Overview: Employers in Wisconsin must register for withholding income tax with the Department of Revenue (DOR) and unemployment insurance (SUI) tax with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Registration can be completed online, by mail, or through the Wisconsin One Stop Business Registration portal.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
Wisconsin Withholding Tax
Registration Steps
1. Register Online via My Tax Account
Select "Register" to begin the application
Complete all required fields and submit
In most cases, you will receive your withholding tax account number by email within 1–2 business days
2. Register via One Stop Business Registration
Follow the prompts to register your business with multiple agencies including DOR and DWD
Receive account confirmations from each agency separately
3. Register by Mail
Submit by mail to the address provided on the form
Processing time is approximately 15 business days
Update your Buddy Punch account with your Wisconsin Withholding Tax Account Number. This ID is required for all Wisconsin Department of Revenue interactions to ensure your account is accurate.
For questions, contact the Wisconsin DOR at (608) 266-2776.
Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Tax
Registration Steps
1. Register Online via UI Employer Services
Click on "Register" and complete the business application
You’ll receive a confirmation and your SUI account number upon approval
2. Register via One Stop Business Registration
Complete your registration for both DWD and DOR through a single portal
3. Register by Mail
Fill out Form UCT-1-E, Wisconsin Employer Report
Submit by mail to the address listed on the form
Update your Buddy Punch account with your Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Account Number. This ID is required for all DWD interactions to ensure your account is accurate.
For assistance, contact the Wisconsin DWD at (414) 438-7705 or via their UI Employer Help Center.