5 Best Illinois LLC Services for 2025 (Formation & Help)

LLCs or any business formation services are a booming industry now as many people intend to start their own business rather than going to a 9-5 job. If you’re willing to start your LLC in Illinois, you should consider an LLC formation service to prepare every task smoothly.

On this page, the LLCBuddy team listed a few of the best LLC formation services available in Illinois. These are chosen by the editors after careful review. Compare and explore the best LLC formation service in Illinois carefully and decide what service to buy for your business. In case you don’t like to read, we shared a video here!

Best LLC Service in Illinois

Best LLC Formation Services in Illinois

Here is the list of the best LLC services available in Illinois. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Illinois at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in Illinois-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Fastest filing: 1-day processing 4.8/5.0 Trustpilot & A+ BBB scores 700k+ new businesses formed	Start LLC Now
	4.5/5 $39 + State Fees	In-house corporate guides Standalone Registered Agent service DIY packages	Learn More

Below is the list of the best LLC formation services we picked for you in Illinois.

ZenBusiness – Known for its affordable packages and efficient service, ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs.
Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalized assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
Swyft Filings – Best for small business formation, Swyft Filings offers incredible customer support.
BetterLegal – Speed is BetterLegal’s forte, promising the fastest LLC formation process in the market.

Our Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in Illinois, though you must pay the state filing fee of $15 to the Illinois Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form Illinois nonprofit
Free LLC formation in Illinois	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services in Illinois

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Illinois at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Illinois. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in Illinois. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in Illinois with ZenBusiness

2. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including Illinois. It offers LLC formation at $39 + state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in Illinois are listed below-

LLC formation in Illinois at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in Illinois	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	You must form Illinois LLC to purchase only the service you need.
You must form Illinois LLC to purchase only the service you need.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers a standalone Registered Agent service in Illinois

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in Illinois. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($125). If you have already formed your LLC in Illinois and are willing to appoint a Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Illinois and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in Illinois with Northwest Registered Agent

3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Illinois that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S Corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Fewer add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support is available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in the USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. However, you must pay the Illinois filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is that it has access to legal documents and legal consultations. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire a Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately; it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in Illinois with LegalZoom

4. Swyft Filings

An online business formation service, Swyft Filings, is popular among budding entrepreneurs for its customer support and quick document processing. The company offers three types of formation plans for diverse benefits. Swyft Filings, like other close competitors, offers LLC formation at $0. Swyft Filings is an appropriate service for small businesses in Illinois.

Swyft Filings Plans

Basic Plan at $0 + State filing fee
Standard Plan at $199 + State filing fee
Premium Plan at $299 + State filing fee

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons

Why to Choose Swyft Filings	Why Not to Choose Swyft Filings
Free LLC Formation ($0 + state filing fee)	Non-transparent cost, expensive add-ons
Quick processing time	Registered Agent is not included in any plans
Smooth customer support
Good for small business

Swyft Filings Overview

Swyft Filings is one of the services that are known best for a small business. It offers LLC formation at $0 and a 10-day processing and expedited option. However, they don’t include registered agent service with any of its packages. Besides, once you proceed to check out after selecting your package, many add-ons appear, leading to a bigger amount.

Swyft Filings offers three broad packages, Basic, Standard, and Premium, along with many expensive add-ons. Compared to other competitors, Swyft Filings’ add-ons are a bit expensive. If you want to start a small business (LLC, S-Corp, Corporation, Nonprofit, etc), Swyft Filings has everything you need.

Form an LLC in Illinois with Swyft Filings

5. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company compared to other competitors. However, this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($150 for filing in-person and by mail in Illinois). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, no refund is made upon cancelation. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in Illinois with BetterLegal

How to Form an LLC in Illinois

Forming an LLC in Illinois takes a few steps. The first step is to get a clear idea about doing business in Illinois. Before jumping into the pool of paperwork, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of taxes and the costs of starting any business in Illinois.

In general, Illinois, popularly known as The Prairie State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 12,807,072. The state has the nominal GDP is 1,041,663 (in millions). Hence, you can start any small or medium-sized business in Illinois based on your budget. Forming an LLC in Illinois can be a good option as it is less complicated than other forms of business. If you choose the state capital, Springfield, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

There are five most important steps to follow when you establish an LLC in Illinois:

Step 1: Give a name to the LLC: Make sure the name is available to use in Illinois. You can also get a DBA.
Step 2: Get a Registered Agent in Illinois. The person will be responsible for all communications between your LLC and the State.
Step 3: File the Illinois Articles of Organization.
Step 4: Draft an LLC operating agreement in Illinois.
Step 5: Get an EIN in Illinois

Now, these steps seem to be easy. But unfortunately, it is not that simple. Each business has to file different documents based on local licenses and permits. From January 1, 2024, all the LLCs and Corporations have to file the BOI Report with the FinCEN. If you start an LLC, you must file the BOI Report in Illinois.

You can do that on your own. However, getting a professional on board is always recommended to guide you through the process. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Illinois

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research the following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What are the best LLC formation services in Illinois?

Some of the top LLC formation services in Illinois include IncFile, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent.

Do I need to hire a professional service to form an LLC in Illinois?

While it’s not required to hire a professional service, many people find it helpful to use an LLC formation service in Illinois to ensure everything is done correctly.

How much does it cost to use an LLC formation service in Illinois?

Prices for LLC formation services in Illinois vary depending on the provider, but they typically range from $50 to $500.

Can I form an LLC in Illinois on my own?

Yes, you can technically file the paperwork to form an LLC in Illinois on your own, but using a professional service can streamline the process and ensure all necessary steps are followed.

What is a registered agent in Illinois?

A registered agent in Illinois is a designated person or company responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC.

Can I serve as my own registered agent in Illinois?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Illinois, as long as you have a physical address in the state where you can receive legal notifications.

Do I need a physical address in Illinois to form an LLC there?

Yes, to form an LLC in Illinois, you need to have a physical street address in the state where your registered agent can receive legal documents.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois?

The processing time for forming an LLC in Illinois can vary depending on the workload of the Secretary of State’s office, but it typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Are there any special requirements for forming an LLC in Illinois?

Some specific requirements for forming an LLC in Illinois include choosing a unique name, filing Articles of Organization, appointing a registered agent, and paying the necessary fees.

Can I form an LLC in Illinois online?

Yes, you can file the necessary paperwork to form an LLC in Illinois online through the Secretary of State’s website.

What documents do I need to form an LLC in Illinois?

To form an LLC in Illinois, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, which typically requires information about your LLC’s name, address, members, and registered agent.

How do I choose a name for my LLC in Illinois?

When choosing a name for your LLC in Illinois, you need to make sure it is unique and not already in use by another business entity registered in the state.

Can I change the name of my LLC in Illinois after it has been formed?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Illinois after it has been formed by filing an amendment to the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

Are there any ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, to maintain an LLC in Illinois, you will need to file an annual report and pay the associated fee each year.

Can I form an LLC in Illinois if I am not a resident of the state?

Yes, you do not need to be a resident of Illinois to form an LLC there, but you will need to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for your LLC in Illinois if you have employees or plan to open a business bank account.

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Illinois?

Some benefits of forming an LLC in Illinois include limited personal liability protection, pass-through taxation, and increased credibility with customers and partners.

Are there any restrictions on the name I can choose for my LLC in Illinois?

Yes, when choosing a name for your LLC in Illinois, you cannot use certain restricted words or phrases unless you obtain special permission.

Can I operate my LLC in Illinois without a registered agent?

No, you are required to have a registered agent for your LLC in Illinois to receive official notifications and legal documents on your behalf.

Is there a way to expedite the LLC formation process in Illinois?

Yes, you can opt for expedited processing of your LLC formation documents in Illinois for an additional fee.

What are the annual fees associated with maintaining an LLC in Illinois?

The annual fee for filing an LLC annual report in Illinois is $75 as of the time of writing.

Can I form an LLC in Illinois if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify you from forming an LLC in Illinois, but certain types of convictions may pose challenges.

What is the difference between forming an LLC in Illinois and incorporating in Illinois?

Forming an LLC in Illinois provides pass-through taxation and flexibility in management, while incorporating in Illinois offers limited liability protection and potentially lower taxes for some businesses.

Do I need a business license to operate an LLC in Illinois?

The specific business license requirements for an LLC in Illinois will vary depending on the industry and location of your business, so it’s essential to research local regulations.

Are there any residency requirements for members or managers of an LLC in Illinois?

There are no residency requirements for members or managers of an LLC in Illinois, meaning they can be individuals or entities from anywhere in the world.

Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you can convert your existing business structure into an LLC in Illinois by following the necessary legal steps and filing the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State.

What happens if I fail to file my annual report for my LLC in Illinois?

If you fail to file your LLC’s annual report in Illinois, your company may fall into bad standing, and you could incur penalties or face administrative dissolution.

What are some recommended LLC formation services in Illinois?

Some recommended LLC formation services in Illinois include Incfile, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Illinois?

The cost of forming an LLC in Illinois varies depending on the service you choose, but it typically ranges from $50 to $500.

Are there any specific requirements for forming an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, some specific requirements for forming an LLC in Illinois include choosing a unique name for your business, filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, and paying the required filing fees.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Illinois is a big step. It’s really helpful to have experts on your side. When you use a professional LLC service, you’re making sure everything is done right without any headaches. We’ve given you a list of the top choices in this article. Take your time to look at each one. Check their prices, see what they offer, and think about what’s best for your business.

Remember, picking the right Illinois LLC service can make things smoother and better for your business as it grows. If you want the best for your business, check out ZenBusiness. They’re our number one recommendation for their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!