I've formed multiple LLCs in Illinois -- Prairie State Counseling LLC, Triple R Rentals LLC -- and I also run an S-corp. I'm not a lawyer. I'm a business owner in Springfield who figured this stuff out the hard way and wrote it down so you don't have to.
Filing an LLC in Illinois costs $150. You fill out the Articles of Organization on the Secretary of State's website, pick a registered agent, and wait about a week. That's basically it.
The hard part isn't the form. It's all the stuff nobody tells you about -- like what to put in the "purpose" field, what happens if your name is already taken, and why your bank will ask for an operating agreement you probably don't have yet.
Everything I wish someone had told me before I filed my first LLC
The main guide. Step-by-step instructions, exact costs, actual SOS forms, and the mistakes I made so you don't have to.
Start HereI run both. Here's when an LLC makes sense, when to elect S-corp status, and how to think about the self-employment tax question.
Tax GuideThe $150 filing fee is just the start. Annual reports, registered agent fees, EIN -- here's the real total for year one and beyond.
Cost BreakdownEverything you need to gather before you file: name availability, registered agent info, EIN, operating agreement. Don't start without this.
Step-by-StepI used my accountant, not a lawyer. Here's when you can do it yourself, when to get help, and what "help" actually costs.
Legal GuideIllinois doesn't require one, but your bank will. And if you have partners, you'll wish you had one when disagreements come up.
Essential
The stuff that trips people up after they file
Illinois charges $75/year and they will dissolve your LLC if you forget. I almost learned this the hard way. Here's how to stay on top of it.
Don't Miss ThisYou can be your own registered agent (free) or pay someone ($100-300/year). Here's how to decide and what to watch out for.
Decision GuideGoing solo or bringing in partners? The tax treatment is different and the operating agreement matters a lot more with multiple members.
Structure Guide
The numbers you need to know
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $150 | One-time filing fee (was $500 before 2024) |
| Annual Report | $75/year | Due on your LLC anniversary date each year |
| EIN from IRS | $0 | Free -- don't pay a third-party service for this |
| Registered Agent | $0-300/year | Free if you do it yourself, $100-300 for a service |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | Flat rate on LLC income (pass-through) |
| Processing Time | 5-10 days | Standard online filing |
I'm not writing from a template. I've filed LLCs in Illinois, dealt with the Secretary of State's office, figured out annual reports, and made the mistakes so you can skip them.
I'm not selling formation services. I run ads to cover hosting costs. That's it. Every guide is free because that's the point -- this information shouldn't cost $500.
I'm a business owner, not a lawyer. I write like I'd explain it to a friend at a coffee shop. If something is confusing, that's my fault and I want to fix it.
