Wisconsin state and local tax resources change yearly. At tax time and throughout the year your business needs to stay informed of tax law changes that may impact your business. The Internet provides business-specific tax issues and information to stay current.

Whether you need to download Wisconsin tax forms or find specific tax rates applicable to state or local Wisconsin taxes, you’re only a click away. The tax law remains complicated, but the Department of Revenue (DOR) and other online resources makes the tax tasks easier online. When looking for information consider the following:

1. Register if you don’t have a business tax ID for your Wisconsin taxes.

2. Download or print Wisconsin tax forms.

3. Obtain tax charts and rates for Wisconsin taxes.

4. File your taxes online for most business situations.

5. Save contact information for all tax departments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register your business online to obtain a Wisconsin state tax ID

File your business for a seller's permit, use and consumer certificate and employer ID number. This applies for stateside addresses only.

I recommend: Get your state of Wisconsin tax ID by selecting “Online Registration” under the heading “Business Registration” then complete the application at the Department of Revenue. Go to Wisconsin.gov and click “Business License, Permit, and Registration Services" to begin the process to register your business.

Choose applicable Wisconsin tax forms

Download and print the forms and publications your business needs for filing Wisconsin taxes.

I recommend: Click the appropriate form from the category list at the Wisconsin DOR. See the list of specific business related forms at On-Line Taxes.

Find state tax rates charts, local rates and credits for Wisconsin state and local taxes

The Wisconsin local tax applies to 59 counties. Special taxes exist for dry cleaning fees, resort areas and county specific stadium tax. The state offers special tax credit programs for specific types of businesses. These Wisconsin state and local tax resources help your business sort through the tax maze.

I recommend: See the sales and use tax list at Toolkit Media Group. Look up and click your specific sales and use tax category at the WI DOR. Find out if your business qualifies for a tax credit at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

File Wisconsin state taxes electronically

The online E-File services provide a secure environment to file or pay your Wisconsin taxes. Pay with the electronic funds transfer system or credit card.

I recommend: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue offers a wide selection of electronic filings for your business. Click the link for filing or paying from the list under “Businesses” at E-Services. Consider an online payroll service for your small business to file, deduct and pay your payroll taxes by registering at SurePayroll.

Save or print addresses and phone numbers of Wisconsin local tax offices

Some locations provide assistance on Mondays, others daily. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Department of Revenue and email address to request more information. The State's Departmental Directory contains additional Wisconsin state and local tax resources.

I recommend: Obtain contact information at the DOR. For a list of all State departments’ phone numbers including each department within the DOR, go to the Departmental Directory at the state of Wisconsin website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Obtain a Wisconsin state tax credit when locating or expanding your business in distressed areas through The Enterprise Development Zone (EDZ) program. Contact the Commerce Department by phoning (608) 267-0762 or (608) 266-3074.