Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a bakery in Green Bay, WI. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Domestic Limited Liability Company Registration
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Corporations Division
Required Fee: $130.00-$130.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLCs formed in Wisconsin. Annual report required separately (see below). Fees subject to change; confirm current schedule.
Annual Report for LLC
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Corporations Division
Required Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
Applies to all registered LLCs; maintains good standing.
Seller's Permit (Sales Tax Registration)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Bakery sales of prepared food for off-premises consumption are generally taxable at 5% state rate. Register online via My Tax Account.
Food Processing Plant License
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) - Food Safety Division
May Apply Fee: $40.00-$40.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for most bakeries producing food products. Plan review required prior to construction (additional $200 fee). DATCP inspects facilities.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Corporations Division
May Apply Fee: $15.00-$15.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
File centrally with DFI; no longer requires county filing as of 2013 changes (Wis. Stat. § 469).
Retail Food Establishment License
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
May Apply Fee: $340.00-$340.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Issued by local health authority under DATCP rules (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 75). Bakery with retail component needs this in addition to processing license if applicable. Contact local health dept. for exact fees.
Wisconsin Employer Withholding Registration (if hiring employees)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for withholding state income tax. Federal EIN prerequisite.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Permit (Business Tax Registration)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Registration also enrolls the business for sales tax, withholding, and income tax accounts.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Return (Form ST-8)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
New registrants are generally assigned a monthly filing frequency until average monthly tax liability falls below $100.
Wisconsin State Income Tax Registration (Corporate/Partnership)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, register for Wisconsin Corporate Income Tax (Form 4). If taxed as a partnership, register for Wisconsin Partnership Return (Form 3).
Wisconsin Corporate/Partnership Income Tax Return (Form 4 or Form 3)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Even if the LLC has no tax liability, a zero return must be filed.
Wisconsin Employer Withholding Tax Registration (Form WT‑1)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Registration also provides a withholding account number for filing quarterly returns (Form WT‑2).
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Office of Workers' Compensation
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 108.01‑108.07) requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ comp insurance or be self‑insured. Coverage provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and disability benefits to injured workers.
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
May Apply Fee: $800.00-$800.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
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. Higher limits are often required by customers or lenders.
Liquor License Bond (Surety Bond)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Alcoholic Beverage Enforcement
May Apply Fee: $10000.00-$10000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Wisconsin Stat. § 125.01‑125.03 requires a $10,000 surety bond for all Class A, B, C, and D liquor licenses. The bond protects the state and the public against violations of the license.
Wisconsin Employer Withholding Tax Return (Form WT‑2)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Electronic filing is required for most employers.
Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Registration
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Registration is completed through the UI Online portal; a UI account number is issued.
Wisconsin Quarterly UI Contribution (Form UI‑1)
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Electronic filing is required for most employers.
City of Milwaukee Business License (Annual)
City of Milwaukee – Department of Finance
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: license
The license must be displayed at the place of business.
General Liability Insurance (Recommended)
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Business Licensing (no statutory mandate)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Covers third‑party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. While Wisconsin does not mandate it, it is strongly recommended for risk management.
Product Liability Insurance (Recommended)
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (no statutory mandate)
May Apply Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Provides coverage for claims arising from foodborne illness, allergic reactions, or other product‑related injuries.
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance (Not Required)
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (no statutory requirement for bakeries)
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Covers claims of negligence, misrepresentation, or failure to deliver services as promised.
Surety Bond for Food Service Permit (Not Required)
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) – Food Service Licensing
Required Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Wisconsin does not require a surety bond for a bakery’s food service permit, though the permit fee (approximately $100‑$200) must be paid.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All LLCs that have employees, open a bank account, or file any federal tax return must obtain an EIN.
Federal Income Tax Filing (LLC classification)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation by filing Form 8832; then corporate filing deadlines apply.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) Registration & Reporting
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Employment Taxes
May Apply Fee: $7000.00-$7000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most employers are required to pay FUTA unless they qualify for an exemption.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Standards – Combustible Dust
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.106 addresses combustible dust; bakeries must implement housekeeping, dust collection, and explosion prevention measures.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Title III Public Accommodations
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Bakery storefronts must be accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair‑accessible entrance, service counters).
Food Facility Registration (FDA)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: registration
If the bakery only sells directly to Wisconsin customers and does not ship out of state, registration is not required.
FDA Food Labeling Requirements (Nutrition Facts & Allergen Disclosure)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
If the bakery sells only unpackaged, ready‑to‑eat items sold on‑site, nutrition labeling is generally not required.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Advertising & Marketing Truth-in-Advertising Rules
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
All claims about product quality, health benefits, or pricing must be substantiated. Includes online, print, and in‑store signage.
Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Wage & Hour Requirements
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Minimum wage, overtime (time‑and‑a‑half after 40 hrs/week), recordkeeping, and child‑labor restrictions apply.
Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Coverage
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
If the bakery does not meet the employee threshold, FMLA does not apply.
Department of Labor – Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under DOL
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Must be stored securely and made available for inspection upon request.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements (RCRA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most small bakeries are conditionally exempt, but any hazardous waste above 220 lbs per month triggers small‑generator requirements.
City of Madison Business License (Annual)
City of Madison – Finance Department
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: license
Renewal can be completed online; the license must be posted at the business location.
Wisconsin Gross Receipts Tax (Franchise Tax)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Only certain financial institutions are subject to Wisconsin’s franchise tax.
Wisconsin Excise Tax – Food Products (None)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Excise taxes in Wisconsin apply to alcohol, tobacco, and fuel, not to bakery products.
Milwaukee City Business License (General Business Operation)
City of Milwaukee - Department of Neighborhood Services
Required Fee: $35.00-$35.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses; bakeries must also get health permit
Milwaukee Zoning Compliance (Certificate of Occupancy)
City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Bakery must be in commercial/retail zone (C1/C2 districts typical)
Milwaukee Health Department Retail Food Establishment Permit
Milwaukee Health Department
May Apply Fee: $510.00-$510.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Mandatory for bakeries; includes inspections for food handling
Milwaukee Fire Department Operating Permit
City of Milwaukee Fire Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Required for businesses with fire hazards like bakery ovens
Madison Health Department Food License
City of Madison - Public Health - Madison
May Apply Fee: $605.00-$605.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Bakery classified as "retail food establishment"; DATCP preemption noted but local enforces
Madison Zoning - Conditional Use Permit (if needed)
City of Madison - Planning Division
May Apply Fee: $1000.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Bakeries often need CUP in commercial zones; check zoning map
Dane County (Madison area) Septic/PWS Permit (if applicable)
Dane County Zoning and Land Regulation
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Relevant for suburban/rural bakery sites
Alcohol‑Related Federal Licensing (ATF) – Basic Permit for Alcohol‑Infused Bakery Products
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) – ATF
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
If the bakery does not handle alcohol, this requirement does not apply.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – DOT
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most small bakeries that only ship finished goods (non‑hazardous) are exempt.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Radio Frequency Use (if operating wireless POS devices)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most off‑the‑shelf POS systems are pre‑certified; no additional FCC filing needed.
Wisconsin LLC Annual Report (Statement of Information)
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Required Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
File electronically via My Business One Stop; must include updated contact information.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Return (Form 1‑N)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: permit
Quarterly filing required unless annual filing election is approved (rare for bakeries).
Wisconsin Employer Withholding (WIT) Returns
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: permit
Most small bakeries file quarterly; must remit withheld taxes with each return.
Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance (UI) Quarterly Report
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Report via the UI Online portal; includes wage and contribution calculations.
Food Establishment License Renewal
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Renewal requires submission of a completed application, updated floor plan, and payment of fee; inspection may be required prior to renewal.
Local Health Department Inspection (Routine)
County/City Health Department (e.g., Milwaukee County Health Department)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspector checks food safety practices, temperature controls, sanitation, and employee hygiene.
Fire Department Inspection (Commercial Kitchen)
Local Fire Marshal (e.g., City of Milwaukee Fire Department)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection verifies fire suppression systems, hood cleaning, and egress routes.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Renewal
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Division of Compensation
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Proof of coverage must be kept on premises and provided to the DWD upon request.
Labor & Industry Posting Requirements
Wisconsin Department of Labor & Industry
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required posters include Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and OSHA/EEO notices.
OSHA 300 Log (Recordkeeping) and Annual Posting
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Maintain OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs for 5 years; electronic submission may be required.
Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040 Schedule C or Form 1065)
Internal Revenue Service
Required Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
LLC taxed as sole proprietorship (single‑member) files Schedule C; multi‑member files Form 1065.
Wisconsin State Income Tax Return (Form 1 or Form 1N)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: permit
If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, members report income on personal returns; corporate filing only needed if elected.
Record Retention Requirements
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Include sales tax returns, payroll records, workers’ comp policies, food‑safety certifications, and inspection reports.
Building Permit for Tenant Improvements
City of Madison Building Inspection
May Apply Fee: $0.12-$0.12
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required citywide for structural/mechanical changes
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