LLC cost in Illinois in 2026
Straightforward fees, a firm deadline and a penalty that arrives quickly if you miss it.
Updated August 2026
Educational estimates only. The figures on this page are general market research, not legal advice, and no attorney client relationship is created by using this site. Cost of Legal does not provide, broker or arrange legal services, and does not sell or pass on your details to anyone. Confirm current fees with the relevant government office or a licensed professional before you spend money.
Illinois charges $150 to file Articles of Organization and $75 for the annual report, due before the first day of the anniversary month of formation.
There are no publication requirements and no franchise tax on LLCs, which makes the running cost easy to predict.
Illinois LLC fees at a glance
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Articles of OrganizationPaid once to the Secretary of State. | $150 |
| Annual reportDue before the anniversary month begins. | $75 |
| Late annual report penaltyAdded once the report is 60 days late. | $100 |
| Registered agent serviceOptional if you act as your own agent. | $100 to $300 a year |
First year, doing it yourself
$150
First year with a formation service and paid agent
$250 to $450
Every year after that
$75 to $375
Ranges assume a registered agent service at $100 to $300 a year where one is used, and a formation service package of $0 to $300 on top of state fees. Expedited filing is available for an extra fee and usually turns the filing around within a day.
The quirk worth knowing
A series LLC is available in Illinois for a higher filing fee. It can separate assets into protected cells, but the structure is complex, banks and insurers are inconsistent about how they treat it, and small businesses rarely need it. Do not pay for a series structure because a formation service upsold it.
Who Illinois suits
Businesses trading in Illinois. There is no reason to form here from outside the state, but there is nothing punitive about the fees if you are here.
Run your own numbers
The calculator lets you change the formation route, the registered agent choice and expedited filing, then shows first year and ongoing totals as line items.
Open the LLC formation cost calculator