LLC Formation
Illinois LLC Formation: Articles, Costs and Annual Reports
Illinois LLC formation generally requires articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State. The standard filing fee for an ordinary domestic LLC is $150. Series LLCs and optional expedited processing have different charges, so choose the correct entity and service before comparing prices.
Illinois LLC formation generally requires articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State. The standard filing fee for an ordinary domestic LLC is $150. Series LLCs and optional expedited processing have different charges, so choose the correct entity and service before comparing prices.
The state's Guide for Organizing Domestic Limited Liability Companies explains the filing requirements and fees. This article covers an ordinary LLC rather than a series or a specialized professional structure.
Illinois LLC formation: prepare the required information
Choose a compliant, distinguishable name and appoint an eligible Illinois registered agent with a qualifying registered office. Prepare the principal-place-of-business information, purpose, duration if relevant and management details requested by the form.
The organizer submits the formation document. That role does not automatically establish ownership. Keep the actual members and interests in the company records and operating agreement.
Before filing, compare your management choice with the member-managed versus manager-managed guide. Do not list a person as a manager simply because they are helping submit the paperwork.
Submit the ordinary LLC articles
Use the current LLC-5.5 route for an ordinary domestic LLC and review all required fields. Select expedited processing only if it fits your needs and the available route. Save the submission reference, accepted articles and payment record separately.
| Expense | Planning point |
|---|---|
| Ordinary articles | $150 standard state fee |
| Series LLC filing | Different filing and fee; not covered here |
| Expedited processing | Additional charge if selected |
| Agent or provider | Separate private service cost |
| Annual report | Budget the ordinary $75 state fee |
A provider quote should make clear whether the state fee is already included. The DIY versus service comparison offers a useful way to compare the same tasks.
Keep the annual report distinct from taxes
Illinois LLCs have an annual report requirement. The state guide explains the anniversary-based filing period and late consequences. Check the company's actual due date and file within the required period rather than waiting for a tax preparer's reminder.
The annual report updates entity information. Federal returns, Illinois tax obligations and any sales or payroll accounts require their own assessment. Our annual report versus tax return guide keeps those responsibilities separate.
Adopt an agreement that fits the business
Record management, contributions, distributions, admission of new members and departure procedures. Two owners should address signing authority and deadlocks before they begin sharing revenue.
Obtain the EIN where required, prepare bank documentation and confirm activity-specific licenses. For a professional practice, verify whether the ordinary LLC route is appropriate before relying on this general guide.
Plan for operations beyond Illinois
An Illinois LLC conducting business elsewhere may need additional registration. A company already formed outside Illinois may instead need admission to transact business in Illinois, rather than a new domestic LLC. Read foreign qualification before creating another entity.
Contact PrimeRegister with your business activity, owner count and operating locations for help coordinating formation administration. Ask for the filing, renewal and optional service costs in writing.
Prefer to arrange the Illinois formation through Fiverr? Review our LLC formation gig on Fiverr (IncorpoDesk) and describe your planned Illinois company before ordering. Confirm the package deliverables, government charges and any additional services in writing.
