If you are forming an LLC in Illinois, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing an Illinois article of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Formation usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- 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.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. 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 Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Illinois.
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.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to 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 Article of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746.
Filing Illinois Articles of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes.
If you wish to start an LLC in Illinois, you need to file for the Articles of Organization. You can do this online and you can file for it through mail too. When applying through online filing, along with an easy process it also helps to get the benefit of immediate processing too. The formation guide in the following steps will help you file for the Certificate of Organization, so read on and get the info.
- Visit the official website of the Secretary of State of Illinois
You must visit the website of the Secretary of State of Illinois. The website will assist you to form an LLC in the State and in an easy manner through online mode. The Cyberdrive Illinois portal available on the Secretary of State website provides a one-stop solution to different business services.
- Access the online services
On the online services page, select whether you want to form a Standard Limited Liability Company or a Series LLC. Next, accept the terms and conditions.
- Proceed to Registration
Follow the guidelines properly and proceed to file an application for the articles of organization of your business LLC.
- Review the information
Before proceeding to submit your application, review the information to be accurate and correct to your knowledge to avoid any future rejections.
- Make the payment
After you complete all the details and thoroughly review your application, proceed to make the payment for the filing fee of your LLC Application.
Filing Illinois Articles of Organization by Mail
If you want to file the article of organization by mail, then you can easily do that. By following the instructions below, one can file the article of organization in Illinois.
- Download the Application form PDF on your system.
- Read the guidelines properly and proceed to fill in the details.
- Attach the name reservation certificate to the application
- Make the check of $150.00 payable to the Secretary of State.
Attach all the needed documents and send them to the mailing address, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746.
Cost of filing an Illinois Articles of Organization
It is more convenient to file articles of organization online than by mail. The cost of filing an LLC in Illinois is the same for online and offline filing. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in Illinois,
- Online filing costs $150
- By mail filing costs $150
Where Can You Find Your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Illionois LLC can be accessed through the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
Starting a new business can be an exciting venture, but it can also be overwhelming. One necessary task in establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Illinois is filing the Articles of Organization. The legal document signifies the formation of the LLC and is proof to the state. It is also necessary in opening a bank account, obtaining a tax ID number, and conducting official company operations.
If you are starting an LLC in Illinois, the big question is – where can you find the Articles of Organization? There are a few different avenues for obtaining the document, and a few factors can determine which route to take. Whatever option works best for you, it is critical to file and obtain the Articles of Organization promptly and precisely to avoid any obstacles in starting and operating your LLC.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is the primary location for filing official state documentation for an LLC. If you are starting an LLC, you can obtain the Articles of Organization directly from the Secretary of State’s office. You can request the document in-person at one of the Illinois Regional Offices, or you can download the document online via their website for a small fee.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s website provides a step-by-step guide to filing your LLC’s Articles of Organization online. Filing online is an affordable and convenient option and usually the quickest method of receiving proof of your LLC’s legal formation. Filing your Articles of Organization digitally can also streamline future communication with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Another option is to hire an LLC formation company to file your Articles of Organization for you. Such third-party options are available online and will handle your LLC’s creation process for you. However, such an option may cost you a significant amount more than doing it yourself.
Keep in mind that filing the Articles of Organization is a legal undertaking. If you prefer to complete it by yourself, be precise. Depending on the office’s traffic and processing demand, a mistake may delay the time it takes to formally create your LLC. Any errors necessary to be corrected could further the wait period and may cost you more money.
Regardless of which method you choose to obtain your LLC’s Articles of Organization, be sure to adequately research which method will work best for you and your expectations. Depending on which filing method you select, there may be options for expedited processing that require a higher filing fee over and above the standard charges outlined on the Secretary of State’s website.
In conclusion, Once you decide to establish your LLC, obtaining proof through Articles of Organization is an integral part of the process. The form shows Illinois’ government that you intend to operate an LLC under the laws of Illinois, brings forth liabilities and privileges, and outlines an organizing plan helpful for a policy-driven venture. Looking to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to obtain and file your Articles of Organization is always your primary option, but hiring a third-party provider can often create a seamless and easy-to-follow route to formation. Take care to weigh factors such as cost, logistics, and accuracy to keep your LLC formation undertaking on-track and enforceable.
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Illinois in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Article 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.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Illinois LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.
