Illinois LLC: How to Form an LLC in Illinois (2026)

Learn how to form an LLC in Illinois in 2026. We cover name rules, registered agent requirements, Articles of Organization, annual report, and EIN steps.

Forming an LLC in Illinois is a smart move for small business owners who want liability protection and flexible management. You file your Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State, and the process can be done online. This guide walks through every step, from picking a name to getting your EIN, so you can start your business the right way.

Why form an LLC in Illinois

Illinois LLCs offer pass-through taxation, so the business itself does not pay federal income tax. Profits and losses flow to your personal return, avoiding the double taxation of C corporations. You also get personal liability protection that keeps your personal assets separate from business debts.

Illinois is a major business hub with a large economy and strong access to markets. Whether you are opening a restaurant in Chicago or running an online business from anywhere in the state, an LLC is a solid structure for most small businesses. For more on the state, visit our Illinois business hub, and for the general process, see our LLC formation overview.

Choose a name for your Illinois LLC

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other names on file with the Secretary of State and must include a designator like LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. You can search the state's business database for free to check availability.

• Include an LLC designator in the name.
• Avoid words that imply a bank, insurance, or other regulated business.
• You can reserve a name for up to 90 days before filing.

Appoint a registered agent

Every Illinois LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in Illinois. The agent accepts legal documents and official mail on your behalf. You can act as your own agent if you have an Illinois street address, or you can use a registered agent service for privacy.

Your agent must be available during normal business hours. If you change agents or move, you must update your records with the Secretary of State. Keeping this current protects you from missing important legal notices.

File your Articles of Organization

The core filing is the Articles of Organization, submitted to the Illinois Secretary of State. You can file online or by mail. The form asks for your LLC name, the registered agent's name and address, and the names of the organizers.

The filing fee is typically around $150, though you should check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State's website. Online filings are usually processed within a few business days.

File your annual report

Illinois requires every LLC to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report confirms your business name, address, and registered agent information. The fee is typically around $75, and it is due by the first day of your LLC's anniversary month each year.

• File online through the Secretary of State's portal.
• Confirm your business name, address, and registered agent.
• Pay the annual report fee, typically around $75.

Missing the deadline can lead to penalties or administrative dissolution, so put it on your calendar. Our annual report guide explains how to stay current.

Get an EIN and what it costs

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID from the IRS. You need one if your LLC has more than one member, plans to hire employees, or wants to open a business bank account. The EIN is free and issued immediately when you apply online. Even single-member LLCs without employees often get an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate.

Startup costs are moderate. The main expense is the Articles of Organization filing fee, typically around $150. You will also pay the annual report fee of about $75 each year. A registered agent service adds a separate annual cost if you use one.

After your LLC is approved, draft an operating agreement to define ownership and management, even though Illinois does not require one. For the full process from scratch, read our how to start an LLC guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Illinois?

The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Illinois is typically around $150, and the annual report fee is about $75. You should check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State's website. Registered agent services add a separate annual cost if you use one.

Does an Illinois LLC need to file an annual report?

Yes. Illinois requires every LLC to file an annual report with the Secretary of State, due by the first day of your LLC's anniversary month each year. The fee is typically around $75. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties or administrative dissolution.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Illinois?

Online filings with the Illinois Secretary of State are usually processed within a few business days. Mail filings take longer. You can pay an additional fee for expedited processing if you need your LLC approved faster.

Do I need a registered agent for my Illinois LLC?

Yes. Every Illinois LLC must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own agent if you have an Illinois address, or you can hire a registered agent service to keep your personal address off public records.

Do I need an EIN for a single-member LLC in Illinois?

You need an EIN if your LLC has more than one member, hires employees, or opens a business bank account. A single-member LLC without employees can use the owner's Social Security number, but getting a free EIN from the IRS is still recommended.