General Contractor Permits & Licenses in Madison, WI

Required for all LLCs formed in Wisconsin. Annual report required separately.

Required for contractor shops storing flammables/tools (Milwaukee Code Ch. 279).

Registration required to avoid excessive false alarm fees.

Class A required for general building contractors (Madison General Ordinance 28).

Required for all contractors bidding county work.

Mandatory for all trades including general contractors.

Required for sites impacting public parking (Milwaukee Code Sec. 91-11).

Applies to all Wisconsin LLCs; failure to file leads to inactive status.

Mandatory for general contractors performing work on 1- or 2-family dwellings under Uniform Dwelling Code. Register qualified supervisor (QSD).

Business must designate at least one QSD who meets experience/education requirements (e.g., 2 years field experience or journeyman certification). Specific to UDC-covered work.

Required if using trade name/DBA; publish in local newspaper within 40 days; renew every 5 years if continuing.

General contractors often need if selling/charging sales tax separately on materials; register via My Tax Account.

Specific to contractors; file assumed name with county Register of Deeds in addition to state filing for lien rights (Wis. Stat. 779.01).

If average monthly sales tax liability is > $100, returns are filed monthly; otherwise quarterly. Due 20th of the month following the reporting period.

LLCs taxed as corporations must file Form 4 (or Form 5 for partnerships). Returns are due the 15th day of the fourth month after fiscal year‑end (April 15 for calendar year). Estimated tax payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.

Quarterly filing (Form WT‑3) due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31 for the preceding quarter.

Quarterly UI returns are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31 for the preceding quarter.

Required for all LLCs regardless of tax status; filing can be completed online via the Business Registration portal.

The tax is calculated on gross receipts from construction contracts performed in Milwaukee. The fee schedule is published on the City’s website and varies by revenue brackets.

No excise tax obligations for typical general contracting services.

Required for all general contractors operating within Milwaukee city limits. Specific to contractors under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Sec. 298-41.

Mandatory registration for all contractors in Milwaukee County per County Ordinance 45.04. Does not apply if only working in incorporated cities with own licensing.

Required for contractor offices, yards, or storage in zoning districts prohibiting industrial uses (Milwaukee Code Ch. 295).

Limited to administrative work only; no storage of equipment/vehicles (Sec. 295-907 Milwaukee Code).

Required for interior tenant improvements over 50 sq ft (Milwaukee Code Sec. 200-15).

Wisconsin law requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors and partners are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. Corporate officers may elect out under specific conditions (see DWD Circular 10).

While not mandated by Wisconsin state law, general liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by clients, municipalities, or bonding authorities for contract bidding. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for Residential Building Contractors under Wis. Admin. Code § DSPS RS 2.03(2). This bond protects consumers from financial loss due to contractor violations. Exemptions may apply for contractors working exclusively on projects under $1,000 or those exempt under statute.

Wisconsin requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to be covered by liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage. Applies to business-owned or leased vehicles used in operations.

Not required by Wisconsin law for general contractors. However, may be required for design-build projects or when providing engineering or architectural services. Strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence or faulty workmanship.

Wisconsin does not mandate product liability insurance. However, if the contractor manufactures or sells tangible goods (e.g., custom cabinetry, windows), product liability exposure exists. Coverage typically falls under general liability or can be added via endorsement.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license or serves alcohol (e.g., at a grand opening event). General contractors typically do not need this unless hosting events with alcohol service. Mandated under Wisconsin's dram shop laws for licensed establishments.

All LLCs with employees or that file any federal tax return must obtain an EIN.

LLCs with a single member are disregarded entities and file Schedule C; multi‑member LLCs file Form 1065 and issue Schedule K‑1 to members.

Wall/projecting signs require engineering review (Ch. 297 Milwaukee Code).

Applies to eligible full‑time employees who have worked 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months.

Employers must retain I‑9 forms for either 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

A hazardous materials endorsement on the driver’s CDL is also required.

State-level permits may also be required; the federal FEL is mandatory for any explosive activity.

Must be filed online via the DFI portal. The filing includes basic entity information and a $25 fee.

Renewal can be completed online. The license must be active to bid on or perform construction contracts in Wisconsin.

Minimum of 2 CE hours required every two years. Acceptable courses are listed on the DSPS website.

If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, file Form 1‑N; if taxed as a corporation, file Form 1. Estimated tax payments are due quarterly.

Required if the LLC expects to owe $1,000 or more in state tax for the year.

Filing can be done online via the DOR’s e‑services portal.

Reports are submitted electronically via the DWD UI portal.

The report confirms coverage and provides payroll data for premium calculation.

The OSHA 300A summary must be posted in a conspicuous place where employees can see it.

Required posters include Minimum Wage, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and Anti‑Discrimination.

Many Wisconsin municipalities require an annual business license; fees and deadlines differ by locality.

Includes sales tax returns, payroll records, workers’ comp reports, and income tax filings.

Typical inspections include foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final occupancy.

Many municipalities require a local fire marshal to perform the inspection; the state provides guidelines.

Electing corporate tax treatment changes filing requirements to Form 1120.

Employers must also register for state unemployment taxes separately.

Includes requirements for fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, etc.

Employers must also submit the OSHA 300A summary to employees.

Training can be obtained via OSHA-authorized education centers.

General contractors must ensure that construction sites and finished facilities are accessible.

In Wisconsin, permits are issued by the DNR but must meet EPA’s NPDES requirements.

Contractors handling lead paint, asbestos, solvents, etc., must comply.

Applies to all marketing materials, including online ads, brochures, and bid proposals.

Construction workers are generally covered unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

All dates are calendar‑year based; specific due dates may shift if they fall on weekends or holidays. Businesses should verify exact deadlines each year via the linked agency portals.