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Illinois LLC Formation: How to Start an LLC in Illinois (2026)
Here is how to start an LLC in Illinois: you file Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. After that, every Illinois LLC must stay compliant with its annual report. We file it all for you, from anywhere in the world — no US visa, no SSN, no trip to the US.
Illinois LLC at a Glance
How to Start an LLC in Illinois: 6 Steps
- Pick a name and confirm it is available with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Name a Illinois registered agent with a street address in the state.
- File the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The state fee is included in our package price.
- Get your EIN from the IRS after approval. Non-residents use Form SS-4, and we handle it.
- Keep a signed operating agreement with your company records.
- Stay in good standing: an annual report, $75, due before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month.
Our Illinois LLC Package
One clear price. It covers the state filing fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year, plus our service. There are no separate fees to work out.
- LLC formation and state filing (state fee included)
- Articles of Organization
- Illinois LLC certificate / formation documents
- EIN (federal tax ID) — with or without an SSN
- Registered agent for 1 year
- US mailing address for 1 year
- Operating agreement for banks and payment platforms
Optional add-ons: business bank account help (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer), Stripe setup, Amazon and Shopify setup. You choose them at checkout.
Forming Your LLC From Outside the US
You can form a Illinois LLC from any country, without a US visa, an SSN or a trip to the US. Our non-resident LLC guide lists the documents we need, realistic timelines and what to expect from US banks in your country.
How Your Order Works
Order online or send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the total, file with the Illinois Secretary of State, apply for your EIN and send your documents by email and WhatsApp as each one is approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing during the anniversary month. Illinois wants it before that month begins.
- Using a borrowed or virtual home address on your application. Banks check it against your ID.
- Forgetting Form 5472 if the LLC is owned by a non-US person, even with no income.
Illinois Ongoing Filings: What You Must Know
Every Illinois LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State before the anniversary month of formation. The state sets the fee (higher than most states); we confirm the current amount before filing and remind you ahead of the deadline.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in Illinois?
Yes. A registered agent with a Illinois street address is required for every LLC. It receives lawsuits and state mail for you. Ours is included for the first year.
Is Illinois the Right State for Your LLC?
A good fit for businesses based in Illinois. Illinois annual reports are due before your anniversary month starts, earlier than many people expect. If you live outside the US and have no Illinois connection, compare it with Wyoming and New Mexico before deciding.
Illinois vs Other Popular States
| Illinois | Wyoming | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | Annual report | $60 annual report | $400 annual tax |
| State income tax | Yes | None | Yes, for DE income |
| Best for | Living or doing business in Illinois | Low cost, privacy | Investors, Delaware law |
Compare in detail: Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC
How LLCPronto Helps With Your Illinois LLC
For $320, state fee included, we file your Articles of Organization, serve as your registered agent for the first year, apply for your EIN and track your Illinois deadlines.
Yearly filing: see our Illinois LLC annual report guide for the deadline, fee and how to file.
Illinois LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
After formation, you pay for an annual report, $75, due before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month. Our package costs $320 and already includes the state fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, though busy periods can take longer. Your EIN is ready within 24 hours of state approval, and bank account setup takes a few more days.
Can a non-US resident form an Illinois LLC?
Yes. You don’t need to live in the US or have an SSN. You need an Illinois registered agent, and we get your EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4.
Does Illinois require an operating agreement?
Illinois does not require you to file one, but you should have it. Banks and payment platforms often ask for it to confirm who owns the LLC.
Can I get an EIN for my Illinois LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Owners without an SSN apply with IRS Form SS-4. The EIN is included in our package.
Compare Other States
Ready to Form Your Illinois LLC?
Send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the full cost, file your Articles of Organization and set up your registered agent.