Best LLC Services in Illinois

From state filings to taxes and permits, forming an Illinois LLC involves a lot of work. Save time, money, and headaches with these top LLC services.

Forming an LLC in Illinois isn't the most straightforward process. For example, the state's Articles of Organization require a bit more information than in many other states.

So, whether you're building something big in Chicago or starting a small business in Springfield, you'll want the best LLC service for your Illinois LLC.

The good news? With these best LLC services in Illinois, you won't have to figure it all out on your own.

Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: Enhanced privacy protection

Illinois is one of those states where forming an LLC means sharing a lot of addresses. The Articles of Organization asks for^[1]:

• Your business address
  
• Your registered agent's address
  
• The addresses of each member or manager
  
• The address of the organizers

Since this form becomes publicly available, anyone can look up the addresses you list. Skipping them isn't an option because your application will get rejected. This can be a privacy risk for home-based businesses, online businesses, or anyone who doesn't have a business address yet.

One way around this? Using Northwest Registered Agent. They let you list their address on every part of the form—from the registered agent to the members and managers.

Plus, their office is just minutes from the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. So they'll get your legal and state mail fast, then pass it on to you quickly. No missed deadlines or surprises.

Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is one of the country's oldest LLC services. It has offices in every state, with one in Springfield, IL, and offers an affordable LLC formation package that includes Privacy by Default, an operating agreement, and a free year of registered agent service.

LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

Click Here to Get Deal

• Files all paperwork with the state
• 1 year registered agent included
• Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
• Free LLC Operating Agreement
• Never sells your data. Ever.

Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:

• Filing Services: $39 + state fees^[2]
  Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone.

• Registered Agent Services: $125/year^[3]
  Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more.

• Annual Report: $100/year + state fees^[4]
  Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates.

• Identity Services: $9+/monthly^[5]
  Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).

Pros + Cons:

Rocket Lawyer

Best for: Business tax and legal support

Illinois isn't known for being tax-friendly. Between income tax, sales tax, and employment taxes, there's a lot to sort out—and it can get confusing fast. That's why it's smart to have professional support from day one.

With Rocket Lawyer, a pro can give you one-on-one advice on choosing the best LLC setup for your business. They can walk you through how Illinois taxes work and show you ways to save money long-term. You'll also have access to legal help when you need it.

Whether it's filing state income tax or handling employee payroll taxes, you won't have to face Illinois tax rules alone.

Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer has an A BBB rating.^[6] Its extensive network of on-call professional attorneys can assist with business registration, business contracts, trademarks, and more.

Plans and Pricing:^[7]
Rocket Lawyer offers two membership plans:

• Rocket Legal: $39.99/mo
  
• Rocket Legal+: $19.99/mo or $239.88/yr

Both plans offer the same benefits, including unlimited custom legal documents, Document Defense® in case of contract dispute, and access to an experienced lawyer for any legal questions.

The difference? Rocket Legal+ is billed annually and offers up to 50% discount on most a la carte services:

Pros + Cons:

ZenBusiness

Best for: Worry-free annual compliance

Filing your Articles of Organization is just the beginning. In Illinois, you also need to file an annual report to keep your LLC active. If you miss it, you'll get hit with a $100 penalty.^[8] If you skip it completely, the state can shut down your business.

ZenBusiness takes the stress out of all that. Their worry-free compliance service handles your annual report filing for you, so you can stay in good standing without lifting a finger. You'll also get two free amendment filings in case you need to update your business info later.

Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness has helped over 800,000 businesses^[9] and received mostly positive customer reviews. It is also BBB-accredited with an A+ rating.^[10]

Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees

Click Here to Learn More

• Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
• Standard filing speed
• 100% accuracy guaranteed
• Other services are available with additional costs

Packages and fees:^[12]
ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation: a free basic package, and 2 paid tiers with annual fees.

• Starter: $0 + state fees
  With Starter, you get standard formation features like business name search, preparation and filing of formation documents, and an online account to access documents.

  The Starter plan also includes a free year of Worry-Free Compliance services and a free tax savings consultation.

• Pro: $199/yr + state fees
  Pro is ideal if you want ZenBusiness to handle most of your LLC's requirements without paying for each service separately. You get everything in Starter plus an operating agreement, EIN, and rush filing.

• Premium: $299/yr + state fees
  Premium includes everything in the first two plans, plus unlimited access to Zenbusiness's business template library, a business website, and business email.

Pros + Cons:

LegalZoom

Best for: LLCs with business permit and license needs

Illinois doesn't have a state-level general business license, but you'll likely still need other permits and licenses before you can legally open for business.

For example, if you plan to hire employees, sell goods, or make products, you'll need a Certificate of Registration from the state. You'll also need a sales tax license if you sell physical goods. And depending on what your business does—and where it's located—you might need even more permits at the city or county level.

LegalZoom makes things easier for you. They can form your LLC and help you figure out exactly which licenses, permits, and registrations your business needs—federal, state, and local. That way, you can get set up faster and avoid surprises later.

Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped form over 4 million businesses^[13] and is BBB-accredited^[14]. Although pricier than other providers, LegalZoom's combination of business and legal services could be valuable.

Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Customizable website

Click Here to Form Your LLC

Core services and fees:^[15]
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

• Basic: $0 + state fees
  With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

• Pro: $249 + state fees
  Pro comes with everything from Basic and a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services, bookkeeping tools, and editor access to customizable forms.

• Premium: $299 + state fees
  With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing.

Pros + Cons:

Bizee

Best for: Free LLC formation w/ registered agent services

Starting a business in Illinois isn't cheap—the state charges $150^[16] just to form your LLC. That plus other costs can add up fast. If you're trying to keep expenses low, Bizee (formerly Incfile) is a smart pick.

They'll prepare and file your Articles of Organization for free—you just pay the state fee. You'll also get a full year of registered agent service at no extra cost. That means one less thing to worry about while you focus on getting your business off the ground.

Bizee, previously known as Incfile, is an online formation company that helps business owners start an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in any state. It also offers other LLC services like DBA filing, registered agent services, and EIN applications.

Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:

• Basic: $0 + state fees^[17]
  Bizee's free plan prepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.

• Standard: $199 + state fees^[18]
  The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.

• Premium: $299 + state fees^[19]
  Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.

Aside from business formation, you can pay for a la carte services like business license research, DBA filing, and annual report services.

Pros + Cons:

Methodology

To identify the best LLC services in Illinois, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.

We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.

Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.

Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in Illinois.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Compare the included features
  LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay.

• Read customer reviews
  You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.

• Consider their specialty
  LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

Setup Fee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	Starts at $0 + state fees (Starter)	$39 + state fees
Registered Agent	$249/year	$199/year	$125/year
Order Processing Time	1 to 2 weeks	7 to 10 business days	Within 1 business day
Expedited Processing	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs
Cancellation	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable
Customer Service	Phone: (888) 379-0854 Monday - Friday: 5AM - 7PM PT Weekends: 7AM - 4PM PT Online chat	Phone: 844-493-6249 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 8PM CT Saturday - Sunday: 9AM - 6PM CT Online chat Web form	24/7 Phone: 509-768-2249 Online chat Web form

DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in Illinois

The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:

• Cost
  Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Tailor Brands and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services.

• Time and convenience
  You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job.

• Expertise
  Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state.

• Registered agent services
  You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.

• Compliance requirements
  Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service.

• Control
  You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.

Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.

Why Form an LLC in Illinois?

Forming an LLC in Illinois could be beneficial because of its strategic location. Since it's located in the Midwest, businesses in the state have excellent access to markets and transportation networks. This is a major advantage for LLCs in logistics, distribution, and manufacturing.

Additionally, Illinois' major airports, railroads, and highways facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people. This could mean fewer expenses or less stress for your LLC.

How to Form an LLC in Illinois

Starting an LLC in Illinois is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:

1. Choose a name
   Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Illinois. It must also have Limited Liability Company, LLC, or similar at the end.

2. Appoint a registered agent
   A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.

3. File the Articles of Organization
   Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Illinois Secretary of State. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose.

4. Create an operating agreement
   An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.

5. Get an EIN
   Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

6. Get business permits and licenses
   Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.

Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like filing the annual report and renewing business permits and licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Illinois a good state for an LLC?

  Yes, Illinois can be a good state to form an LLC because of its diverse economy and central location. It's a great place to find customers, partners, and talent.

  However, Illinois isn't exactly a tax-friendly state. It has a 4.95% individual income tax^[20], and there are sales, employment, and excise taxes depending on what you do.

  Still, if you live in Illinois, forming your LLC here makes sense. You'll be operating where your customers are, and staying compliant with state and local laws is much easier when your LLC is based where you work. Just make sure to budget for annual expenses.

• Do LLCs pay taxes in Illinois?

  Yes, but how much you pay depends on how your LLC is set up. Most Illinois LLCs pay taxes through the owners' personal income tax returns. But if you sell products, you'll also need to collect and pay sales tax. If you have employees, you'll owe employment taxes, too.

  Some LLCs—like those taxed as S-Corps—also have to pay a personal property replacement tax on top of everything else. Depending on what your business does and where you're located, there could be local taxes or special fees as well.

• What is the annual fee for an LLC in Illinois?

  It costs $75 to file an annual report with the Illinois Secretary of State.^[21] This is a separate fee from the annual taxes paid by the LLC and LLC owners.

• Can I be my own registered agent in Illinois?

  Yes, you can be your Illinois LLC's registered agent as long as you're over 18, an Illinois resident, and have a local physical street address.

• How do I appoint a registered agent in Illinois?

  To appoint a registered agent in Illinois, just list the name and Illinois street address of your registered agent when you fill out your Articles of Organization.

  Your agent can be you, someone you know, or a professional service, but they must have a real Illinois address (no P.O. boxes) and be available during business hours. And make sure they agree to the job before you list them.

Bottom Line

Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and LegalZoom are the best LLC services in Illinois because they do more than just filing and preparing business documents.

From registered agents to ongoing compliance, their comprehensive services can help your business thrive in Illinois' competitive market.

Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.

References