Illinois Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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If you already have an LLC in another state and want an LLC in Illinois, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Illinois.

Forming an Illinois Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Illinois, you need to register it with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Step 1: Choose Illinois Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Illinois Secretary of State. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Illinois will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Illinois. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC.

Check name availability at Illinois’ business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Illinois Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Illinois and take note that an Illinois registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries:

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Step 3: File Registration of Illinois Foreign LLC

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form by mail to the Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name.
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in Illinois.
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Illinois.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee.

The LLC cost in Illinois, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Illinois Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Illinois Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Illinois Foreign LLC Online

When you are registering for the foreign LLC in the State of Illinois, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of State which costs $150. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. The State does not offer online filing options for foreign LLCs. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Illinois Foreign LLC.

  1. Download the Application Form PDF (LLC-45.5) on your computer system.
  2. Read the information mentioned in the application carefully and proceed to fill in the required details.
  3. You are required to attach the Certificate of Good Standing or Existence issued by proper authority in the State of original jurisdiction. It costs $25.
  4. Make the check of $150 payable to the Secretary of State.5. Attach all the documents, i.e., the application form, Certificate of Good standing or existence, and the filing fee and mail it to the following address, Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm 351, Springfield, IL 62756.

After Forming Illinois Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Illinois Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC.

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Illinois.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Illinois?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Illinois.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in Illinois as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Illinois

To register as a foreign LLC in Illinois, you can file through mail by paying a filing amount of $150 to the Illinois Secretary of State.

The cost to register a foreign LLC in Illinois will depend on a variety of factors. The initial registration fee is typically the largest expense, and can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. This fee covers the cost of submitting an application to register the foreign LLC with the Illinois Secretary of State, and can vary depending on the type of business and the complexity of the application.

In addition to the initial registration fee, foreign LLCs registered in Illinois are required to file an annual report and pay an annual fee to maintain their registration. This annual report fee typically ranges from $50 to $500, and helps the state government keep up-to-date records of all foreign LLCs operating within its borders.

While the initial and annual registration fees are the most significant costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Illinois, there may be other expenses to consider as well. For example, some foreign LLCs may need to hire legal counsel to help navigate the registration process, especially if they are dealing with complex legal or regulatory issues. Legal fees can vary widely depending on the complexity of the LLC’s situation and the experience of the attorney.

Other costs to consider when registering a foreign LLC in Illinois include any additional business licenses or permits that may be required to operate legally within the state. These costs can vary depending on the type of business and the location of its operations, but can easily add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Overall, registering a foreign LLC in Illinois can be a costly endeavor. However, it is important to remember that these costs are necessary to ensure compliance with state regulations and to protect the legal status of the LLC. By carefully considering all of the costs associated with registering a foreign LLC in Illinois, business owners can better prepare financially for the process and avoid any unexpected expenses down the line.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Illinois does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

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