You can start an LLC in Illinois for as little as $150. That’s the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5), according to the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services. The fee goes to the state, and you can file it yourself with no middleman. An EIN from the IRS costs nothing.
A formation service is optional. This guide shows you how to start an LLC in Illinois step by step, and where paying for help might make sense.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois state fee to form an LLC is $150 (Form LLC-5.5).
- The annual report (Form LLC-50.1) costs $75 and is due every year before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month.
- An EIN is free from the IRS. Never pay a third party for one.
- You can file yourself. A formation service only adds its own fee on top of the state fee.
A quick definition first. An LLC (limited liability company) is a business structure registered with the state. You form one by filing a document called the Articles of Organization.
Illinois LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Form | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formation (Articles of Organization) | LLC-5.5 | $150 | One time, when you form |
| Annual report | LLC-50.1 | $75 | Every year, before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month |
| EIN | IRS online application | $0 | One time |
Sources: Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services (formation and annual report); IRS (EIN).
Curious how Illinois compares? Our LLC filing fees by state breakdown shows the range. For the big picture, the 7-step overview covers the whole process.
How to Start an LLC in Illinois: Step by Step
1. Choose and check your name
Pick a name, then run it through the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services business name search. You want to be sure another entity isn’t already using it.
Check the Secretary of State’s website for the naming rules, such as required wording like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company,” so your filing isn’t rejected. Also check that a matching web domain and social handles are available. The state doesn’t cover those.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three common options:
- Yourself, if you have a physical Illinois address and are available during business hours. Your name and address become part of the public record.
- Someone you trust who lives in Illinois and agrees to take on the role.
- A registered agent service, which charges a fee.
Check the Secretary of State’s website for the current registered agent requirements before you choose.
3. File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5)
File Form LLC-5.5 with the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services. The filing fee is $150. Check the Business Services website for current filing methods and processing times, since those can change.
Here’s a picture of how it plays out. Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to run a freelance design business. You pick a name, confirm it’s available, list yourself as registered agent, complete Form LLC-5.5, and pay $150.
That’s your entire required state cost to form.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC is run: who owns what share, who makes decisions, and how profits are split. A member is an owner of the LLC.
Even a single-member LLC benefits from having one, because it documents that you treat the business as separate from yourself. To find out whether Illinois requires one in your situation, check the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or the Illinois statute governing LLCs. You generally keep it in your records rather than filing it with the state.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get one directly from the agency in minutes, for free, and you never have to pay a fee for it.
Apply only at IRS.gov. Sites that charge for EINs are third parties, not the IRS. If you’re weighing tax treatment, our LLC vs. S corp guide explains the options.
6. Open a business bank account
Once your Articles of Organization are approved and your EIN is in hand, open a bank account in the LLC’s name. Keeping business and personal money separate supports your LLC’s liability protection. It also makes bookkeeping and taxes easier.
Banks typically ask for your formation documents, EIN, and operating agreement. Novo is one online business banking option to compare alongside your local bank or credit union. Compare fees and features before you choose.
7. File your annual report on time
The annual report (Form LLC-50.1) costs $75 and is due every year before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month, per the Illinois Secretary of State. Put the date on your calendar now. More on this below.
How to Start an LLC in Illinois Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
| Route | First-year cost |
|---|---|
| DIY through the Secretary of State | $150 state fee |
| With a formation service | $150 state fee + the service’s fee |
The state fee is the same either way. The service’s fee is the extra cost. It varies by provider and package, so check current pricing on the provider’s site.
So what does a service add? It prepares and submits your paperwork. It may offer registered agent service, and it may bundle extras like an operating agreement template or compliance reminders. If you want that convenience, Bizee is one option. You can read how the process works in our Bizee walkthrough, or compare providers side by side in our best LLC formation services roundup.
What can you skip? You never need to pay anyone for an EIN, and you can file Form LLC-5.5 yourself. If you’re comfortable filling out a short form, the DIY route costs only the state fee.
Keeping Your Illinois LLC in Good Standing
Forming the LLC isn’t a one-time task. The Illinois Secretary of State requires an annual report (Form LLC-50.1) with a $75 fee, due before the first day of your anniversary month each year. If you formed in March, for example, you’d file before March 1 each year.
The part people always miss is the calendar. Nobody sends you a reminder you can count on, so set your own.
For late fees or the consequences of missing the deadline, check the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services website, since penalties can change. Keep your registered agent’s information current too, and update the state if it changes.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5) is $150, according to the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services. An EIN is free from the IRS. Any formation service or registered agent service is an optional extra.
Do I need a lawyer or formation service to form an Illinois LLC?
No. You can file Form LLC-5.5 yourself with the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services. A service is a convenience, not a requirement.
How much is the Illinois LLC annual report?
The annual report (Form LLC-50.1) costs $75 and is due every year before the first day of the LLC’s anniversary month, according to the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. According to the IRS, you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free, and you never have to pay a fee for one. Apply at IRS.gov.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
Processing times change. Check the Illinois Secretary of State, Business Services website for current timelines for your filing method.
Your Next Step
Start with the 7-step overview to see where Illinois fits in the bigger process. Then check your name on the Illinois business name search before you do anything else. Also read our post on whether you still need to file a BOI report in 2026 so no federal requirement catches you off guard.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
