Congratulations on your decision to become a Wisconsin new employer! You will need a few things in place before you run your first payroll. For Wisconsin employer registration help, check out our partner, CorpNet.
Federal and State Tax Accounts
Federal Tax Accounts:
Apply for an EIN View Details
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN, aka, FEIN) with the IRS online.
To read more about how to apply for an EIN, read our help article, “Your Step-by-step Guide on How to Apply for EIN.”
You will be assigned a unique nine-digit number to identify your business for your Federal taxes by the IRS. To learn more please read, “What Is an FEIN?”
Enroll in EFTPS View Details
Although it is not required, we suggest you register for the EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System).
EFTPS is an easy way to pay your federal taxes online or view any tax filings made on your behalf by Patriot. To find out more about the EFTPS, please read our article, “What Is EFTPS?”
State of Wisconsin Tax Accounts:
Register With the Wisconsin Department of Revenue View Details
Wisconsin new employers will need to register their business with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for a state income tax (SIT) account.
You can register online using “My Tax Account.”
Register With the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development View Details
As a new employer in Wisconsin, you will also need to register online with the WI Department of Workforce Development for a state unemployment insurance (SUI) tax account.
Get Your SUTA Rate View Details
Employers in Wisconsin will receive a new State Unemployment Tax Assessment (SUTA) rate every year.
New employers in Wisconsin are given an initial state unemployment tax assessment (SUTA) rate based on the amount of payroll:
New employers with payroll < $500,000 use 3.05% in 2026.
New employers with payroll > $500,000 use 3.25% in 2026.
New construction employers with payroll < $500,000 use 2.50% in 2026.
New construction employers with payroll > $500,000 use 2.70% in 2026.
These rates include the solvency tax.
To learn more about SUTA, please read our article, “What Is SUTA Tax?”
State-mandated Insurance:
Sign up for Workers’ Comp Insurance View Details
You must have workers’ comp insurance if you have at least 3 employees in Wisconsin. You can sign up for workers’ comp insurance through a private provider or state-operated fund. Learn more about workers’ comp requirements in Wisconsin here.
Patriot’s online payroll offers free pay as you go (PAYG) workers’ comp integration with our partner, ERGO NEXT Insurance. You can get a free quote with ERGO NEXT here.
Setting Up Your New Employee:
Fill Out Form I-9 View Details
Fill out the required Form I-9 for employee work verification in the USA.
This is a two-part form. The first section is filled out by the employee and the second part is to be filled out by the employer.
You must retain each employee’s completed Form I-9 as long as the individual works for you. For more information, please read “What Should Be in an Employee File?”
Have Employee Fill Out Federal Form W-4 View Details
Employees need to fill out the Federal Form W-4 Withholding Certificate for federal income taxes (FIT).
For more information, read our help article, “What Is a W-4 Form, and What Is it Used for?”
Have Employee Fill Out State Form WT-4 View Details
Form WT-4 is the state employee withholding allowance certificate for Wisconsin.
Report New Hire View Details
Employers need to report new hires online within 20 days of hire or rehire (required by law) to the Wisconsin New Hire Reporting Center.
To learn more, please read, “What Is New Hire Reporting?”
Meet Minimum Wage Requirements View Details
Wisconsin follows the Federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.
By law, you are required to post the minimum wage poster for your employees.
Obtain Labor Law Posters View Details
Get annual posters and all federal, state, county, and city labor law updates with Patriot’s labor law poster store, powered by PosterElite!
Once you have all the necessary information, you will be able to set up your payroll for your business.
You will want to keep all payroll records for at least three years. For more information please read our help article, “What Employers Should Know About Employee Payroll Records.”
Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!
This is not an all-inclusive list for new employers. Please check with your state and federal government for full compliance.