If you recently started or plan to start a business in Wisconsin or have another taxable entity one of the first things you will want to do is obtain your Tax ID in Wisconsin.
Obtaining a Tax ID Number (EIN)
When starting a business in Wisconsin, serving as the administrator or executor of an estate, creator of a Trust or operating a Non Profit Organization obtaining a Tax ID (EIN) is a key responsibility. A Tax ID also known as an Employer ID Number (EIN) is a unique nine digit number that identifies your business or entity with the IRS for tax purposes, essentially like a Social Security Number for the entity. A Tax ID (EIN) is used for opening a
business bank account, filing business tax returns and in many cases is required when applying for business licenses. In most cases it is helpful to apply for a Tax ID (EIN) as soon as your start planning a business to ensure that there are no delays in obtaining the correct licenses, financing and opening a business bank account that would be needed to operate.
Information to Consider Prior to Applying
Before applying for your Tax ID (EIN) you may want to consider a few things before starting the application including:
- Determine which structure your business or organization will operate as
- Determine the individual or organization that will serve as the responsible party
- Determine the physical address the business/entity will use – A physical address is required for all Tax ID (EIN)’s and a separate mailing address can be specified
Definition of Entities
- Sole Proprietor – An individual who owns a company that is not incorporated or registered with the state as a limited liability company (LLC).
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – A LLC is a structure formed by filing articles of organization which allows members limited liability protection and pass through taxation.
- Corporation – A person or group of people who establish a legal entity by filing articles of incorporation with the state’s secretary of state.
- Estate of Deceased – An estate (or decedent estate) or succession is a legal entity created as a result of a person’s death.
- Trusts – All types of trusts including conservatorships, custodianships, guardianships, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, and receiverships.
- Partnership – An unincorporated organization in which two or more individuals share the profits and liabilities of a business venture.
- Church – For tax purposes, a “church” refers to any organization claiming to be a church including temples, mosques, and other houses of worship.
- Non-Profit Organization – Includes public charities, educational organizations, PTA/PTO Organizations, Community Sports Teams, Homeowners/Condo Associates, etc.
Wisconsin State Tax ID
Outside of obtaining your Federal Tax ID (EIN) in Wisconsin you will also likely need a Wisconsin State Tax ID. This ID is needed to pay business taxes, state income tax and/or sales tax on items you sell. Generally the State Tax ID is used for the follow:
- Sales and Use Tax
- Employee Income Tax Witholding
- Sales Tax Exemption Permits
- Excise Taxes for items like Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Oil & Gas, heavy machinery, etc.
For specific detail refer to the Wisconsin State Website at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Businesses/home.aspx
Cities in Wisconsin
- La Crosse, WI
- Beloit, WI
- Sheboygan, WI
- Neenah, WI
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- De Pere, WI
- Manitowoc, WI
- Eau Claire, WI
- Oshkosh, WI
- Sun Prairie, WI
- Menomonee Falls, WI
- Franklin, WI
- Oak Creek, WI
- Oconomowoc, WI
- Waukesha, WI
- Chippewa Falls, WI
- Superior, WI
- Wausau, WI
- Hudson, WI
- Kenosha, WI
- Stevens Point, WI
- Burlington, WI
- Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- Appleton, WI
- Menasha, WI
- Menomonie, WI
- Kaukauna, WI
- Muskego, WI
- Pewaukee, WI
- Middleton, WI
- Onalaska, WI
- Janesville, WI
- Beaver Dam, WI
- River Falls, WI
- Hartford, WI
- West Bend, WI
- South Milwaukee, WI
- Hartland, WI
- Mequon, WI
- Rhinelander, WI
- Baraboo, WI
- Stoughton, WI
- Brookfield, WI
- Merrill, WI
- Verona, WI
- Whitewater, WI
- Watertown, WI
- Mukwonago, WI