Key Takeaways

  • The IL Secretary of State LLC database allows you to check name availability, view file detail reports, and order certificates of good standing.
  • Forming an LLC in Illinois requires choosing a compliant name, filing Articles of Organization, appointing a registered agent, and paying required fees.
  • Some words in an LLC name are restricted or prohibited, and you must meet naming guidelines before reserving or registering your name.
  • Online filing is faster but has eligibility limits; certain cases require paper submission of Form LLC-5.5.
  • LLCs in Illinois must file annual reports and maintain good standing to avoid penalties or dissolution.
  • The Secretary of State offers online resources, forms, and contact information for ongoing LLC compliance needs.

The LLC Illinois Secretary of State registers your business if you choose an LLC registration. In addition, you can search the LLC/corporate database to find LLC names already registered in the database. You can also do the following:

Also, the database gets regular updates, so you know all information on the website is current. When searching for a newer business name, your new name must be different from other LLCs/corporations registered in the database. If the name is not in the database, the search results will show nothing. Therefore, your intended name is available. Keep in mind that the data only provides a preliminary check, and the final check is assessed by the Secretary of State office.

You can email your name request, or you can call the office directly. To reserve a business name, you may submit a Name Reservation document. You must also submit a duplicate copy to the Illinois state department, along with the filing fee of around $300.

Name Reservation Steps

You must also include the reservation name along with the following:

  • Applicant name
  • Title
  • Signature
  • Address

When it comes to the File Detail Report, it usually includes common information on LLCs or a corporation. Such information would include:

  • Creation date
  • Name
  • Duration
  • Jurisdiction
  • Registered agent name and agent name

Illinois LLC Formation Requirements

To register an LLC with the Illinois Secretary of State, you must:

  1. Choose a compliant business name that meets state naming guidelines and is distinguishable from other registered entities.
  2. Appoint a registered agent with a physical Illinois address to receive legal notices.
  3. File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5) with the required filing fee, currently $150 for standard processing.
  4. Pay applicable name reservation fees if reserving a name before filing.
  5. Determine management structure (member-managed or manager-managed) and list it in your formation documents.
  6. Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
  7. Register for state taxes and permits if applicable to your industry.

Corporate Reports

A corporate report also mentions addresses and names of the secretary and president. The LLC report determines if the company is manager-managed or member-managed. The report also includes an annual report filing date and if the business is in good standing. A File Detail Report also allows you to buy a good-standing certificate if the business adhered to the necessary mandates. You can then print the document after you complete the transaction. You must also be aware of the following fee structures to buy the certificates:

  • $45 fee to obtain a good-standing certificate for an LLC or corporation
  • $16 fee for non-profit corporations

A certificate of good standing ensures that your LLC was created legally and has been maintained in the proper manner.

You may need such a certificate in the following cases:

  • If you are seeking loans from lenders or banks
  • If you are registering your LLC in another state
  • Getting licenses or permits

Annual Reports and Ongoing Compliance

Illinois LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State to maintain good standing. The report is due before the first day of the LLC’s anniversary month each year. Failure to file can result in:

  • Late fees ($100 penalty in addition to the $75 filing fee)
  • Loss of good standing status
  • Administrative dissolution of the LLC

Annual reports can be filed online for faster processing, or by mail. Alongside annual reports, LLCs should also:

  • Keep a current registered agent on file
  • Renew applicable business licenses and permits
  • Maintain updated records for all members/managers

Deciding on an LLC

Before creating an LLC in Illinois, you must know how an LLC can help you and if it would benefit your business goals. First, you should know that an LLC is a business entity that combines the structure of a corporation with a limited liability partnership. Also, LLCs provide certain liability protections for members, and the LLC is considered a separate entity from the owners.

LLC members may be:

  • Individuals
  • Other LLCs
  • Foreign entities
  • Corporations

Another benefit is that LLCs have no restrictions on the number of members. Overall, creating an LLC in Illinois is a simple process, and it is affordable. With that, you need to take certain steps to successfully register the business. All fees and documents must be submitted to the Business Services Department of the secretary of state office. Most notably, the LLC registration process requires articles of organization to be sent to the secretary of state office.

You may file an LLC online for the following reasons:

  • If the business has one or more partners when you complete the transaction
  • The business uses a general purpose clause
  • The company will exist in perpetuity
  • If there is a sole organizer who is at least 18 years old and is not completing the document for someone else via power of attorney

If any of the standards above do not apply, the business must submit its articles of organization via paper (Form LLC-5.5). Also, you may not file online if you have over eight managers. The processing time for electronic submission takes place between one or two business days. The paper process ranges from six to eight weeks.

Filing Methods and Processing Times

The IL Secretary of State LLC filing system offers two main options:

  • Online Filing: Fastest method, typically processed in 1–2 business days. Only available if your LLC meets specific criteria, such as a general purpose clause and fewer than eight managers.
  • Paper Filing: Required for more complex LLC structures or special clauses. Processing can take 6–8 weeks.

Expedited service is available for an additional $100 fee.

LLC Naming Process

When it comes to the LLC naming process, you must first ensure that the name adheres to Illinois state law. In addition, the words must include such designators as “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” You must also be aware of restricted words:

  • Insurance
  • University
  • Bank

The aforementioned words come with additional licensure and certification. Outright prohibited words include:

  • FBI
  • Treasury
  • Secret Service

You may not associate your business with government agencies of any kind.

Secretary of State Contact Information

For assistance with LLC filings, name availability, or compliance requirements, you can contact the Illinois Secretary of State:

  • Business Services Department
    • Phone: 217-524-8008
    • Office Address: 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350, Springfield, IL 62756
  • Chicago Office
    • Phone: 312-814-8370
    • Office Address: 69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240, Chicago, IL 60602

The Secretary of State website also offers downloadable forms, online filing portals, and fee schedules for LLC-related services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
    The standard filing fee is $150, plus $25 for name reservation (optional). Expedited processing costs an additional $100.
  2. How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
    Online filings are usually processed within 1–2 business days, while paper filings can take 6–8 weeks.
  3. Do Illinois LLCs need a registered agent?
    Yes. Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Illinois to receive legal notices.
  4. When are Illinois LLC annual reports due?
    They are due before the first day of the anniversary month of the LLC’s formation each year.
  5. Can I file my Illinois LLC formation documents online?
    Yes, if your LLC meets certain eligibility requirements such as having fewer than eight managers and a general purpose clause.

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