Wisconsin Will Soon Require Electronic Filing

Approximately three years ago, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions began using an electronic filing system. The Department reports that the majority franchise registration filings are made electronically today.

For those franchisors who are registering in Wisconsin this year, there is a change to the registration process for franchises in Wisconsin. The Division of Securities in Wisconsin will only accept franchise registrations filed electronically after May 31st, 2016. The Division has stated that it recognizes how busy March, April, and May are for franchises that make annual filings during this time so are not requiring electronic filings prior to May 31st, 2016. However, they encourage franchisors to become familiar with the electronic filing process now.