How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Illinois

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in Illinois. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in Illinois. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Illinois. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Illinois to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

Articles of Organization in Illinois

The Articles of Organization for an LLC are the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Articles of Organization are one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually include the following:

The name of the LLC in Illinois,
The effective date of the LLC,
The company’s principal office,
The business purpose,
The duration of the business,
A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Illinois are a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Illinois LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Illinois LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Illinois, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Illinois Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Offline Filing: Articles of Organization PDF Form
Online Filing: Articles of Organization Online Form

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to the Illinois LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Registered Agent in Illinois. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in Illinois for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of Illinois and want to set up a foreign LLC in Illinois, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with Illinois.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Illinois?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746. For online filing, you must log in to the Illinois Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in a Demand Draft (if available). Most states do not accept cash payments for security reasons. Check with the SOS before filing your document.

Cost of Filing Illinois Articles of Organization

LLC cost in Illinois includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($50), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Illinois, the filing fee for a formation document is $15. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring LegalZoom as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Illinois Articles of Organization: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the Illinois Articles of Organization.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Articles of Organization in Illinois?

The Articles of Organization in Illinois are filed to officially create a limited liability company (LLC) in the state.

How much does it cost to file the Articles of Organization in Illinois?

The filing fee for the Articles of Organization in Illinois is $150.

Can I file the Articles of Organization online in Illinois?

Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

How long does it take to process the Articles of Organization in Illinois?

It typically takes 5-10 business days for the Illinois Secretary of State to process the Articles of Organization.

Do I need to appoint a registered agent in Illinois when filing the Articles of Organization?

Yes, every Illinois LLC is required to appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents on behalf of the company.

Can I amend the Articles of Organization in Illinois after they have been filed?

Yes, you can file an amendment to the Articles of Organization to make changes to the original document.

Do I need a physical address in Illinois to file the Articles of Organization?

Yes, you will need to provide a physical address in Illinois for your LLC when filing the Articles of Organization.

Can a non-resident of Illinois form an LLC in the state?

Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in Illinois as long as they appoint a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

Are there annual reporting requirements for LLCs in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois LLCs are required to file an annual report and pay a fee to the Secretary of State each year.

Can I file the Articles of Organization in person in Illinois?

Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization in person at the Illinois Secretary of State’s office in Springfield.

Can a minor be a member of an LLC in Illinois?

No, minors cannot be members of an LLC in Illinois.

How long does an LLC in Illinois remain active before it must be renewed?

An LLC in Illinois must file an annual report and pay a fee to the Secretary of State each year to remain active.

What information do I need to include in the Articles of Organization in Illinois?

The Articles of Organization must include the name of the LLC, its purpose, the duration of the LLC, the address of its registered office, and the name and address of its registered agent.

Can an LLC in Illinois be dissolved voluntarily?

Yes, an LLC in Illinois can be voluntarily dissolved by filing a statement of intent to dissolve with the Secretary of State.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Illinois?

If your LLC has more than one member, it will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

Can I file the Articles of Organization for my LLC as a foreign entity in Illinois?

Yes, you can file as a foreign entity if your LLC was originally formed in another state.

What are the naming requirements for an LLC in Illinois?

The name of an LLC in Illinois must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC.”

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

There are no residency requirements for members of an LLC in Illinois.

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

Both LLCs and corporations provide limited liability protection, but LLCs offer more flexibility in management and taxation.

Can I change the name of my LLC in Illinois after filing the Articles of Organization?

Yes, you can file an amendment to the Articles of Organization to change the name of your LLC in Illinois.

Can I check the availability of a name for my LLC before filing the Articles of Organization in Illinois?

Yes, you can search the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to check the availability of a name for your LLC.

Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Illinois before filing the Articles of Organization?

Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Illinois for up to 90 days by filing an application and paying a fee.

Can I use an acronym for the name of my LLC in Illinois?

Yes, you can use an acronym for the name of your LLC in Illinois as long as it is not misleading or confusing.

Are there any restrictions on the names of LLCs in Illinois?

The name of an LLC in Illinois cannot include words that would imply it is a different type of entity, such as “corporation” or “incorporated.”

Do I need to publish my Articles of Organization in a newspaper in Illinois?

No, there is no requirement to publish the Articles of Organization in a newspaper in Illinois.

Can I file the Articles of Organization for an anonymous LLC in Illinois?

No, Illinois does not allow for anonymous LLCs, and the names of the members must be disclosed in the Articles of Organization.

Can I file the Articles of Organization for a series LLC in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois law allows for the formation of a series LLC, where separate series of members, managers, assets, and liabilities can be created within the same entity.

Can I file the Articles of Organization for a professional LLC in Illinois?

Yes, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants can form a professional LLC in Illinois by including specific language in the Articles of Organization.

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

Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in Illinois by filing documents with the Secretary of State to change its legal structure.

What is an LLC?

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business structure that combines the flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation.

In Conclusion

The formation document, or the Articles of Organization, is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Illinois. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Illinois, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend LegalZoom, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.