How To Start An LLC In Illinois In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Illinois, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Prairie State.
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Illinois offers a balanced approach to LLC formation with reasonable costs and solid business protections. With a $150 state filing fee, a processing time of 10 business days (or 24 hours expedited), and annual reports at just $75, Illinois provides excellent value for entrepreneurs. Whether you're in Chicago, Springfield, or anywhere else in the Prairie State, you can establish your Illinois LLC efficiently.
Our top pick for Illinois LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer expedited processing for Illinois LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $150 Illinois state fee. With their expertise in Illinois business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Illinois LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Illinois LLC Services
Best Overall for Illinois ZenBusiness excels at Illinois LLC formation with their fast processing options and deep knowledge of Illinois-specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Illinois Secretary of State filing, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team understands Illinois's annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Illinois entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable, accurate filing
Pros
- Fast Illinois LLC filing with expedited options
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Illinois annual report reminder service included
- Expert support familiar with Illinois requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Illinois filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Great Value for Illinois Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers efficient Illinois LLC formation with fast processing options. They provide a free Illinois registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Illinois annual report deadlines based on your formation anniversary month. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want reliable service at a great value.
Best For:
Illinois businesses seeking excellent value and comprehensive tracking
Pros
- Fast Illinois processing available
- Free Illinois registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Illinois compliance
- Dashboard tracks Illinois annual report deadlines
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in IL LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Illinois business formation. Their attorney network includes Illinois-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Illinois businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Illinois businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Illinois law
- Rush filing available for Illinois
- Comprehensive Illinois legal forms library
- Phone support with Illinois expertise
- 30+ years serving Illinois businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Illinois registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Illinois Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Illinois LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Illinois's diverse business landscape, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Illinois business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Illinois creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Illinois business info
- Business cards with Illinois address
- Efficient Illinois processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Illinois business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for Illinois
Free Illinois Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Illinois LLC formation where you only pay the $150 state fee. They include a free Illinois registered agent for the first year and handle all Secretary of State filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Illinois entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Illinois entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Illinois LLC formation
- Free Illinois registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Illinois businesses
- Handles Illinois Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Illinois business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Illinois registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Illinois LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Illinois Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Illinois entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Illinois businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Illinois Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Illinois LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Illinois filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Illinois LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Illinois's $150 state filing fee. With fast turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Illinois LLC formation process.
Best For:
Illinois businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed fast Illinois formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Illinois-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Illinois LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Illinois-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Illinois business needs.
Best For:
Illinois businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Illinois-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Illinois processing available (additional fee)
- Illinois business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Illinois formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Illinois LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Illinois business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Illinois's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Illinois entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Illinois expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Illinois
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Illinois annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Illinois business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Illinois businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Illinois businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Illinois compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Illinois annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Illinois LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form an Illinois LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Illinois businesses
- ✓ Illinois Registered Agent: Required by law - must have an Illinois street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Illinois Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Illinois but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due before the first day of your anniversary month
Illinois LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $150 (reasonable compared to most states)
- • Registered Agent: $50-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $75 per year (due before anniversary month)
- • Expedited Processing: Additional $100 for 24-hour processing
- • Business License: Varies by city/county and business type
Illinois LLC Timeline
- • Name Check: Instant online check via Illinois Secretary of State
- • Standard Processing: 10 business days
- • Expedited Processing: 24 hours (additional $100 fee)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 10 business days with standard service
Why Form Your LLC in Illinois?
Economic Advantages
- • Large state economy
- • Central location for Midwest markets
- • Strong transportation infrastructure
- • Diverse business environment
Business Incentives
- • EDGE tax credit programs
- • High Impact Business incentives
- • Investment tax credits available
- • Business development support
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Limited liability protection
- • Flexible management structure
- • Pass-through taxation benefits
Administrative Benefits
- • Reasonable state filing fee ($150)
- • Low annual report cost ($75)
- • No publication requirement
- • Efficient online filing system
Illinois LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Illinois?
The Illinois state filing fee is $150. Additional costs include a registered agent ($50-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $75. Expedited processing adds $100. Most Illinois entrepreneurs spend between $150-$600 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Illinois LLC?
Yes, Illinois law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with an Illinois street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Illinois address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Some services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
Illinois standard processing takes 10 business days for LLC formation. However, you can get expedited processing for an additional $100 fee, which reduces the timeline to approximately 24 hours. Online filing through the Illinois Secretary of State website is generally faster than mail filing, and most formation services handle the entire process digitally.
What is Illinois's annual report requirement?
Illinois LLCs must file an annual report before the first day of their anniversary month each year. The report costs $75 and can be filed online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution after proper notice. Late fees of $100 apply if filed after the deadline.
Can I form an Illinois LLC if I don't live in Illinois?
Yes, you don't need to be an Illinois resident to form an Illinois LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with an Illinois street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Illinois LLCs?
Your Illinois LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability through the Illinois Secretary of State website. Certain words may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 90 days for a $25 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular Illinois Cities for LLCs
- • Chicago
- • Aurora
- • Joliet
- • Naperville
- • Springfield
- • Peoria
- • Bloomington
- • Champaign
- • Rockford
- • Elgin
- • Waukegan
- • DeKalb
- • Decatur
- • Quincy
- • Carbondale
- • Belleville
Ready to Start Your Illinois LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Illinois LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.