How to Start an LLC in Illinois (2026): Cost, Steps & Timeline
Forming an LLC in Illinois costs $150 in state filing fees, paid to the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services. Processing takes about 5–10 business days for online filings. FilingsHQ prepares and files everything for $0 in service fees — you pay only the state fee.
What a Illinois LLC costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $150 | Paid to the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services; required |
| Expedited processing | Varies | $100 for 24-hour expedited processing |
| Annual Report | $75 | Before the first day of your anniversary month each year |
| Registered agent | $0–$199/yr | Free if you serve as your own; $199/yr with FilingsHQ |
| FilingsHQ service fee | $0 | Starter package — preparation, review, and submission included |
Answer a few questions; we prepare, review, and file with the state.
Step-by-step: forming your Illinois LLC
1. Choose a name
Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing Illinois businesses and include a designator like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. Check availability using the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services’s business search before you file — a rejected name means starting over.
2. Appoint a registered agent
Illinois requires every LLC to name a registered agent: a person or company with a physical street address in the state (no P.O. boxes) available during business hours to receive legal documents. You can be your own agent, but your address becomes public record — many owners use a professional service to keep their home address private.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The formation document in Illinois is the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5), filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services (online via ilsos.gov). The filing fee is $150. About 5–10 business days for online filings. $100 for 24-hour expedited processing.
4. Get an EIN
An Employer Identification Number is your LLC’s federal tax ID — you’ll need it to open a business bank account and hire employees. The IRS issues EINs for free at irs.gov; FilingsHQ’s Pro and Premium packages handle the application for you.
5. Create an operating agreement
Illinois doesn’t require you to file an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one — it documents ownership, profit splits, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks and investors routinely ask for it.
6. Stay compliant
File your annual report ($75) — due before the first day of your anniversary month each year. Missing it can lead to late fees or administrative dissolution.
Illinois specifics to know
Illinois is one of the states that allows series LLCs, though forming one costs more ($400) than a standard LLC.
Series LLCs: Illinois permits series LLCs — a structure where one parent LLC holds multiple protected “series.” Useful for real-estate investors holding several properties; most first-time businesses don’t need one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
The Illinois state filing fee is $150. With FilingsHQ's Starter package the service fee is $0, so $150 is the total to form your LLC. Ongoing costs: Annual Report — $75.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
About 5–10 business days for online filings. $100 for 24-hour expedited processing.
Do I need a registered agent in Illinois?
Yes. Every Illinois LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and government documents. You can serve as your own agent, appoint someone you know, or use a professional service like FilingsHQ ($199/yr).
Does Illinois require an annual report?
Yes. Annual Report: $75, due before the first day of your anniversary month each year.
Where do I file my LLC in Illinois?
LLC formations in Illinois are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, using the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5). Online filings go through ilsos.gov. FilingsHQ prepares and submits this filing for you.
Illinois LLC for $0 + the $150 state fee. Every cost shown before you pay.
Nearby states
Keep reading
FilingsHQ is a private document filing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal or tax advice. Fees and processing times are set by the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services and may change — always confirm current figures with the state. Last verified July 2026.