Form4: Wisconsin Non-Combined Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return (2024)

Who files this form

Form 4 is Wisconsin’s Non-Combined Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return for tax year 2024.

Do not use this form if filing as a combined group. The form text does not provide detailed rules for determining which corporations must file.

When it's due

For tax year 2024, the form states that the return is generally due on the 15th day of the 4th month following the close of the taxable year. It refers filers to the instructions for details.

If you have an extension of time to file, check item E and enter the federal extended due date.

What you'll need

• A copy of your federal return. You must file it with Form 4, even if you had no Wisconsin activity. Form 4 uses income and asset amounts from federal Form 1120.
• Corporation information: name, address, federal employer identification number, business activity (NAICS) code, and state and year of incorporation.
• Applicable Wisconsin schedules and forms: Schedule 4V for additions, Schedule 4W for subtractions, Form N for nonapportionable and separately apportioned income, an apportionment schedule, Form 4BL for loss carryforwards, Schedule CR for credits, Schedule 4I for insurance company adjustments, and Form U for interest, penalties, and late fees.
• Conditional attachments: Schedule AR for an amended return; Schedule RT if required for related entity expenses; and Schedule DE if the corporation is the sole owner of any limited liability companies.
• Federal disclosures, if filed with the IRS: enclose Schedule UTP and Form 8886.
• Figures requested on the return: payments, withholding, gross receipts, tangible property, payroll, and sales, receipts, or premiums used in the apportionment ratio.

How to file

The form refers to electronic filing but does not provide electronic filing steps.

If you are not filing electronically, make your check payable to Wisconsin Department of Revenue and mail your return to:

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

PO Box 8908

Madison WI 53708-8908

Complete the paper form using black ink. Do not staple or bind it. Use a paper clip to attach a check or money order in the marked space.

Include your federal return and applicable attachments. Complete the officer’s signature, title, and date fields, along with preparer information if applicable.

Common mistakes

• Using Form 4 for a combined group. The form explicitly says not to do this.
• Leaving out the federal return. A copy is required even if there was no Wisconsin activity.
• Formatting amounts incorrectly. Use a minus sign for negative numbers, not parentheses. Do not enter commas or cents. Leave a line blank if there is no entry.
• Stapling or binding the return. The form says not to staple or bind and to use black ink.
• Entering too much loss carryforward. Line 14 must not exceed line 13.
• Entering negative net tax on line 20. If credits on line 19 exceed gross tax on line 18, enter zero on line 20.
• Forgetting conditional attachments. Include Schedule AR for an amended return, Schedule DE when item 45 is answered yes, and federal Schedule UTP or Form 8886 if filed with the IRS.

Questions people ask

Must I include my federal return if I had no Wisconsin activity?

Yes. The form requires a copy of your federal return even if there was no Wisconsin activity.

Can I apply an overpayment to next year’s estimated tax?

Yes. On line 35, enter the amount of your overpayment from line 34 that you want credited to 2025 estimated tax. The remaining amount goes on line 36 as your refund.

What if the corporation is the sole owner of an LLC?

Answer yes to item 45 and submit Schedule DE. Item 46 asks whether you included the listed LLCs’ income in this return.

Can I let another person discuss the return with the department?

Yes. Select yes in the Third Party Designee section and provide the designee’s name, phone number, and personal identification number (PIN).

Official sources

• https://www.revenue.wi.gov/TaxForms2024/2024-Form4.pdf