So You Wanna Be an LLC Big Shot in Illinois: The Price of the Fancy Title
Let's face it, incorporating your business sounds impressive. You get to throw around terms like "LLC" and "Articles of Organization" like a legal wizard. But before you channel your inner Saul Goodman, there's a crucial question: how much does this LLC situation actually cost in Illinois?
How Much For An Llc In Illinois |
The Not-So-Scary State Filing Fee
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
The main expense you're looking at is the state filing fee. Here's where things get interesting. Illinois used to be like the VIP section of LLC formation fees, charging a whopping $500. But fear not, fellow entrepreneur! In 2019, they slashed the price to a much more reasonable $150. That's like a Netflix subscription, except instead of chilling on the couch, you're chilling as a legal boss.
Need it Yesterday? Buckle Up for Expedited Fees
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
If you're the impatient type and need your LLC formed faster than you can say "limited liability," you can pay an extra $100 for expedited processing. This shaves the waiting time down to a neat 24 hours, so you can be a legal eagle in no time (or at least by tomorrow afternoon).
Beyond the Basics: Optional Expenses to Consider
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Now, the $150 is just the filing fee, the price of entry to the LLC club. There are a few other things to think about:
- Registered Agent: Every LLC needs a registered agent, kind of like your business's permanent address for legal stuff. You can be your own registered agent, but there are services that do it for you for a yearly fee.
- Business Insurance: Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Accidents happen, and business insurance can be your financial superhero.
But wait, there's more! This isn't a late-night infomercial, but there can be additional fees depending on the complexity of your LLC structure. For example, if you're setting up a fancy "Series LLC" (intriguing, right?), the filing fee jumps to $400.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Alright, Alright, Alright - How Much Does it REALLY Cost?
So, the final cost can vary depending on your needs. But to ballpark it, you can expect to spend between $150 and $500 to get your Illinois LLC off the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Aspiring LLC Lord
How to file an LLC in Illinois? The Illinois Secretary of State website is your best friend here. They have all the forms and instructions you need.
How to choose a registered agent? You can be your own registered agent if you have a physical address in Illinois that someone is available to receive legal documents during business hours. Otherwise, consider a registered agent service.
How to get business insurance? Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois? Standard processing takes about 10 business days. Expedited processing takes 24 hours.
How cool will I be with an LLC? Off the charts cool. Just don't let it go to your head.