Formation of partnership
Wis. Stat. § 178.0202
in effect(1) Except as otherwise provided in sub. (2), the association of 2 or more persons to carry on, as co-owners, a business for profit forms a partnership, whether or not the persons intend to form a partnership.
(2) An association whose governing law is other than the law of this state is not a partnership under this chapter.
(3) In determining whether a partnership is formed, the following rules apply:
(a) Joint tenancy, tenancy in common, tenancy by the entireties, joint property, common property, or part ownership does not by itself establish a partnership, even if the co-owners share profits made by the use of the property.
(b) The sharing of gross returns does not by itself establish a partnership, even if the persons sharing them have a joint or common right or interest in property from which the returns are derived.
(c) A person who receives a share of the profits of a business is presumed to be a partner in the business, unless the profits were received in payment of or for any of the following:
1. A debt by installments or otherwise.
2. Services as an independent contractor or wages or other compensation to an employee.
3. Rent.
4. An annuity or other retirement or health benefit to a deceased or retired partner or a beneficiary, representative, or designee of a deceased or retired partner.
5. Interest or other charge on a loan, even if the amount of payment varies with the profits of the business, including a direct or indirect present or future ownership of the collateral, or rights to income, proceeds, or increase in value derived from the collateral.
6. The sale of the goodwill of a business or other property by installments or otherwise.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/178.0202Fetched: 10/7/2026