How Much Does an LLC Cost in Illinois?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Illinois. The all-in cost is $150 if you file online or $500 if you file by paper : making online filing the clear winner. This guide breaks down every fee you’ll encounter so you can budget accurately for your Illinois LLC formation.

Illinois offers one of the most straightforward fee structures in the country, with no publication requirements or mandatory operating agreement filing fees. However, understanding the difference between online and paper filing could save you $350 right from the start.

Illinois LLC Formation Fee Breakdown

Illinois charges different fees depending on how you file your Articles of Organization. Here’s the complete breakdown of state-required fees:

Core Filing Fees

Articles of Organization Filing Fee:

• Online filing: $150
• Paper filing: $500

The $350 difference makes online filing a no-brainer. The Illinois Secretary of State strongly encourages online filing through their electronic system, and you’ll get the same legal protection whether you file online or by paper.

Source: Illinois Secretary of State LLC Guide, verified March 2026

Optional Services and Additional Fees

Name Reservation: $300 (optional)
Reserve your LLC name for up to 90 days before filing. This is helpful if you need time to prepare your formation documents but want to secure your preferred name.

Expedited Processing: $100 additional
Rush your filing for faster processing. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days, while expedited service processes your application within 1-2 business days.

Certificate of Good Standing: $25
Official document proving your LLC is in good standing with the state. Banks and business partners sometimes request this document.

Ongoing Annual Fees

Annual Report: $75
Due every year in your LLC’s anniversary month. This keeps your LLC in good standing and updates your registered agent information.

Other State Fees You Might Encounter

Foreign LLC Registration: $150
If you form your LLC in another state but want to do business in Illinois, you’ll pay this fee to register as a foreign LLC.

Amendment Fee: $150
Change your LLC’s name, registered agent, or other filed information.

Dissolution Fee: $100
Officially close your LLC when you’re ready to wind down operations.

Registered Agent Change: $25
Update your registered agent information if you switch to a new agent.

DBA Fees in Illinois

If you plan to operate under a name different from your registered LLC name, you’ll need to file a DBA (Doing Business As) registration. Illinois has a unique DBA fee structure that varies by year:

• Years ending in 0 or 5: $150
• Years ending in 1 or 6: $120
• Years ending in 2 or 7: $90
• Years ending in 3 or 8: $60
• Years ending in 4 or 9: $30

The fee decreases as you get closer to the next publication period, which occurs every five years.

Series LLC Option

Illinois allows Series LLCs, which let you create multiple “series” under one master LLC structure. The filing fee for a Series LLC is $750, significantly higher than a standard LLC but potentially cost-effective if you need multiple business entities.

Total First-Year Cost Comparison

Here’s what you’ll actually pay to get your Illinois LLC up and running in your first year:

DIY Route (Minimum Cost)

• Articles of Organization (online): $150
• Registered Agent (self-serve): $0
• Operating Agreement (free template): $0
• EIN from IRS (free): $0

Total DIY Cost: $150

Professional Formation Service Route

• State filing fee: $150
• Formation service: $0-$39 (most services offer $0 plans)
• Registered agent (included): $125+ value
• Operating Agreement template: Included
• EIN filing assistance: Included

Total Service Cost: $150-$189

Why Professional Formation Services Make Sense

While you can certainly file your Illinois LLC yourself for just $150, most business owners find that professional formation services offer excellent value for a small additional cost.

Time Savings

Formation services handle all the paperwork, filing, and follow-up with the state. Instead of navigating the Illinois Secretary of State website and ensuring you complete every field correctly, you answer a few simple questions and they handle the rest.

Registered Agent Included

Every Illinois LLC needs a registered agent : someone available during business hours to receive legal documents. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, but professional services include registered agent service (worth $125+ annually) in their packages.

Accuracy and Compliance

Formation services specialize in LLC filings and know exactly how to complete your Articles of Organization correctly. They also track important deadlines like your annual report due date and send reminders.

Additional Business Services

Most formation services can help you obtain your EIN, set up business banking relationships, and provide ongoing compliance support : all services you’d otherwise need to coordinate separately.

Top Formation Service Providers for Illinois LLCs

Here are the most reliable formation services for Illinois LLCs, based on processing speed, customer service, and included features:

Northwest Registered Agent: $39 + state filing fee, same-day filing, excellent customer service and registered agent service included.

ZenBusiness: $0 + state filing fee for their Starter plan, 2-3 weeks standard processing with rush options available.

Bizee: $0 + state filing fee, next business day processing, user-friendly platform with good customer support.

LegalZoom: $0 + state filing fee for Basic plan, 7-10 business days processing, established brand with comprehensive business services.

Hidden Costs to Avoid

Watch out for these common upcharges that inflate your LLC formation costs unnecessarily:

EIN Filing Services

The IRS provides EINs completely free through their online system. Some services charge $50-$300 to obtain your EIN, but this is pure markup for a 10-minute process you can complete yourself.

Operating Agreement Upgrades

While having an operating agreement is smart, you don’t need to pay $200+ for a “customized” template. Basic templates work fine for most single-member or simple multi-member LLCs.

Unnecessary Name Searches

You can search Illinois LLC names for free through the Secretary of State website. Don’t pay extra for name availability reports.

Setting Up Your Business Banking

Once your Illinois LLC is approved, you’ll need a business bank account to maintain the separation between your personal and business finances : a key requirement for preserving your LLC’s liability protection.

Most banks require your Articles of Organization and EIN to open a business account. Look for accounts with no monthly fees and good online banking features to keep your ongoing costs low.

Illinois LLC Tax Implications

Illinois LLCs face several tax considerations that affect your overall costs:

Illinois Personal Property Replacement Tax

Illinois charges a 2.5% Personal Property Replacement Tax on LLC income over $1,000. This applies to all LLCs conducting business in Illinois, regardless of where they’re formed.

State Income Tax

Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax rate. As an LLC owner, you’ll report your share of LLC profits on your personal tax return and pay Illinois income tax on that amount.

For complete details on Illinois LLC tax requirements, see our comprehensive guide to Illinois LLC taxes.

Business License Requirements

Depending on your business type and location, you may need additional licenses or permits beyond your LLC formation. These costs vary significantly by industry and municipality.

Common licenses include:

• City business license: $25-$500+ annually
• Professional licenses: Varies by profession
• Sales tax permit: Free in Illinois
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Required if you have employees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I form an Illinois LLC myself?

Yes, you can file your Illinois LLC formation documents yourself through the Secretary of State’s online system. The process is straightforward, but many business owners prefer formation services for the convenience and included registered agent service.

How much does it cost to maintain an Illinois LLC annually?

The minimum annual cost is $75 for your annual report. If you use a professional registered agent service, add approximately $125. Your total annual maintenance cost typically ranges from $75-$200.

Is there a difference in legal protection between online and paper filing?

No, your LLC receives identical legal protection whether you file online for $150 or by paper for $500. The only difference is cost and processing time.

Do I need an operating agreement in Illinois?

Illinois doesn’t require you to file an operating agreement with the state, but having one is highly recommended. An operating agreement clarifies ownership, management structure, and operational procedures for your LLC.

When is my annual report due?

Your Illinois LLC annual report is due during your anniversary month : the month you originally filed your Articles of Organization. The fee is $75 and you can file online through the Secretary of State website.

Can I change my registered agent later?

Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State. The fee is $25 for a registered agent change.

Getting Started

Illinois offers one of the most affordable and straightforward LLC formation processes in the United States. With a $150 online filing fee and no publication requirements, you can get your business entity established quickly and affordably.

The key decision is whether to file yourself or use a formation service. For most business owners, the small additional cost of a formation service provides significant value through included registered agent service, accuracy guarantees, and ongoing compliance support.

For step-by-step formation instructions, see our complete guide on how to start an LLC in Illinois. The process typically takes 5-10 business days, and you’ll have a fully formed business entity ready to operate in the Prairie State.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.