Retail Store Permits & Licenses in Kenosha, WI

Required for all retail businesses operating within Milwaukee city limits. Fee schedule updated 2023.

Verify property zoning allows retail use (C1/C2 districts typical). Site plan review required.

Issued after zoning, building, and fire inspections pass.

Annual false alarm fees apply after 2 incidents ($100+).

Madison requires zoning approval for retail in B-1/B-2 zones. See MGO 28.

General retail exempt unless handling perishables.

Comply with Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Ch. 295-202.

Required for mercantile/retail occupancies > certain size threshold.

See fee schedule at https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Public/DNS/Fees/BuildingPermitFees.pdf

Required for all LLCs. Online filing recommended via Fast Track system.

Required for all domestic LLCs to maintain good standing.

All LLCs must maintain a registered agent with physical Wisconsin address. Included in formation docs.

Expires after 5 years unless renewed. Not required if using exact LLC name on signage/contracts.

Required for all retail stores. Allows collection/remittance of 5% state sales tax (local taxes extra). Apply online via My Tax Account.

Required if paying wages of $1,500+ in a quarter or employing at least one with a quarter. Quarterly tax reports due after.

State income tax withholding. Register via My Tax Account. Monthly/quarterly deposits required.

Private insurance or self-insurance. Proof of coverage must be posted/posted online. Retail typically low-risk.

All retailers selling tangible personal property in Wisconsin must obtain a sales tax permit. Filing frequency is determined by the amount of tax collected (≤$1,000/yr – annual; $1,001‑$5,000 – quarterly; >$5,000 – monthly). Returns are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period.

If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, income passes through to members and is reported on their personal returns; no separate corporate income tax filing required.

Registration is done through the Wisconsin Business Registration portal. Employers must also provide employees with Form W‑2 at year‑end.

Employers receive an employer account number (EIN) from DWD. UI tax rates range from 0.10% to 7.00% of taxable wages, based on experience rating.

Retailers must obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Tax Permit and collect excise tax on sales. See DOR guidance for specific rates and filing instructions.

Milwaukee imposes a Business License Tax based on gross receipts. The city provides an online portal for application and renewal.

Waukesha County Code of Ordinances Sec. ILR 35-84.

Administered locally per WI Admin Code SPS 314; all WI municipalities enforce.

Minimum liability limits required by Wis. Stat. § 341.01: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Minimum coverage is $10,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage, though many municipalities require higher limits.

Wisconsin law does not require general liability insurance for retail stores, but it is strongly recommended to protect against third‑party bodily injury or property damage claims.

Only required if the retailer provides professional advice or services (e.g., consulting, design).

Recommended for retailers selling physical products to protect against claims arising from defective goods.

Wisconsin state law does not impose a general surety bond on retail stores; only certain regulated activities (e.g., contractors, liquor licensees) have bond requirements.

All LLCs, regardless of number of members, must have an EIN if they have employees, file any federal tax returns, or open a bank account.

No registration or filing required.

LLCs are defaulted to partnership taxation if more than one member; can elect corporate taxation via Form 8832.

Even a single employee triggers these filing obligations.

Retail stores that hire subcontractors for services (e.g., cleaning, marketing) must issue 1099‑NEC.

Retail stores with >10 employees must maintain injury and illness logs.

Retail environments must comply with standards for walking‑working surfaces, electrical safety, hazardous chemicals, etc.

All retail stores open to the public are considered places of public accommodation and must provide equal access.

Most typical retail stores generate only non‑hazardous waste; however, stores selling automotive parts, chemicals, or electronics should assess.

Retail stores must ensure all advertisements, price representations, and endorsements are truthful and not deceptive.

Applies to all non‑exempt employees in a retail store.

Many small retail stores may fall below the threshold; still monitor if the workforce expands.

All employers with employees must retain I‑9 forms for a specified period.

If the store only resells pre‑packaged foods from other manufacturers, registration may not be required; consult FDA guidance.

Requires background checks, secure storage, and recordkeeping of all firearm transactions.

Most standard Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth devices are covered under Part 15 unlicensed rules; no separate license required.

Most typical retail stores do not transport hazardous materials; applicable only to specialized inventory.