Delaware vs Wisconsin LLC Cost (2026): $390 vs $155
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for Delaware and Wisconsin: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in Wisconsin costs $155 in year one — $235 cheaper than Delaware ($390).
Delaware
Wisconsin
Lower CostFull LLC Cost Comparison: Delaware vs Wisconsin
| Factor | Delaware | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $90 | $130 |
| Annual report fee | $300 / per year | $25 / per year |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days | 3–5 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $390 | $155 |
Wisconsin saves you $235 in year one compared to Delaware.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
Wisconsin LLC Notes
Wisconsin requires an annual report to keep LLC in good standing.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in Delaware, form there. If you operate in Wisconsin, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Delaware but operate in Wisconsin, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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