the process as possible.

• Commercial Building Plan Review
• Plumbing Plan Review
• Heating Plan Review
• Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Plan Reviews
• Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Plan Review

A local building inspector can be reached through the municipal clerks office to ensure compliance with regulations affecting construction, alterations, demolitions, occupancy and use of buildings. Also, be aware of your municipality and county zoning regulations. Many municipalities and counties have zoning and licensing requirements that must be met in order to do business in their jurisdiction. To ensure compliance you will need to contact those municipalities and counties in which you want to do business.