While the state of Wisconsin does not require or issue any kind of general business operating license on the state level, a number of specialty licenses, tax registrations and localized operating licenses will be required to start and legally operate your business in Wisconsin. The majority of businesses operating in Wisconsin must complete the Business Tax Registration, which allows businesses to register for a number of different tax permits—especially the main state-level tax permit in Wisconsin, often called the seller’s permit.
When Do You Need a Business License in Wisconsin?
You may need to obtain a number of different business licenses to legally operate your business in the state of Wisconsin. The most common type of business license, sometimes called a business operating license, is handled on the local level in Wisconsin. For example, in the city of Milwaukee, there are a variety of different licenses for different types of businesses such as alcohol sales, pet stores, bowling alleys, snowplows, bed and breakfasts and many others.
For a full list and for more information, you can visit Milwaukee’s licensing web page. Check with your local city or county government to determine which, if any, business operating licenses you may need for your type of business.
On the state level, you will need to obtain a Wisconsin seller’s permit by completing the Business Tax Registration if “you are engaged in business in Wisconsin, and intend to sell or lease tangible personal property or services that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax.” For more information or to obtain your Business Tax Registration, as well as other permits and licensing, such as motor fuel license, alcohol beverage permit, cigarette and tobacco product permits and lodging licenses, head to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Your business may also be required to obtain a specialty state license if you operate within certain industries. The three Wisconsin state departments in charge of managing the majority of specialty licensing and permitting are the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Department of Safety and Professional Services and the Department of Health Services. You should check with each to verify whether your type of business should be licensed or permitted by any of these departments. Keep in mind you may need multiple specialty licenses.
Finally, your business may be required to obtain federal licensing to operate legally. Though federal licenses are rarer, they are required for businesses that deal in agriculture, alcoholic sales, serving, distribution or importing, aviation, maritime or ground transportation, firearms, ammunition and explosives, fish and wildlife (including commercial fisheries), mining and drilling, nuclear energy and Radio and television broadcasting.
If you operate in any of these industries, contact the appropriate federal department to see if you are required to obtain licensing or permits.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/business-license-wisconsin/
