Get an EIN for your Wisconsin business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your Wisconsin business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue via the BTR-101 Application for Business Tax Registration.
Wisconsin EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| Wisconsin revenue agency | Wisconsin Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | BTR-101 Application for Business Tax Registration |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in Wisconsin: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your Wisconsin LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in Wisconsin or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Use the BTR-101 Application for Business Tax Registration to get your state-level tax accounts in Wisconsin.
- Open a business bank account. Wisconsin banks commonly used include Associated, BMO Harris, US Bank.
Skip the paperwork · we get your Wisconsin EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. No state-fee markup. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my Wisconsin EINWisconsin state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in Wisconsin, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with Wisconsin Department of Revenue using BTR-101 Application for Business Tax Registration.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in Wisconsin.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
Wisconsin EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in Wisconsin?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges No state-fee markup whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate Wisconsin state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via BTR-101 Application for Business Tax Registration for businesses operating in Wisconsin.
Can I use my EIN to open a Wisconsin business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. Wisconsin banks commonly used include Associated, BMO Harris, US Bank.