Wisconsin registration and tax info

Gusto partners with CorpNet to help you register your business in new states. 

How it works

Once a work address has been added in a new state and a new employee has been hired and assigned a work address in that state, you can get registration assistance in Gusto.

Pricing varies by state—get started below and during step 4, you'll review the price, process, and estimated timeline to completion.

Here’s a snapshot of the process:

1. We’ll collect some basic business information from you.
2. Gusto and CorpNet will check the information for accuracy.
3. Your registration application(s) are usually submitted within 3-5 business days.
4. Check the mail for registration info—the state will typically send your tax account numbers and rates to you directly.

CorpNet can walk you through entering any info that they themselves do not enter in Gusto on your behalf.

Get started with state tax registration

1. Sign in to Gusto as an admin.
2. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
3. Under “[State name] Tax Setup”, click Have us register for you.
   • The state you want to register in will only appear in this location once a work address has been added in a new state and an employee has been assigned a work address in that state.
4. Review the price, process, and estimated timeline to completion.
   • We will not charge you the registration service fee until you send us your order.
5. Click Continue.
6. Answer a couple eligibility questions.
   • Note: Gusto can only register for you if you don't yet have a state account already.
7. Click Save & continue.
8. Enter some company information.
   • We’ll pre-populate the information we already have.
9. Click Save & continue.
10. Tell us about your responsible party–this is the person who is to be held accountable for the company’s good standing and a point of contact within the organization for tax purposes.
    • If you're a nonprofit and run into any issues, check out our FAQ section below for more information.
11. Click Save & continue.
12. Enter some state-specific operational information.
13. Click Save and continue.
14. Review all information thoroughly–if any information is incorrect, it may delay the process.
    • Heads up: State and local agencies may charge additional fees and increase the estimated turnaround time shown. CorpNet will let you know if that happens.
15. Check the box to acknowledge all info is accurate and you agree to the Terms of Service.
16. Click Send registration order.

After you send your order, we’ll email you with status updates and add your order total to your next monthly invoice.

Check the status of your order

When your order is complete, you’ll receive emails from both Gusto and CorpNet. They’ll detail the next steps which include:

• Reviewing registration details
• Any other state-specific instructions

Before your order is completed, you can use the link in the state registration confirmation email from Gusto to check the status of your order. 

You can also check the status in your Gusto account:

1. Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the state's headline.
3. Click Check the status of your registration.

Cancel your order

If your order is still in progress, you can cancel from your Gusto account:

1. Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the state's headline.
3. Click Check the status of your registration.
4. On the right-side of the page, under "Changed your mind?", click Cancel your order.
5. Let us know why you're canceling.
6. Click Cancel your order.

If you were already charged, you'll automatically receive a refund within a few business days.

FAQs

Q: Can I run payroll for my employees before my registration is complete?

A: Not in most cases—you typically need to have a withholding account number and required tax rate(s) in Gusto before you can run payroll. 

If you’re registering in a state where there is no income tax withheld, you can use the state-specific “new employer rate” in this article until you receive your company-assigned rate from the agency.

Q: Can I use Gusto to register in a new state if I don't have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) yet, or if the business is undergoing a merger or acquisition?

A: No–you must have a FEIN entered in Gusto to order a state tax registration.

If your company is going through a merger or being acquired, CorpNet cannot assist with registration. Work with your tax advisor and state agencies directly to navigate this change and register your business.

Q: Where can I see all my tax information?

A: You can see all tax details in the following locations: 

• Gusto–head to the Taxes & compliance and select Tax setup, and scroll to the applicable state tax setup.
• CorpNet–create a CorpNet account and login at any time to review information.
• State online account–once you’ve gained access to your agency accounts, your tax details will also be available there.
• Some agencies issue tax details by mail. If this is the case, CorpNet will notify you, and you'll need to enter this information into Gusto directly.

Gusto’s state tax registration service does not contain tax, legal, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult a lawyer, HR expert, or accountant for specific guidance.

Q: What if I'm not liable for unemployment yet (referring to the minimum wage threshold in some states)?

A: In order for CorpNet to start the registration process for an unemployment account number before you're liable, you can:

• Use today’s date as the first date the employee(s) in the new state will be paid. 
• Enter the start date of the quarter you expect the employee(s) to first make $1500.

Q: Can I register with CorpNet if the responsible party is based internationally and does not have an ITIN/SSN?

A: CorpNet may be able to assist directly—reach out to [email protected] or call 1(888) 449-2638.

Q: My company is a nonprofit—why can't I enter 0% in the responsible party section, or add a commercial owner?

A: Some states have a 1% minimum for the responsible party ownership percentage. Those states are: ID, KS, MN, OH, SC, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and RI. Registration orders will need to be placed directly through CorpNet, outside of Gusto, or you'll need to register directly with the agency yourself.

Some states require that an individual owner be listed on the account. If you're a non-profit and not sure how to proceed, contact CorpNet directly at [email protected] or call 1(888) 449-2638.

Q:  Does CorpNet help with state tax account closures?

A: No—you'll need to close the tax account on your own.

Register for income tax withholding—Wisconsin Department of Revenue

You should receive your Withholding Account Number in 24 hours after registering online, or 3-4 days if registering by mail. Keep this time frame in mind when planning your first Wisconsin payroll.

1. Start by heading to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue online.
2. Click the Register with Department of Revenue link.  
   • Use the agency's Withholding Tax Guide if you get stuck during registration. 
3. Read the “Filing Tips” section.
4. Answer yes, or no, the question: Are you registering this business for the first time?"
5. Complete all remaining questions. 

If you've misplaced your withholding account number, you can locate it by following these steps: 

1. Go to the agency website.
2. Navigate to the QuickLinks tab.
3. Under Business Taxes, click on Search Account Number/Filing Frequency.
4. Select "Withholding Tax" in the first dropdown.
5. Select "Federal Employer ID Number" under ID Type.
6. Enter your Federal Employer Identification Number in the ID field.
7. Enter your business name.
8. Enter your zip code of the address you used to register in Wisconsin.
9. Click Next.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Wisconsin work address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Wisconsin Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your Wisconsin Tax Account Number and Save.
   • If you need to update your account number for any reason: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Register for unemployment tax—Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Most companies are liable for state unemployment if they pay $1500 in a quarter in any calendar year or have one or more employees per day in 20 or more weeks of any calendar year. You can find out if your company is liable and register online.

1. Head to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development site.
2. Select Create Logon ID, in order to obtain the Employer UI Account Number and tax rate. 

You should receive the account number and rate instantly after registering online, or in 1-2 weeks if registering by mail.

Unemployment tax rate

Those in the construction industry or with an annual payroll over $500,000 should review this page to find their rate. If you're unsure of your rate, please call the agency at (608) 261-6700.

Click here to view state-by-state new employer rates and wage bases (not company-specific). 

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Wisconsin work address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the “Wisconsin Tax Setup” headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your unemployment account number and agency-assigned unemployment rate.
   • If you need to update a rate already entered, follow the steps in this article.
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Third party authorization (TPA)—needed for amendments only

If Gusto is filing an amended return on your behalf, the agency requires that Gusto have third-party access to your online Wisconsin My Tax Account—amendments often call for a different filing method than original returns

If we've let you know we need TPA, we'll start the process on our end by requesting the necessary access on your WI Tax Account portal. Choose one of the options below to finalize granting Gusto the access we'll need.

Option 1: Grant access in your My Tax Account online

1. Log in to My Tax Account.
   • Don't have an account? Register for one using this helpful guide from the agency.
2. Select View My Profile from the homepage.
3. Click the Manage Usernames tab to view a list of usernames.
4. Select Gusto’s TPA username: Gusto, [email protected].
5. Click Manage Access.
6. Click Grant Access.
7. Select File & Pay—minimum access required to file amendments on your behalf—or select All Access.
8. Enter the time period for which you wish to grant Gusto access. This is usually the beginning of the quarter in which you ran your first payroll with Gusto for this specific state.

Option 2: Fill out and send a physical form

1. Complete Form A-777a: My Tax Account Authorization—use the steps below to help you fill out the form. 
2. Fill out the top section with your company information.
3. For "Taxpayer Name": Put your official Company Name, not your Trade Name or DBA Name.
4. For "Social Security Number": Enter your FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), not your personal SSN.
5. For "Address, City, State, Zip Code": Put your business's filing address.
6. For "WTN": Put your Wisconsin Tax Account Number here.
   • Find this number in Gusto by heading to Taxes & compliance, then select Tax setup. Scroll to "Wisconsin Tax Setup", and locate your "Wisconsin Tax Account Number".
7. For "Telephone Number": Enter your business telephone number.
8. For "E-mail address": Add your Primary Administrator’s email address from Gusto in this field.
9. Fill out the section under “Hereby authorizes the following individual(s)” with Gusto’s information:
   • Name:  ZenPayroll, Inc. (dba Gusto)
   • Telephone Number: (800) 936-0383
   • Address: 1201 16th St #350
   • City: Denver
   • State: CO
   • Zip Code: 80202
10. Finally, add your signature, title, and date to the bottom of the form.
11. Mail a copy back to Gusto at this address:
    • ATTN: Tax Ops - Audit Team Gusto
    • 1201 16th Street, Suite 350
    • Denver, CO 80202

This form allows us to access your WI My Tax Account and submit amendments on your behalf.

Withholding account number

If you've run payroll in Wisconsin previously, you can find your Withholding Account Number by:

• Reviewing the Form WT-6 withholding coupon or the welcome letter labeled "Filing Number" sent by the DOR, or;
• Calling the agency a call at (608) 266-2776.

If you've misplaced the letter, follow these steps to locate your number: 

1. Go to the agency website.
2. Navigate to the QuickLinks tab.
3. Under Business Taxes, click on Search Account Number/Filing Frequency.
4. Select "Withholding Tax" in the first dropdown.
5. Select "Federal Employer ID Number" under ID Type.
6. Enter your Federal Employer Identification Number in the ID field.
7. Enter your business name.
8. Enter your zip code of the address you used to register in Wisconsin.
9. Click Next. 

Unemployment tax account number and rate

You can find your Employer UI Account Number by:

• Reviewing the latest tax rate notice or Quarterly Wage Report (Form UCT-101) sent to you by the WI DWD or;
• Calling the agency at (608) 261-6700. 

Unemployment tax rate

Businesses that have previously run payroll in WI can find their Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate on your most recent tax notice from the DWD. Only enter in the total rate in Gusto.

If you're unsure of your rate, call the agency at (608) 261-6700.

Click here to view state-by-state UI rates and wage bases (not company-specific).

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Wisconsin work address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the “Wisconsin Tax Setup” headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your withholding account number, unemployment account number, and agency-assigned unemployment rate.
   • If you need to update a rate already entered, follow the steps in this article.
   • If you need to update your account number: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Third party authorization (TPA) is recommended

Third party authorization is required for the Wisconsin DOR (withholding tax) if Gusto is filing an amended return on your behalf.

Amendments often call for a different filing method than original returns—this agency requires that Gusto have third party access to your online Wisconsin My Tax Account in order to submit an amendment on your behalf.

We've started the process on our end by requesting the necessary TPA on your WI Tax Account portal—choose one of the options below to finalize granting Gusto the access we'll need.

Option 1: Grant access in your My Tax Account online

1. Log in to My Tax Account.
   • Don't have an account? Register for one using this helpful guide from the agency.
2. Select View My Profile from the homepage.
3. Click the Manage Usernames tab to view a list of usernames.
4. Select Gusto’s TPA username: Gusto, [email protected].
5. Click Manage Access.
6. Click Grant Access.
7. Select File & Pay—minimum access required to file amendments on your behalf—or select All Access.
8. Enter the time period for which you wish to grant Gusto access. This is usually the beginning of the quarter in which you ran your first payroll with Gusto for this specific state.

Option 2: Fill out and send a physical form

1. Complete Form A-777a: My Tax Account Authorization—use the steps below to help you fill out the form. 
2. Fill out the top section with your company information.
3. For "Taxpayer Name": Put your official Company Name, not your Trade Name or DBA Name.
4. For "Social Security Number": Enter your FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), not your personal SSN.
5. For "Address, City, State, Zip Code": Put your business's filing address.
6. For "WTN": Put your Wisconsin Tax Account Number here.
   • Find this number in Gusto by heading to Taxes & compliance, then select Tax setup. Scroll to "Wisconsin Tax Setup", and locate your "Wisconsin Tax Account Number".
7. For "Telephone Number": Enter your business telephone number.
8. For "E-mail address": Add your Primary Administrator’s email address from Gusto in this field.
9. Fill out the section under “Hereby authorizes the following individual(s)” with Gusto’s information:
   • Name:  ZenPayroll, Inc. (dba Gusto)
   • Telephone Number: (800) 936-0383
   • Address: 1201 16th St #350
   • City: Denver
   • State: CO
   • Zip Code: 80202
10. Finally, add your signature, title, and date to the bottom of the form.
11. Mail a copy back to Gusto at this address:
    • ATTN: Tax Ops - Audit Team Gusto
    • 1201 16th Street, Suite 350
    • Denver, CO 80202

This form allows us to access your WI My Tax Account and submit amendments on your behalf.

• Wisconsin Tax Deposit Report (WI WT-6)*
• Wisconsin Annual W/H Reconciliation (WI WT-7)
• Wage and Tax Statement (State W2)
• Wisconsin State W2 (WI State W2)
• Wisconsin Quarterly Contribution (SUI) (WI UCT-101)
• New Hire Report

Where to find the forms available in your account

Head to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax documents.

Use the tabs on the page to toggle between federal, state, W-2, and 1099 forms.

Asterisk info—only if applicable

Filings marked with an asterisk (*) will not appear in your Tax documents tab—these are coupons, payment vouchers, or other forms that are filed electronically.

You can confirm tax payments were made by running an agency payments report.

• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (608) 266-2776
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance (608) 261-6700