Illinois charges $154 to file an LLC by its default method (standard · online), and documents come back in about 16 days. Here is every filing option, what the state expects each year, and your first-year total with us.
State fees synced Sep 17, 2026 from our filing partner and charged at cost. Expedited methods add our $49 expedite fee.
The state sets the fee and the speed. We file by the method you pick and pass the fee through at cost.
| Method | Filed | State fee | Our expedite fee | Documents back in | First year · Starter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | By mail | $150 | — | 10 days | $499 |
| StandardDefault | Online | $154 | — | 16 days | $503 |
| Expedited | Online | $256 | + $49 | 3 days | $654 |
Forming is the easy part. These are the recurring obligations that keep the company in good standing.
We haven't published a checked summary of Illinois's yearly requirements on this page yet. Once your company is formed, its annual report or franchise tax deadline — where Illinois sets one — goes on your compliance calendar, with a reminder well before it's due.
For the current rules, check the Illinois Secretary of State's website.
A foreign-owned single-member LLC files these with the IRS every year, even with no revenue.
Popular with founders outside the US. Each guide shows the full fee table and yearly obligations.
No state income tax and a low yearly cost. Popular with founders outside the US.
The state investors know best, with the Court of Chancery. Venture funds usually want a Delaware C-corp, not an LLC.
The lowest-maintenance state: a small filing fee and no yearly report.
Good if you'll operate in Florida; watch the $400 late fee.
Side-by-side comparisons and plain-English guides, with the same live state fees.
Ready when you areStarter is $349 a year plus the $154 state fee at cost. EIN and registered agent included.
Form in IllinoisHi! I'm Ella, the AI assistant here (your messages go to our AI provider). Tell me what you're building and where you're based, and I'll tell you exactly what a US LLC costs and how fast you can have one.