How to Form an LLC in Illinois

How to form an LLC in Illinois, including LLC advantages, disadvantages, business purposes, foreign qualification, and more.

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Choose a name for your LLC

The name of your LLC must end with “LLC,” “L.L.C.” or “limited liability company.” It can’t include words that could make someone think it’s a government agency or that it’s something it’s not. Other than that, you have a lot of leeway in what you can name your LLC. You can even name it after yourself, like “Smith LLC.”

Search the Illinois Secretary of State website to make sure your desired name is available

To form an LLC in Illinois, you must first choose a name for your LLC. The name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.” It also must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can search for available names on the Secretary of State’s website.

Once you have chosen a name, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office. The Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, address, and the names and addresses of its organizers. You must also pay a filing fee. After your Articles of Organization are filed and accepted, your LLC will be officially established.

Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” in your LLC’s name

Your LLC’s name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” You can also abbreviate any of these terms as long as the abbreviation is immediately followed by the period character (“.”).

Your LLC name cannot include language that would confuse your LLC with a government agency (like “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department”) or imply that your LLC is engaged in a business it isn’t actually pursuing (like “Banking Association” or “Real Estate Board”).

File Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State

You can form an LLC in Illinois by filing Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, address, and the names of the LLC’s members. You will also need to designate a registered agent for the LLC. The registered agent must be a resident of Illinois and must have a physical address in the state.

Obtain the Articles of Organization form from the Illinois Secretary of State website

You can form an LLC in Illinois by filing the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State.3 min read

You can form an LLC in Illinois by filing the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization must be signed by a authorized person and filed by mail or in person.

To get started, you will need to obtain the Articles of Organization form from the Illinois Secretary of State website. The form must be completed and signed by a authorized person, such as a member or manager of the LLC. Once the form is complete, it can be filed by mail or in person at the Illinois Secretary of State office.

There is a filing fee of $150 for LLCs with one member and $300 for LLCs with more than one member. If you are filing by mail, you will need to include a check or money order made out to the Illinois Secretary of State.

Once your Articles of Organization have been accepted, you will need to publish a notice in a newspaper that is circulated in your county. The notice must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks and must include the name and address of your LLC, as well as the name and address of your registered agent. After publication, you will need to submit an Affidavit of Publication to the Illinois Secretary of State office.

Fill out the Articles of Organization form

The first step in forming an LLC in Illinois is to file Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization must include the following information:

-the LLC’s name and address
-the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent
-the LLC’s purpose
-the names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers
-the date on which the LLC will dissolve, if applicable
-whether the LLC will be managed by one manager or by multiple managers

You can file the Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $150.

File the Articles of Organization form with the Illinois Secretary of State

To form an LLC in Illinois, you must file Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State.

You can file online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $150.

The Articles of Organization must include:
-The LLC’s name and address
-The LLC’s registered agent and address
-The LLC’s purpose
-The names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers
-Whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
-The effective date of the Articles of Organization (if not immediate)

Once you file the Articles of Organization, you need to draft an Operating Agreement. This is a contract between the members of the LLC that sets forth rules for governing the LLC. It is not required by Illinois law, but it is a good idea to have one to avoid future conflict.

Appoint a Registered Agent

You must appoint a registered agent for your LLC. A registered agent is a person or business that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You must list the name and address of your registered agent in your LLC’s Articles of Organization. You can appoint a registered agent when you file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

Choose an individual or business to serve as your LLC’s registered agent

A registered agent is a person or business that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. The registered agent’s name and address are publicly available through the state government, and the agent may be required to provide an acceptable physical address in Illinois.

You are required to appoint a registered agent when you form your LLC. You can appoint yourself or another individual within your LLC, but it’s generally recommended that you appoint a professional registered agent service.

A professional registered agent service can provide your LLC with many benefits, including:
-A physical address in Illinois
-Access to a network of compliance experts
-The ability to forward important documents to you in a timely manner
– around-the-clock customer support

Sign a Registered Agent Agreement

If you will not be serving as your own Registered Agent, you must appoint one. The Registered Agent is a person or entity that agrees to accept service of process on behalf of your LLC. This means that if your LLC is ever sued, the court papers will be delivered to your Registered Agent. The Registered Agent then forwards the papers to you.

You may appoint an individual within the state of Illinois or a foreign corporation that is authorized to do business in Illinois and has a physical office in the state. The individual must be over 18 years of age and willing to sign a registered agent agreement.

To appoint a Registered Agent, sign an agreement with the person or entity you have chosen. The agreement should include:
-The name, address, and telephone number of the person or entity;
-The name and address of your LLC;
-The period of time for which the agreement will be effective;
-That the Registered Agent has agreed to serve as Registered Agent; and
-That the Registered Agent will notify you if he or she changes his or her address or telephone number, or if he or she can no longer serve as Registered Agent.

Create an Operating Agreement

To form an LLC in Illinois, you must file Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State.3 min read You will need to include: the LLC’s name and address, the LLC’s purpose, the names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers, the LLC’s duration, and whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers. You must also create an operating agreement.

Draft an operating agreement or have one prepared by an attorney

An LLC operating agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the ownership and operational procedures of your LLC. In Illinois, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it is highly advisable to have one.

An operating agreement can help you avoid disputes among members, establish clear rules and procedures for running the business, and give you flexibility in how you structure your business. If you are forming an LLC with multiple members, it is especially important to have an operating agreement in place.

If you choose to draft your own operating agreement, there are a few key elements that should be included:

• The name of the LLC and its principal place of business
• The names and addresses of the members
• A description of the business purpose of the LLC
• The duration of the LLC (if it is not to exist indefinitely)
• The ownership structure of the LLC (e.g., percentage ownership interests)
• The responsibilities of the members and manager (if applicable)
• The procedures for admitting new members
• The procedures for dissolving the LLC

Distribute the operating agreement to all LLC members

After you have finalized the operating agreement, you will need to sign and date it and then give a copy to each LLC member. Make sure that each person who signs it initial and dates each page of the operating agreement.

Get an Employer Identification Number

You must first get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An LLC is not required to have an EIN, but you will need one to open a business bank account and to file your annual tax return. You can apply for an EIN online, by fax, or by mail.

Obtain an EIN from the IRS website

If you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Illinois, you’ll need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can obtain an EIN from the IRS website.

Use your EIN to open a business bank account

A business checking account is a necessity for any business. It allows you to deposit money earned by your LLC and write checks to pay for business expenses.open a business bank account in the name of your LLC. You’ll need to give the bank your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require that you open a business checking account in order to process payments from customers and vendors. This way, you can keep your personal and business finances separate. You’ll also need an EIN in order to open a business bank account.