How to Form an LLC in Illinois (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Illinois LLC: state filing fee ($150), processing time (10 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Illinois, file the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State (fee: $150), appoint a registered agent with a Illinois street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 10 business days. The annual annual report is $75, due First day of anniversary month. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $374 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Illinois LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Illinois LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois SoS filing fee | $150 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$100 | Reduces wait to 24 hours |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $374 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Annual Report | $75/yr | Due First day of anniversary month |
The 7-Step Illinois LLC Formation Process
Every Illinois LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Illinois LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Illinois entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Illinois Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Illinois registered agent
Illinois requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Illinois Secretary of State with a $150 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $100 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 10 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Illinois taxes and licenses
Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Illinois LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
4.95% flat personal income tax on pass-through LLC members. Personal Property Replacement Tax of 1.5% on LLCs treated as partnerships.
Franchise tax: No LLC franchise tax (repealed 2024). 9.5% corporate income tax if C-Corp elected.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Illinois LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Illinois
- Series LLC available with only one master filing fee — good for real estate portfolios.
- Chicago is the third-largest US market with access to national logistics and finance.
- Franchise tax on LLCs was repealed in 2024, reducing recurring costs.
Things to watch for in Illinois
- Illinois has a hidden 1.5% Personal Property Replacement Tax on LLCs taxed as partnerships — often missed by out-of-state accountants.
- Chicago's home-rule taxes and licenses stack on top of state requirements — factor an extra $500-$1,500 first year for city registration.
Top industries for Illinois LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Illinois)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $299 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $150+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $319+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $876+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $514+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $349+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($150) is paid to Illinois and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Illinois, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Illinois to nearby states
Ready to form your Illinois LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $150 paid directly to Illinois. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.