Illinois LLC formation starts with a $150 Articles of Organization filing fee, positioning the state competitively within the Midwest region while providing reliable processing and comprehensive business infrastructure. The state maintains consistent pricing across filing methods and eliminates surprise charges like publication requirements that burden business owners in neighboring states.
Understanding Illinois's complete cost structure helps you budget accurately from formation through ongoing compliance. Beyond the required filing fee, you'll encounter registered agent costs, optional professional services, and annual maintenance expenses that vary based on your business complexity and location within Illinois.
Illinois mandates specific expenses before your LLC can legally operate, with transparent pricing that eliminates unexpected charges during the formation process.
Illinois charges the same $150 fee for both online and paper submissions, with no additional processing surcharges or expedited fees that increase formation costs. This straightforward approach eliminates the publication requirements and variable pricing that complicate formation in states like New York.
Beyond Illinois's mandatory requirements, several optional expenses can streamline your formation process or provide ongoing operational benefits, though they're not legally required for basic LLC operation.
Illinois attorneys typically charge $500-$2,000 for comprehensive LLC formation packages including custom operating agreements, compliance guidance, and tax planning consultation. For simpler formations, basic legal packages start around $300-$500.
CPA consultations cost $150-$500 and often prevent costly tax mistakes during your first year of operations, particularly valuable for multi-member LLCs or businesses expecting significant revenue.
Online formation companies offer budget-friendly alternatives with basic packages starting at $50 in service fees (plus Illinois's $150 state fee), while premium services, including registered agent and compliance tracking, add $200-$400 annually.
Several optional filings may benefit your business depending on your operational needs and timeline requirements:
Illinois municipalities impose separate business licensing requirements ranging from under $100 in smaller towns to over $1,000 in Chicago, varying significantly by industry and location. Professional services may require additional state licensing through regulatory boards, adding ongoing compliance costs beyond basic LLC maintenance.
After formation, recurring expenses begin to maintain your Illinois LLC's good standing. You need to budget for several ongoing obligations that keep your business compliant. Miss any of these deadlines and you'll face late penalties, potential dissolution, or loss of ability to conduct business.
Illinois doesn't charge a separate franchise tax on LLCs, which saves you from the fixed fees owners face in states like California. Still, ignoring the modest obligations that do exist can knock your company out of good standing.
Are there hidden fees when forming an Illinois LLC?
Illinois maintains transparent state-level pricing, though local requirements can add significant costs. Chicago licensing can exceed $1,000 for certain industries, while rural municipalities typically charge under $100. Banks may require Certificates of Good Standing ($25) for account opening.
Can I get refunds if my filing is rejected?
Illinois doesn't provide refunds once processing begins, but allows correction and resubmission without additional fees if documents are rejected for errors or omissions.
How do Illinois costs compare to neighboring states?
Illinois sits on the pricier side in the Midwest. Indiana charges $95 for filing with a $50 annual report, Missouri charges $50 with no annual report, and Wisconsin charges $130 with a $25 annual report. Illinois hits you with $150 for filing and $75 annually.
Can I serve as my own registered agent to save money?
Yes, if you maintain an Illinois street address and can be available during business hours. This eliminates annual agent fees but puts your address on public record and requires consistent availability.
Discern automates Illinois LLC formation filings, provides professional registered agent services, and manages annual report deadlines across all 51 jurisdictions from a single platform.
Ready to eliminate formation cost uncertainty? Book a demo with Discern today.
.png)
.png){kind=small}