Guide
What an Illinois LLC really costs
The state charges $150 to form and $75 a year. Everything else is optional or comes from third parties.
State fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $150 |
| Annual report | $75 / year |
| Late annual report (after 60 days) | $100 penalty |
| Name reservation (optional) | $25 |
| Expedited filing (optional) | about +$100 |
What is free
Your EIN from the IRS, your Illinois sales tax registration and the CRT-61 all cost $0. Illinois does not legally require an operating agreement. You can be your own registered agent for free, but that address becomes public.
What online services add
Many national formation services advertise packages from $0 to around $399 on top of state fees, then sell add-ons such as an EIN, a registered agent and annual report filing. Always check the company's own pricing page for current numbers and renewals.
Does an LLC change my taxes?
Not by default. A one-person LLC is usually taxed like a sole proprietorship: you report profit on Schedule C with your Form 1040. An LLC separates your business from your personal life on paper. Whether it fits you is a question for an attorney or CPA.
Fees checked Oct 27, 2026. Confirm at ilsos.gov.
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