Key Takeaways

  • The IL SOS Corp system allows business owners to search for corporations and LLCs, verify name availability, and obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
  • You can use the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) online services to register new entities, file annual reports, and update company information.
  • The Articles of Incorporation must be filed through IL SOS to legally establish a corporation in Illinois.
  • Understanding IL SOS functions, fees, and filing requirements helps ensure compliance with Illinois business law.
  • Corporations must maintain records, follow bylaws, and file annual reports with IL SOS to stay in good standing.

What is IL SOS Corp?

IL SOS Corp is the website operated by the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State to search for the Certificate of Good Standing for corporations and LLCs. A Certificate of Good Standing shows that a business has satisfied all of the necessary requirements as outlined by the state. You can purchase a Certificate of Good Standing from the website and print it after the certificate has been purchased.

How the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) Supports Business Owners

The Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) oversees business registration, recordkeeping, and compliance for corporations and LLCs operating in Illinois. Through its Corporation/LLC Division, IL SOS maintains public records of all registered business entities and ensures that each complies with the Illinois Business Corporation Act and related laws.

The IL SOS website offers essential tools for entrepreneurs, including:

  • Business Services Portal for online filings, amendments, and renewals.
  • Entity Search Database to check existing business names and corporate standing.
  • Filing Resources and Forms, such as Articles of Incorporation, Annual Reports, and Name Reservation Requests.

The IL SOS Corp search system simplifies access to these services, allowing business owners to manage registration and compliance online rather than by mail or in person.

Maintaining compliance through IL SOS is critical to protect your business status and avoid administrative dissolution. Failure to file required documents or pay fees can result in suspension of your right to operate within the state.

Steps to Use IL SOS Corp

1. Visit the IL SOS corp search website at https://www.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/.

  • This system utilizes the CyberDrive system to allow you to search a publicly available database of existing business entities.

2. Next, you can search the database with a filing number or name.

3. If you are just starting a business, you can use IL SOS Corp to search to see if a business name is available in real time.

  • New entity names must be distinguishable from other corporations and LLCs.
  • If you discover that your proposed entity name available, you can submit a Name Reservation Form.

4. You can request the Certificate of Good Standing for any LLC or corporation that meets the requirements set forth by the state of Illinois for businesses.

  • If the business satisfied all requirements in the file detail report, you can buy a Certificate of Good Standing online to print out immediately.
  • You can also purchase a Certificate of Good Standing by fax, which costs $2 more and requires a fax order form.
  • You can order a Certificate of Good Standing by telephone with a phone representative, where you can pay via credit card.
  • Lastly, you can purchase the Certificate of Good Standing in person, though you'll have to pay a $20 counter service fee.

Filing Articles of Incorporation Through IL SOS

To form a corporation in Illinois, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the IL SOS Business Services Division. This document establishes your corporation as a legal entity and includes key details such as:

  • Corporate name (must be unique and include an appropriate corporate designator).
  • Registered agent name and address.
  • Principal office address.
  • Purpose of the corporation.
  • Number of authorized shares and share classes.
  • Names and addresses of initial directors.

You can file online via the IL SOS online filing system or by mailing a completed form to the Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Springfield, IL 62756. The filing fee for Articles of Incorporation starts at $150, depending on share structure and additional services.

Once filed and approved, IL SOS issues a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming the company’s legal existence. The corporation must then hold its organizational meeting, adopt bylaws, and issue stock certificates to shareholders.

Maintaining Good Standing With IL SOS

To remain active, corporations must maintain compliance by filing annual reports and paying applicable fees. The IL SOS Annual Report confirms current ownership, registered agent, and business information. It must be filed by the first day of the corporation’s anniversary month each year.

If a business fails to file the annual report or pay required fees, IL SOS may issue a Notice of Intent to Dissolve. Restoring a dissolved corporation typically requires paying penalties and filing past-due reports.

Corporations can confirm their Good Standing status using the IL SOS Corp Search. A Certificate of Good Standing can be purchased for official use, such as applying for loans, contracts, or out-of-state registration.

Common IL SOS Business Filings and Forms

The IL SOS Corp portal provides access to a variety of essential business filings, including:

  • Annual Report filings for corporations and LLCs.
  • Articles of Amendment to update company information or structure.
  • Assumed Name Applications for DBA registration.
  • Registered Agent/Office Change Forms.
  • Articles of Dissolution for closing a corporation or LLC.

Most forms are available as PDFs and can be submitted online or by mail. Many business owners prefer online filing for faster processing and instant confirmation.

IL SOS Contact Information and Resources

Business owners can contact the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services for assistance with corporation or LLC matters.

Key contacts include:

  • Business Services Department (Corporations/LLCs): (217) 782-6961
  • Corporation Division Address: 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350, Springfield, IL 62756
  • Website: https://www.ilsos.gov

For filings, IL SOS offices in both Springfield and Chicago provide counter services (an additional $20 fee applies).

If you are uncertain about your filing type or status, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel’s marketplace to connect with experienced Illinois business attorneys who can assist with IL SOS filings and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is IL SOS?
    IL SOS refers to the Illinois Secretary of State, the government agency responsible for business registrations, annual reports, and Certificates of Good Standing in Illinois.
  2. How can I check if a business name is available in Illinois?
    You can search for name availability using the IL SOS Corporation/LLC Name Search Tool at ilsos.gov/corporatellc.
  3. What documents do I need to form a corporation with IL SOS?
    You’ll need to file Articles of Incorporation, designate a registered agent, and pay the filing fee.
  4. How do I stay in good standing with IL SOS?
    File annual reports on time, keep your registered agent information current, and pay all required state fees.
  5. What is the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing?
    The standard fee is $25 online, with an additional $2 for fax requests and a $20 counter service fee for in-person orders.

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