Articles of incorporation must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as one of the initial stages if you intend to launch a business or non-profit in Wisconsin. The existence of your company or organization as a distinct legal entity from its owners or members is established by the articles of incorporation, which are formal legal documents.
1. Select a name for your company or organization Selecting a name for your company or organization is the first stage in Wisconsin incorporation. The name must be original and not being used by another Wisconsin company or organization. On the DFI website, you can use the name search function to see if the name you’ve picked is available.
Get a registered agent
2. A registered agent is a person or organization that has been given permission to accept legal documents on your company’s or organization’s behalf. Before submitting articles of incorporation in Wisconsin, you must have a registered agent. You can appoint a person or organization to act as your registered agent, or you can use a registered agent service.
3. Draft and submit articles of incorporation
Following the selection of a name and the appointment of a registered agent, you must draft and submit articles of incorporation to the DFI. Online or mail-in filing is an option. The name and address of your company or organization, the name and address of your registered agent, the purpose of your company or organization, the number of shares or members, and other necessary information must all be included in the articles of incorporation.
4. Pay the registration fee
In Wisconsin, articles of incorporation need a $100 filing fee. If you file online or by mail, you can pay by credit card or check.
You must also do the following actions in order to register a non-profit organization in Wisconsin:
Choosing a name for your nonprofit organization is step one. Your non-profit organization’s name must contain a term or abbreviation designating it as such, such as “corporation,” “incorporated,” or “company.”
2. Achieve tax exemption
You must submit Form 1023 or Form 1024 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and request a determination letter in order to be eligible for tax-exempt status. Additionally, if your organization satisfies the prerequisites for qualifying, you must submit Form 1023-EZ.
3. Write up your articles of incorporation and submit them to the DFI.
In Wisconsin, a non-profit organization’s articles of incorporation must also contain extra language that complies with both state and federal tax regulations.
In Wisconsin, articles of incorporation need a $100 filing fee. Online filing allows for credit card payment. You must enclose a check made out to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions if you file by mail.
In Wisconsin, a business or non-profit organization must have articles of incorporation in order to be recognized as a separate legal entity from its owners or members. The organization’s name and address, the name and address of the registered agent, the organization’s purpose, the number of shares or members, and other necessary information must all be included in the articles of incorporation. How to Obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing A certificate of good standing, often called a certificate of status or a certificate of existence, is a record that attests to the fact that your company or organization is compliant with state law and has made all necessary payments for fees and taxes. A certificate of good standing in Wisconsin is available upon request and payment of a $10 fee to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. A certificate can be ordered online or by mail.
In Wisconsin, there are some people who shouldn’t sit on a board of directors, such as those who have been convicted of a felony, have conflicts of interest, or have been barred from serving by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. A person may also be disqualified from serving on a board of directors if they have a history of deceitful or unethical behavior. In order to verify that prospective board members meet the necessary requirements and uphold the ethical standards required for the position, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate them.
Yes, a husband and wife can sit on a nonprofit organization’s board of directors in Wisconsin. To make sure there are no limitations or conflicts of interest in place, it is advised to review the organization’s bylaws.