Wisconsin

State filing requirements for Wisconsin.

Please refer to your local statutes for the most up-to-date requirements.

Sections

Articles of Incorporation
Corporate Annual Report
Charity Registration
Income/Franchise Tax Exemption
Sales Tax Exemption
Tax Department
Raffles (games of chance)

Articles of incorporation

While incorporation is not explicitly required, we strongly recommend that your organization incorporate to protect your staff, officers, volunteers, etc. from personal liability. Sample articles of incorporation are available to our clients.

Business entity search

https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx

Form

Link:

https://apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/GOFR/Form/Index/5

Additional info

Fee:	$35
Processing:	1-2 business days (estimate)
Signatures:	No special requirements at this time

Corporate annual report

Notes

Nonprofit corporations are required to file an annual report. Failure to file an annual report will result in being dissolved by the state.

Business entity search

https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx

Form (e-file)

Link:	https://www.wdfi.org/apps/corpar/
Due:	Annually, by the last day of the quarter in which the organization was originally incorporated, beginning the year following incorporation.
Fee:	$25.00

Charity registration

Notes

In addition to the charitable organization registration, all registered charitable organizations are required to submit either an annual report or an affidavit in lieu of annual report to the division within 9 months after their fiscal year-end.

Filing exemption available!

Rule:	Gross receipts of less than $25,000.00 Not eligible if using a professional fundraiser.
Link:
Due:	n/a
Fee:	None, to the best of our knowledge

Initial form

Link:	Form 296 http://www.wdfi.org/CharitableOrganizations/forms/dfi-dccs-296.pdf
Due:	Prior to soliciting funds (unless exempt from filing)
Fee:	$15.00
Required attachments: Proof of 501(c)(3) status Articles of Incorporation Bylaws Mail the completed form to: PO Box 8935 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: (608) 266-2112 Fax: (608) 267-3816 Thoroughly check form instructions for any additional required documents

Renewal form

Link:	Form 296 http://www.wdfi.org/CharitableOrganizations/forms/dfi-dccs-296.pdf Charitable Organization Annual Report What form should I file my charitable organization annual report on?* http://www.wdfi.org/CharitableOrganizations/faq.htm#AR_form
Due:	Form 296 due annually, on or before August 1. *Charitable Organization Annual Report due within 9 months following fiscal year end.
Fee:	$54.00 *No fee for charitable annual report
Required attachments: Special renewal requirements are listed on the back of the renewal form. Thoroughly check form instructions for any additional required documents

Income/franchise tax exemption

Automatic with valid 501(c)(3) exemption.

Sales tax exemption

Notes

In order to become exempt from Wisconsin sales tax, you must complete the sales tax exemption application below.

Initial form (e-file)

Link:	Form S-211E https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/SalesAndUse/ExemptionCertificate.aspx
Due:	n/a
Fee:	None, to the best of our knowledge
Required attachments: Proof of 501(c)(3) status Articles of Incorporation Bylaws A statement of income and expenses for the organization's most recent accounting period Mail the form and attachments to: Wisconsin Department of Revenue PO Box 8902 Madison, WI 53708-8902 Thoroughly check form instructions for any additional required documents

Tax department

Not required for Wisconsin.

Raffles (games of chance)

Filings related to raffles and other games of chance are not included in our covered services. We may be able to assist you for an additional service fee. Reach out to your state representative for more information.

Filing information

Link:	https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LicensesHearings/Apply-for-a-new-raffle-license.aspx
Due:	Before event
Fee:	$25.00

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