Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a chiropractic in Racine, WI. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
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 online via the DWD UI portal.
Wisconsin Quarterly UI Tax Returns (Form UI‑1)
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Employers must also remit UI contributions with each filing.
Wisconsin Annual Corporate Income Tax Return (Form 4) – for LLC taxed as corporation
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, it files Wisconsin Form 3 (partnership return) instead.
Wisconsin Annual Partnership Return (Form 3) – for LLC taxed as partnership
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Each member receives a Schedule K‑1; the partnership itself does not pay income tax, but the filing is required.
City of Milwaukee Business License (General Business)
City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Chiropractic clinics are classified under “Health‑Care Services” and may be subject to an additional $25 surcharge.
Wisconsin Quarterly Withholding Tax Returns (Form WT‑3)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Businesses with annual tax liability under $1,200 may be eligible for annual filing.
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).
Annual Report for LLC
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Corporations Division
Required Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
Applies to all Wisconsin LLCs in good standing.
Chiropractic License
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) - Medical Examining Board
Required Fee: $165.00-$165.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required for individuals practicing chiropractic. Prerequisites: Graduation from CCE-accredited chiropractic college, pass NBCE Parts I-IV exams, Wisconsin jurisprudence exam, background check. LLC itself does not hold license; licensed individuals do.
Chiropractic Facility Registration
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Required Fee: $30.00-$30.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for each physical location where chiropractic services are provided. Must be registered to a licensed chiropractor.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Corporations Division
May Apply Fee: $15.00-$15.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required if business operates under any name other than its formal LLC name registered with DFI. Must also publish in local newspaper.
Wisconsin Tax Registration (Seller's Permit / Withholding Tax if applicable)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Chiropractic services are generally nontaxable, but register if selling products (e.g., supplements). Withholding account required if paying wages.
Wisconsin State Income Tax Registration
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All LLCs that have Wisconsin taxable income must register for a Wisconsin income‑tax account, even if the LLC is taxed as a partnership.
City of Madison Business License (General Business)
City of Madison
May Apply Fee: $45.00-$45.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
The license must be displayed at the place of business; health‑care providers may need to submit additional documentation.
City of Madison General Business License
City of Madison, WI
May Apply Fee: $55.00-$55.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for most businesses including professional services like chiropractic; LLC registration with state does not substitute
Dane County Business License
Dane County, WI
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: license
Basic business registration; chiropractic practices may need additional state professional licensing. Confirm with county for specific locations
City of Madison Zoning Compliance (Certificate of Occupancy)
City of Madison, WI
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Chiropractic offices typically zoned B2 or B3 commercial; professional verification required via zoning administrator
City of Madison Home Occupation Permit
City of Madison, WI
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Limited to low-impact professional services; no patient traffic allowed beyond 1/day max
City of Madison Building Permit
City of Madison Building Inspection
May Apply Fee: $0.12-$0.12
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for chiropractic office fit-outs (e.g., exam rooms, x-ray installation)
City of Madison Sign Permit
City of Madison Building Inspection
May Apply Fee: $1.50-$1.50
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Chiropractic business signs limited by zoning district (e.g., 40 sq ft max in B2)
City of Madison Fire Inspection/Occupancy Permit
City of Madison Fire Department
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Chiropractic clinics with waiting rooms typically require annual fire safety inspection
City of Madison Alarm System Permit
City of Madison Police Department
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Required for commercial properties including professional offices
Wisconsin Sales Tax Permit (if selling taxable goods)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Chiropractic services themselves are not taxable, but any sale of taxable merchandise requires a sales‑tax account.
Wisconsin Quarterly Sales Tax Returns (Form ST‑8)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
If the annual tax liability is less than $1,000, the DOR may allow annual filing instead of quarterly.
Wisconsin Employer Withholding Tax Registration
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Registration is done online via the DOR’s Business Registration portal.
EPA Hazardous Waste Generator Registration (RCRA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Fee: $100000.00-$100000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Most small chiropractic practices qualify as “small generators” and may not need a permit, but must still comply with proper storage and disposal.
FDA Medical Device Establishment Registration & Device Listing (X‑ray Equipment)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
The practice must also comply with the FDA’s Radiation Emitting Devices regulations (21 CFR Part 1020).
FTC Advertising and Marketing Compliance
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Claims about treatment efficacy, spinal adjustments, or health benefits must be supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Minimum Wage, Overtime, Recordkeeping
Department of Labor (DOL) – Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Even a single employee triggers FLSA obligations.
Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (DOL oversight)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Electronic completion is permitted if the system meets USCIS requirements.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Coverage
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most small chiropractic practices (fewer than 50 employees) are exempt, but must still maintain records if covered.
Controlled Substances Registration (if dispensing)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
May Apply Fee: $731.00-$731.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Many chiropractors do not dispense controlled substances; this requirement applies only if they do.
Wisconsin LLC Annual Report
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
Required Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
File electronically; no paper filing accepted.
Chiropractic Professional License Renewal
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Required Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: license
Renewal requires proof of required continuing education credits.
Continuing Education for Chiropractors
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: certificate
12 CE hours required per two‑year period, including at least 2 hours of ethics.
Medical Facility Permit (Health Inspection)
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Initial on‑site health inspection required before opening.
Annual Fire Safety Inspection
Local Fire Marshal (e.g., City of Madison Fire Department)
May Apply Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Fire extinguisher maintenance and evacuation plan updates are also required.
Occupancy Permit Renewal
Local Building Department (city/county government)
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection may be required at renewal.
Wisconsin Corporate Income Tax (Form 4) Estimated Payments
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
Required Renewal: varies
Type: filing
If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation. Partnerships file Form 3 by March 15.
Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Return
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
May Apply Fee: $5.00-$5.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Registration required before first sale.
Milwaukee Sign Permit (Example for Milwaukee)
City of Milwaukee, WI
May Apply Fee: $10.00-$10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Provided as example; Milwaukee requires for all commercial signs. Chiropractic offices follow general B-3 zoning
Waukesha County Zoning Permit
Waukesha County, WI
May Apply Fee: $200.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Professional offices permitted in C-2 zoning; conditional use may apply
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Office of Workers' Compensation
May Apply Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt. Owners who are also employees may elect coverage voluntarily.
Professional Liability (Malpractice) Insurance
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) – Chiropractic Board
Required Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Wisconsin law requires a minimum of $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate coverage for all practicing chiropractors.
General Liability Insurance
Not mandated by a specific Wisconsin state agency
Required Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
While not legally required, many landlords, insurers, and patients expect this coverage.
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
May Apply Fee: $800.00-$800.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Personal auto policies generally do not satisfy commercial use requirements.
Surety Bond (License Bond)
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Wisconsin does not require a surety bond for chiropractic licensure.
Product Liability Insurance
Not mandated by Wisconsin law for welding services
May Apply Fee: $400.00-$400.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Often bundled with general liability policies.
Liquor Liability Insurance
Not applicable to welding businesses
Required Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Chiropractic clinics do not serve alcohol; therefore this insurance is not required.
Workers' Compensation Insurance – Exemption for Sole Proprietor
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
The owner may voluntarily obtain coverage for personal protection.
Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Report
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Electronic filing required via DWD’s UI portal.
Medical Records Retention
Wisconsin State Legislature
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Records must be readily accessible for inspection by DSPS.
Labor Law Posters
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required posters include Minimum Wage, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, OSHA, and Equal Employment Opportunity.
Annual Professional Licensee Report
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Required Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Report includes practice location, ownership information, and CE credits earned.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All LLCs with employees, or that elect to be taxed as a corporation, must obtain an EIN.
Federal Income Tax Filing (LLC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
LLCs are taxed as partnerships (multi‑member) or sole proprietorships (single‑member) unless an election is made to be taxed as a corporation.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Chiropractic clinics that perform injections, use needles for acupuncture, or handle blood‑contaminated instruments must comply.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Chiropractic offices using cleaning agents, sterilants, or radiographic processing chemicals must maintain SDS and employee training.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III Accessibility
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Health care providers, including chiropractic clinics, must ensure physical access (ramps, exam tables) and effective communication for patients with disabilities.
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