Illinois Secretary of State
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Illinois?
Forming an LLC in Illinois means filing the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Illinois LLC
$150
First-year government fees for a Illinois LLC: $150
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
≈ $75/yr annualized for comparison — actual payment schedule shown above.
Five-year outlook
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Illinois, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $150 | One-time | Official state fee |
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual report fee $100 penalty if more than 60 days late. | $75 | AnnualDue each year before the first day of the formation anniversary month, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
Filing process & processing times
File online through the Secretary of State's business services site or by mail.
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 5–10 business days | None | Online filings are generally processed within about ten business days |
| Expedited (24-hour) service | 1–1 business days | $100 |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Illinois LLCmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Illinois
- Illinois corporations still pay a paid-in-capital franchise tax with their annual report — a planned phase-out was repealed, so it remains in force with a $25 minimum.
Illinois LLC cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
The Illinois Secretary of State charges $150 to file the Articles of Organization. That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of an LLC in Illinois?
Illinois LLCs generally must pay the annual report fee of $75 per year (due each year before the first day of the formation anniversary month, beginning the year after formation).
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?
Standard processing generally takes about 5–10 business days. Expedited options are available: expedited (24-hour) service for $100. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Illinois?
Yes. Every Illinois LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
When is the Illinois annual report fee due?
Due each year before the first day of the formation anniversary month, beginning the year after formation. $100 penalty if more than 60 days late. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution, so put the date on your compliance calendar.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether an LLC — or Illinois — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Illinois data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Business Services — Publications and Forms— Illinois Secretary of StateOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Illinois corporation costs →
- Compare Illinois with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- Operating Agreements Explained →
- Official source: Illinois Secretary of State →