5 Best Illinois LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

When you decide to start an LLC in Illinois, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Illinois becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Illinois. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in Illinois. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC Illinois LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Illinois, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Illinois LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in Illinois

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in Illinois
How to Form an LLC in Illinois
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Illinois
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in Illinois

Here is the list of 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	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

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

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

1. 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	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in 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. Though 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 there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in Illinois with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But 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 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, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in Illinois with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Illinois? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, Illinois name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $15 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in Illinois with TailorBrands

4. 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

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

5. 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	Additional charges to obtain EIN in Illinois
Purchase only the service you need to form Illinois LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers 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 ($15). If you have already formed your LLC in Illinois and are willing to appoint 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

How to Form an LLC in Illinois

Illinois, popularly known as The Prairie State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 12,807,072. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Illinois is $1,041,663 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Illinois will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Springfield, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in Illinois, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Illinois Registered Agent, filing the Illinois Articles of Organization, creating Illinois LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. 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 on 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 is an LLC in Illinois?

An LLC or a Limited Liability Company is a type of business organization structure that provides liability protection to its owners while allowing for flexible management of the company’s operations.

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

The filing fee to form an LLC in Illinois is $150.

Do I need a registered agent to form an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, according to Illinois law, all LLCs must have a registered agent assigned to receive legal documents and other official notices on behalf of the company.

Can I be my own registered agent in Illinois?

Yes, you can designate yourself or any other person or business entity to act as your registered agent in Illinois.

What are the advantages of forming an LLC in Illinois?

Some of the advantages of forming an LLC in Illinois include personal asset protection, flexibility in management structure, less paperwork, and pass-through taxation.

Can a non-resident form an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in Illinois as long as they have an Illinois registered agent and comply with all state legal requirements.

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

The processing time for LLC formation varies depending on the filing method used. Online filings can take from 1-3 business days, while paper filings can take up to 10 business days or more.

What are the annual requirements for maintaining an LLC in Illinois?

LLCs in Illinois are required to file an annual report and pay an annual fee of $75.

Can I convert my existing business to become an LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you can restructure your existing business by filing articles of organization with the Illinois Secretary of State and meeting all state regulations for forming an LLC.

What is an LLC operating agreement in Illinois?

An LLC operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the structure and management of your LLC, including the roles and responsibilities of the owners and other key players in the company.

Is an operating agreement required for LLCs formed in Illinois?

While Illinois law does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, it is highly recommended that you have one in place to clearly define the management structure of your business.

Can I register my LLC name in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois LLCs are required to register their business name by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Illinois Secretary of State.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Illinois?

The main difference between LLCs and corporations in Illinois lies in their organizational structure, management, and ownership requirements.

Can I have multiple business entities under a single LLC in Illinois?

Illinois does not have any explicit laws preventing an LLC from owning multiple business entities, but it is recommended to consult with a business attorney to ensure compliance with all state regulations.

Can I dissolve my Illinois LLC before the annual deadline?

Yes, you can file articles of dissolution with the Illinois Secretary of State to dissolve your LLC before the annual deadline.

Is an LLC required to pay Illinois state taxes?

Only LLCs that elect to be taxed as corporations by the IRS are required to pay Illinois state taxes.

Can an LLC withhold state income tax from its employees’ wages in Illinois?

Yes, LLCs operating in Illinois that employ workers are required to withhold state income tax on behalf of their employees.

Can I change the structure type of my LLC from a single-member to a multi-member LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you can amend your LLC’s articles of organization to reflect a change in its organizational structure from a single-member to a multi-member LLC.

Can two LLCs merge in Illinois?

Yes, two LLCs in Illinois can merge to form a single LLC, subject to state regulations.

What are some of the disadvantages of forming an LLC in Illinois?

Some of the disadvantages of forming an LLC in Illinois include less access to capital, stricter legal requirements, more paperwork and accounting, and less corporate formalities.

What are the identity requirements for forming an LLC in Illinois?

LLC owners and registered agents in Illinois must provide proof of US citizenship or a lawful presence, such as a government-issued ID or immigration document.

Can I form a nonprofit LLC in Illinois?

While Illinois recognizes the concept of social purpose corporations, it does not have a specific legal framework for nonprofit LLCs at this time.

How do I change my Illinois LLC’s registered agent?

You can change your LLC’s registered agent by filling out a Change of Registered Agent form with the Illinois Secretary of State and paying the filing fee.

How do I check if my LLC name is available in Illinois?

You can search for existing business names in Illinois by using the Secretary of State’s online business name search tool or contact the department directly for assistance.

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

Failure to file an annual report may result in a late fee penalty and eventual administrative dissolution of your LLC if non-compliance continues.

How do I know if my chosen business name is prohibited in Illinois?

Your chosen business name may be prohibited for use in Illinois if it conflicts with an already registered business name or includes words deemed inappropriate by state law.

What types of business licenses are required for Missouri LLCs?

The types of business licenses required for Illinois LLCs depend on the type of business you are conducting and the industry you are operating in.

Can an Illinois LLC have a non-resident owner?

Yes, Illinois LLCs are able to have non-resident owners as long as they have an Illinois registered agent and comply with all state legal regulations.

Can I dissolve my LLC if it has credit card debt in Illinois?

Yes, an LLC in Illinois can dissolve regardless of any outstanding debts, provided all liabilities are settled prior to the business’s dissolution.

Which LLC formation services are available in Illinois?

Several LLC formation services are available in Illinois, including ZenBusiness, Incfile, Northwest Registered Agent, and LegalZoom.

Do I have to be a resident of Illinois to form an LLC there?

No, you do not have to be an Illinois resident to form an LLC in the state.

What is the cost of forming an LLC in Illinois?

The cost of forming an LLC in Illinois varies between the different formation services, with the fees ranging from approximately $40 to $300.

What is the naming convention for LLCs in Illinois?

LLCs in Illinois must contain “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” in their name.

How do I get an EIN for my LLC in Illinois?

You can obtain an EIN for your LLC in Illinois by applying online through the IRS website.

What is an operating agreement, and do I need one for my LLC in Illinois?

You should have an operating agreement in place, which is a legal document that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of the business you want to establish.

Can I form a single-member LLC in Illinois?

Illinois allows for single-member LLCs, which provide liability protection for the business owner.

How do I dissolve an LLC in Illinois?

You can dissolve an LLC in Illinois by filing articles of dissolution with the Secretary of State, paying any outstanding taxes or fees and notifying any creditors.

Can a foreign LLC operate in Illinois?

Yes, a foreign LLC can operate in Illinois by applying for a Certificate of Authority to conduct business.

How often do I need to file my LLC annual report in Illinois?

LLCs in Illinois must file their annual report requirement by the first day of their business anniversary month before the end of the month.

Where can I find more information about forming an LLC in Illinois?

You can find more information by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State website.

What liabilities can I face as an LLC owner in Illinois?

LLC owners in Illinois are protected from personal liabilities related to the business’s debts or legal problems.

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you must legally have an Illinois registered agent, which is a physical office to receive legal and business documents on behalf of the LLC.

What do I have to include in the Articles of Organization for my LLCs in Illinois?

The Articles of Organization for your LLC in Illinois should include the LLC name, date of formation, registered agent, and owners.

Can I file the Articles of Organization for my LLC online in Illinois?

Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization for your Illinois LLC online on the Secretary of State website.

Do I need any specific licenses or permits for my LLC in Illinois?

You should research any specific licenses or permits required for your business, based on regulations and requirements within Illinois where you plan to operate your business.

How can I authenticate documents for my LLC formation in Illinois internationally?

There are several ways to authenticate documents, including notarization, legalization, or apostille, that can be completed in person or online.

How long does business incorporation processing commonly take in Illinois?

The processing time for business processing in Illinois usually takes about two weeks, depending on the service used.

Are there taxes fees I have to pay for my Illinois LLC?

Yes, Illinois LLCs pay fees, such as formation fees, annual report fees, and taxes, such as income and sales taxes, cause specific circumstances.

Can I change the LLC name after filing in Illinois?

Yes, you can change the LLC name by submitting an amendment to the company operating agreement, which may require notarization.

Can I have a virtual office as a registered agent for my LLC in Illinois?

Yes, however, a physical office is highly recommended as failure to maintain a registered office can lead LLC to legal consequences.

What is the best online LLC service for the people of Illinois?

Opting online LLC service highly depends on its complete incorporation filing packages and after working business needs, TexalOnline and Plus Inc’s formation services can be good options in Illinois.

How do I make changes to the membership of my LLC in Illinois?

Membership changes must be noted within a company operating agreement, signed in writing by both parties, and included in the initial documentation forwarded to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Are filing fees refunded if my Illinois LLC application rejected my application for approval?

Filing fees are not refunded if your Illinois LLC application for approval is rejected.

Can any former Illinois LLC business name be reserved for future use?

Yes, business makers can reserve any tradename or other entity Chicago’s slogan Illinois company it isn’t currently in use by time-limited resolution.

What happens if my Illinois LLC has multiple members, and there’s no written OS agreement?

Illinois statute laws will be referred to in any case interpreting simple operating fund transfer provisions, asset distribution plan or other agreements that the two elected executive officers agree on.

What is an EIN, and do I need one to form an Illinois-based LLC?

An EIN is a federally-issued business tax number or shares in constructing an LLC in Illinois by being needed while applying for establishment or monthly payroll of third rental staff.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Illinois is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in Illinois. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.