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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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.
- Download the Application Form PDF (LLC-45.5) on your computer system.
- Read the information mentioned in the application carefully and proceed to fill in the required details.
- 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.
- 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
- Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
- File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
- 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.
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.
Forming an LLC in Illinois requires the same steps as forming a domestic LLC. The main difference is that the foreign LLC must register with the state to do business. The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Illinois depends on several factors.
The cost of registering a foreign LLC in Illinois includes the state filing fee, which is a flat fee, and other costs such as publication and service of process fees. The filing fee for a foreign LLC in Illinois is $500, plus a $25 expedite fee if you request expedited service. Additionally, you may need to pay a publication fee, which varies depending on the county in Illinois you choose to publish your LLC’s formation in.
The process of registering a foreign LLC in Illinois begins with the filing of a Certificate of Registration with the Illinois Secretary of State. The Certificate of Registration must include the name of the LLC and the state or country of its formation. The Certificate of Registration must also include the name and address of the LLC’s designated registered agent in Illinois and the address of the LLC’s principal place of business in Illinois.
Once the Certificate of Registration is filed, the foreign LLC must then publish a notice of its formation in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which its principal place of business is located. The cost of publication varies from county to county, but typically ranges from $50 to $250.
Finally, the foreign LLC must appoint a registered agent in Illinois and arrange for service of process for the LLC. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and other official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. Service of process is how legal documents and other official correspondence are delivered to the registered agent. This can be done through an Illinois-licensed process server or through the United States Postal Service. The cost of service of process depends on the method chosen and can range from $25 to $100.
In summary, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Illinois depends on the filing fee, the cost of publication, and the cost of service of process. The total cost can range from $575 to $850.
F.A.Qs
If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Illinois.
Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.
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.
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.