Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Madison, WI

Required for all LLCs. Filed with DFI.

Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing.

Wisconsin Stat. § 605.04 requires a $10,000 surety bond for each CPA firm that offers public accounting services. The bond protects clients against fraud or misappropriation of funds.

While Wisconsin law does not require E&O insurance, the Board of Accountancy advises firms to carry it to protect against malpractice claims.

Required for individuals using "CPA" title or providing attest services. Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, 1 year experience, pass Uniform CPA Exam.

Required for LLCs providing CPA services. Must have WI-licensed CPA as owner/responsible party (51% ownership minimum).

Required if using DBA. Renew every 5 years ($15 fee).

Not typically required for pure CPA/accounting services unless selling books/software.

Required for LLCs with payroll. Quarterly/annual filings required.

Required for employers meeting wage/employee thresholds.

All LLCs that will file Wisconsin corporate income tax (or partnership income tax) must obtain a WI tax account via Form 1. The same account is used for income‑tax filing, sales‑tax, and withholding.

If the CPA firm only provides professional services (non‑taxable), this registration is not required.

General liability covers third‑party bodily injury and property damage not arising from professional services.

The accounting firm does not sell physical products; therefore product liability insurance is not required.

After registration, employers must file withholding returns (monthly or quarterly) and remit taxes.

After registration, quarterly wage reports (Form UI‑1) and UI tax payments are required.

Employers may elect to file electronically via the DWD UI portal.

LLCs taxed as partnerships file Form 1 (annual return) with Schedule B; LLCs taxed as corporations file Form 6.

Filing frequency is assigned by the DOR based on prior year’s tax liability.

The tax is based on gross receipts; professional services (including accounting) are subject to the tax.

Madison requires a general business license for all entities; professional services are included.

Wisconsin repealed its corporate franchise tax in 2015; only corporate income tax applies.

Excise taxes apply only to specific product categories; CPA firms are not subject.

Required for all businesses; CPA/accounting classified under professional services

Verify zoning district allows professional office use (typically B-Local or C-Core)

Limited to 25% of home floor area; no client visits allowed

Must comply with Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 295-202

Annual renewal for certain occupancies

Milwaukee Code Ordinance 303-81

Registration only; professional offices exempt from fee per Madison General Ordinance 32

Professional offices permitted in most business zoning districts

Max 1 non-resident employee; no exterior signage

Required across WI municipalities for code compliance

Not applicable to standard office accounting firms

The law requires *any* employer with at least one employee to secure workers’ comp insurance or be approved as a self‑insured entity. Coverage limits are not set by a dollar amount; the policy must meet statutory benefit requirements.

The firm does not serve alcoholic beverages; liquor liability insurance is not applicable.

Wisconsin minimum liability limits are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage (Wis. Stat. § 341.05).

EIN can be applied for online, by fax, mail, or phone. Required for any LLC that files a partnership return, has employees, or elects corporate tax treatment.

File Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) and provide Schedule K‑1 to each member.

Report income on Schedule C attached to the owner’s Form 1040.

File Form 8832 (or Form 2553 for S‑corp election).

Report wages, tips, and taxes withheld; also file Form 940 for unemployment tax.

Employers may be exempt if state unemployment tax is sufficient.

Also must furnish copy to the contractor by January 31.

Accounting offices are generally low‑hazard but still must maintain OSHA logs if employee count meets threshold.

Even low‑risk offices must provide a safe workplace (e.g., ergonomics, emergency exits).

Applies to public‑facing professional services, including CPA offices and their websites.

CPA firms must ensure all claims about services, fees, and qualifications are not deceptive.

Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor rules.

Electronic completion allowed; must be stored securely.

Applies only if the employee count threshold is met.

Standard accounting practices do not involve hazardous waste; therefore EPA hazardous waste permits are not required.

Accounting and CPA services are not regulated by federal licensing agencies such as the FDA, ATF, FCC, or DOT.

The filing is done online via the DFI portal. The due date shifts each year based on the LLC’s formation date.

Renewal can be completed online. The license must be active to provide CPA services.

CE must be documented and reported to SPS at renewal.

If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, file Form 3; if elected corporate tax, file Form 1.

Payments are made electronically via MyTax Account.

Filing is done through the UI Online portal.

Electronic filing via MyTax Account is required for most employers.

Filing can be done electronically via the DOR’s e‑file system.

Proof of coverage must be maintained on premises.

Postings must be in a conspicuous place where all employees can read them.

Include financial statements, tax returns, payroll records, and CPA license documentation.

Check the specific city or town where the office is located; many Wisconsin municipalities require a general business license.