Question 1

Is PEO registration required in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional employer organizations must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions under Chapter 202, Subchapter III. Form 2840 is used for standard registration and Form 2858 for small operations. The initial fee is $75.

Question 2

What are the financial requirements for Wisconsin PEOs?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin PEOs must maintain net working capital of at least $100,000. As an alternative, they may provide a surety bond in a comparable amount approved by DFI (Form CRED2843). Audited financial statements support the filing.

Question 3

When is the Wisconsin PEO renewal deadline?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin PEO renewals are annual. DFI's online renewal period runs June 1 through July 31 each year, with a late-charge window through September 30. The renewal fee is $107. Registrations that are not renewed expire automatically.

Question 4

What is the SUI taxable wage base in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 SUI taxable wage base in Wisconsin is $14,000 under Schedule D. New employer rates are 3.05% for employers with payroll under $500,000 and 3.25% for employers with payroll of $500,000 or more.

Question 5

Is payrolling allowed in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

No. Wisconsin strictly prohibits payrolling under Wis. Stat. 108.067. A PEO cannot take on a client's existing employees or rehire them after a worksite employer change. PEOs must maintain separate client accounts and cannot pool experience across clients.

Question 6

What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

The Wisconsin minimum wage for 2026 is the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Wisconsin does not have a state minimum wage law.

Wisconsin PEO FAQs: DFI Registration, Payrolling Prohibition, and Schedule D Tax Rates

Frequently Asked Questions