Key Takeaways

  • All Illinois corporations and LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State to maintain good standing.
  • The due date is before the first day of the anniversary month of formation.
  • Illinois corporations can file online or by mail, but changes to the registered agent or office require separate forms.
  • Failure to file can lead to late penalties, loss of good standing, and administrative dissolution.
  • Annual reports help confirm updated information such as officers, directors, registered agents, and addresses.
  • The Illinois corporate annual report must include essential business details, even for foreign corporations registered in Illinois.

What Is an Illinois Annual Report?

An Illinois Annual Report must be filed every year to keep the LLC in good standing and compliance if you own an LLC in the state of Illinois. LLCs have the option of filing their Annual Report online or by mail. Filing online is more expensive, but it only takes one to two business days for the report to get processed. It is less expensive to file by mail, but the processing time can take from 10 to 20 business days. 

Illinois LLC Annual Report Filing Fee

In the event the LLC is filing the Annual Report long before the due date, it's recommended to file by mail to save the $50 expediting fee. If the LLC is waiting until the last minute to file, it's highly recommended to file the report online for rapid processing. The fee for filing by mail is $250 and $300 for filing online. The extra $50 is added automatically and considered a fee for expedited filing. 

The filing fees for different corporation structures are as follows:

  • Domestic and foreign Illinois corporations and PCs: $25 along with a minimum franchise tax of $25
  • Illinois LLCs: $250
  • Non-profits based in Illinois: $10
  • Domestic and foreign LPs: $100
  • Illinois charities: $15

There is no filing fee for Illinois LLPs.

Illinois LLC Annual Report Filing and Due Date

The Illinois Annual Report is due before the first day of the anniversary month of the LLC's inception. For example, if the LLC was formed on September 16, the LLC has to file before September 1 of every year. An LLC can file up to 45 days before the date its Annual Report is due. 

Filing Requirements for Different Business Entity Types in Illinois

The filing requirements for Illinois annual reports differ depending on the business structure:

  • Corporations (Domestic and Foreign): $75 annual report fee plus minimum $25 franchise tax.
  • Professional Corporations (PCs): Same as standard corporations, but officers must hold appropriate professional licenses.
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): $250 annual filing fee.
  • Limited Partnerships (LPs): $100 annual report fee.
  • Nonprofits and Charities: $10–$15 annual report filing fee.
  • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs): No annual report filing fee.

All filings must be received before the first day of the anniversary month to avoid penalties. Businesses can file up to 45 days early to ensure timely processing.

Filing and Payment of Illinois Annual Report by Mail

To file your Annual Report, download this form from the Illinois Secretary of State's website. Fill out all relevant fields on the form including the name of the LLC along with the name and address of the Illinois Registered Agent for the LLC. Then enter the date the LLC was formed and fill in the principal office address for the LLC (PO boxes are disallowed). Enter the names and addresses of all members and managers of the LLC and mark them MGR for manager or MBR for member. 

Write out a check or money order for $250. Personal checks are accepted. Make all forms of payment payable to "Secretary of State." Mail the fee and completed Annual Report to:

  • Secretary of State Department of Business Services Limited Liability Division, 501 S. 2nd Street, Room 351, Springfield, IL 62756.

In the event the payment is denied, the Annual Report is void and the company's status is marked as "delinquent."

Processing Time and Verification for Annual Report Filed by Mail

The state will process the Annual Report within 10 to 20 business days of the day it is received. The canceled check serves as the receipt for the LLC. If you need an official receipt, you must also send two copies of the Annual Report and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The state will then mail an approved copy of the report to the LLC.

Consequences of Failing to File the Illinois Corporate Annual Report

Failing to file the Illinois corporate annual report on time can result in significant administrative and financial consequences:

  • Late penalties: A $300 late fee is assessed if the filing is more than 60 days overdue.
  • Loss of good standing: The business will appear as “Not in Good Standing” on state records, which can affect financing, contracts, and licensing.
  • Administrative dissolution: After 180 days, the company may be dissolved by the state.
  • Loss of name protection: Once dissolved, the company’s name becomes available for others to register.

Additionally, businesses that are not in good standing cannot obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, which may be required to secure loans, renew business licenses, or register in other states.

Filing promptly ensures uninterrupted business operations and compliance with Illinois corporate law.

Illinois Corporation Annual Report Guidelines

Up to six officers and six directors can be entered on the officer's list through the web form. One of these officers must file the Annual Report. The registered agent and/or registered office cannot be changed through a report filed online. If a corporation needs to change its registered agent or office, an officer must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office on form BCA 5.10/5.20. Only corporations listed in good standing can make these changes.

How to File an Illinois Corporate Annual Report Online

Corporations can file their annual report through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Cyberdrive portal. The process is faster and more convenient than mailing a paper form.

To file online:

  1. Visit the Secretary of State’s Annual Report filing page.
  2. Enter the corporate file number to access your business record.
  3. Review and update corporate details, including officers, directors, and addresses.
  4. Pay the $75 filing fee by credit card or electronic check.
  5. Save or print the confirmation page for your records.

Online filings are usually processed within 1–2 business days, while mailed filings may take up to three weeks.

Foreign corporations registered to do business in Illinois must also file annually using the same process to maintain their authority to operate in the state.

What Information Is Required in an Illinois Corporate Annual Report

An Illinois corporate annual report requires corporations to confirm or update the following details each year:

  • The corporation’s legal name and Secretary of State file number.
  • The principal business address and registered office address in Illinois.
  • The registered agent’s name and address, which must be a physical Illinois address (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
  • The names and addresses of corporate officers and directors, up to six of each when filing online.
  • The state or country of incorporation and the corporation’s purpose, if changed.
  • The date of incorporation and the name and signature of an authorized officer.

If a business needs to make changes to the registered agent or office, it must file a separate Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office (Form BCA 5.10/5.20) with the Secretary of State before submitting the report.

Keeping this information current ensures that legal documents and notices are properly delivered and that the business remains in good standing with the state.

Penalty for Late Submission of Illinois Annual Report

There is a $300 penalty if the LLC files the report 60 days late. This is on top of the base fee for filing. In the event the LLC is 180 days late, the state will dissolve the LLC at the administrative level. Illinois corporations pay a late fee based on the annual franchise tax. The form shows how to calculate the amount of the penalty. 

Reinstatement After Administrative Dissolution in Illinois

If a corporation or LLC fails to file its annual report within 180 days of the due date, the Illinois Secretary of State will administratively dissolve the business. This means the company loses its legal authority to operate and cannot conduct business under its name.

To reinstate an administratively dissolved company, owners must:

  1. File all delinquent annual reports with the Secretary of State.
  2. Pay all past-due fees and penalties, including the $300 late fee and any reinstatement fee.
  3. Submit a Reinstatement Application along with a certificate of good standing from the Illinois Department of Revenue (if applicable).

Once processed, the company’s good standing is restored retroactively to the date of dissolution, allowing it to resume normal business operations. Reinstatement can take several weeks, so timely filing of the annual report is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who must file an Illinois corporate annual report?
    All domestic and foreign corporations authorized to do business in Illinois must file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year.
  2. When is the Illinois corporate annual report due?
    It’s due before the first day of the anniversary month of your corporation’s formation or qualification to do business in Illinois.
  3. Can I change my registered agent on the annual report?
    Not online. You must file a separate Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office (Form BCA 5.10/5.20) to make those updates.
  4. What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
    You’ll incur a $300 late penalty, and your company may be administratively dissolved if it remains delinquent for over 180 days.
  5. How can I check my corporation’s filing status?
    You can verify your company’s good standing or view past filings using the Illinois Secretary of State’s Business Services database.

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