Wisconsin Payroll Tax Registration

Apr 18, 2025

If you are an employer in Wisconsin who has recently hired an employee, you will need to register for payroll tax with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. This registration process ensures that you are in compliance with state tax laws and are able to properly withhold and remit taxes on behalf of your employees.

How Wisconsin Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Wisconsin to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Wisconsin agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Setup for LLP, LLC, Corporation

Wisconsin employers must register for an Unemployment Account with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development by filling out a Preliminary Report (Form UCT-43-E).

  1. Register for an Unemployment Insurance Account Number

    Visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website and register to determine your initial unemployment tax liability. Select "Create Logon ID" and complete profile, including filing the Preliminary Report (Form UTC-43-E). You should receive your account number and tax rate instantly after registering online, or in one to two weeks if registering by mail.

  2. Configure Payroll with Your Unemployment Account Number

    Upon receipt, provide your Unemployment Account Number to your payroll provider.

  3. Create an Employer Online Services Account

    Upon receipt of Unemployment Insurance Account Number and Internet Access Number, visit Employer Online Services to register to file quarterly reports and pay tax due.

Wisconsin Withholding Tax Setup for Corporation, LLC, LLP

Wisconsin employers must obtain a Withholding Account Number by filing a new Business Tax Registration (Form BTR-101) with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

  1. Register for a Withholding Account Number Online

    Register your business with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to obtain your Withholding Account Number. You should receive this number in 24 hours after registering online, or three to four days if registering by mail.

  2. Configure Payroll with Your Withholding Account Number

    Upon receipt, provide your assigned Withholding Account Number to your payroll provider.

  3. Create My Tax Account Username

    Once your PIN has arrived via email (one to two business days) or physical mail (seven to 10 business days), visit My Tax Account and select "Create new username" to create a username.

Wisconsin's Payroll Registration Agencies

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

Wisconsin Break Laws: Employer Requirements Explained 2024

As an employer operating in Wisconsin, you’re required to comply with the state’s labor laws, including those related to employee break times. Wisconsin’s break laws are relatively straightforward compared to other states, but there are still key details businesses should know to stay in line. This guide covers Wisconsin’s break law requirements, how these laws apply to various types of businesses, and what penalties you could face for non-compliance in 2024.

Kaitlin Edwards | Oct 7, 2024

Can Employers Get in Trouble for Not Withholding Taxes?

Taxes are an inevitable part of running a business, and as a business owner, it’s common to struggle with understanding tax laws. However, failing to withhold taxes from employees’ paychecks properly can lead to serious consequences for your organization. This is your guide to tax withholding, including why it matters, what happens if you fail to meet your obligations, and how Mosey can help with state compliance. What Is Tax Withholding?

Gabrielle Sinacola | Jan 29, 2025

What Is a Payroll Report? Types and Requirements

Keeping a keen eye on payroll is essential. Payroll reports are the financial blueprint leading companies through compliance and financial management. These documents are the narrative of a business’s financial health, employee compensation, and adherence to the regulations governing the modern workplace. Mosey proudly stands as your guide amidst the ever-changing sea of payroll compliance. We understand businesses’ challenges, especially when operating across multiple states or hiring remotely. By automating the tedious task of keeping up with payroll accounts, including withholding, unemployment insurance, workers’ comp, and paid family medical leave, we turn what used to be a headache into a streamlined, manageable process to open the right set of accounts.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Mar 15, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.