Standard Articles of Organization cost $150. The online instructions offer a $250 24-hour filing service and list $400 standard/$500 24-hour service for a series-capable LLC. A payment processor fee applies to online transactions; the official instructions do not state one universal amount.
Official sourceWhat does Illinois charge to form and maintain an LLC?
| Formation document and method | File Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The ordinary online route is for a new Illinois entity without a required specific purpose or special provisions. Include the registered agent and office, managers and any member with manager authority. Use the appropriate paper filing when the online route does not fit. |
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| Formation charges | Standard Articles of Organization cost $150. The online instructions offer a $250 24-hour filing service and list $400 standard/$500 24-hour service for a series-capable LLC. A payment processor fee applies to online transactions; the official instructions do not state one universal amount. |
| Recurring filing | The ordinary annual report filing fee is $75 under 805 ILCS 180/50-10. Series-specific filings and late charges are separate. Keep the registered agent and office current through the correct change filing; the annual report cannot make those changes. |
| First and later due dates | Deliver the annual report within the 60 days immediately before the first day of the formation-anniversary month. The first annual cycle is the following year. For an LLC formed in October 2026, submit its first report before October 1, 2027. |
| Registered agent and office | The registered agent must be an individual living in Illinois or an entity authorized to transact business there. Its registered office must be in Illinois, have a street or road address or rural route and box number, and match the agent's business office. A P.O. box alone is not enough. |
| Taxes and other costs | This guide uses an ordinary, non-series LLC. Series-capable formation is $400, not $150. Taxes depend on classification and activity. The $75 annual report is a filing charge, not an annual tax total or a quote for agent service. |
When does the first Illinois LLC report fall due?
Deliver the annual report within the 60 days immediately before the first day of the formation-anniversary month. The first annual cycle is the following year. For an LLC formed in October 2026, submit its first report before October 1, 2027.
The ordinary annual report filing fee is $75 under 805 ILCS 180/50-10. Series-specific filings and late charges are separate. Keep the registered agent and office current through the correct change filing; the annual report cannot make those changes.
Who can be the Illinois registered agent?
The registered agent must be an individual living in Illinois or an entity authorized to transact business there. Its registered office must be in Illinois, have a street or road address or rural route and box number, and match the agent's business office. A P.O. box alone is not enough.
What comes after the LLC filing?
Save the approved articles and put the report window on the business calendar. Illinois DOR directs businesses to review registration before purchases, sales or hiring. Use MyTax Illinois/Form REG-1 for applicable tax accounts; state LLC filing does not replace that step.
Use the EIN guide for founders without an SSN if it fits your situation. An EIN does not replace state tax registration.
Which costs are outside the state filing fees?
This guide uses an ordinary, non-series LLC. Series-capable formation is $400, not $150. Taxes depend on classification and activity. The $75 annual report is a filing charge, not an annual tax total or a quote for agent service.
Compare the known state charges in the calculator and the 50-state and DC fee table. If the business works elsewhere, review when another state can require registration before choosing a formation state.
Which official sources support these figures?
- Formation and agent instructions - reviewed September 30, 2026
- LLC statutory fee schedule - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Annual report deadline statute - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Annual report filing instructions - reviewed September 30, 2026
- Illinois tax registration - reviewed September 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Illinois LLC cost $150 to form?
No. $150 is the standard ordinary LLC filing. An LLC able to establish series has a $400 filing fee; expedited service and payment charges can add costs.
Is the Illinois LLC annual report due at the end of the anniversary month?
No. The statute calls for delivery within the 60 days immediately preceding the first day of the anniversary month.
Can I change the Illinois registered agent on the annual report?
No. The Secretary of State's annual-report instructions require a separate registered-agent or registered-office change filing.
Can I serve as my Illinois registered agent?
You can if you live in Illinois and provide a qualifying registered office that matches your business office. A P.O. box alone does not qualify.
Is $75 the entire yearly cost of an Illinois LLC?
No. It is the ordinary annual-report fee. Tax, licenses, paid-agent service, processing and any late or series-specific filings are separate.
Official sources reviewed September 30, 2026. This guide covers an ordinary domestic LLC, not a personal legal or tax ruling. Government charges can change.