How to Start a Free LLC in Illinois: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide

Q: Can you really start an Illinois LLC for free?

No. Illinois charges a mandatory $150 state filing fee when you submit your Articles of Organization to the Illinois Secretary of State, and no formation service can eliminate that charge for you. What can genuinely be free is everything else: the name search, the EIN (from the IRS directly), the operating agreement (using a free template), and the formation service fee itself. The cheapest legitimate total to start an LLC in Illinois is $150.

Forming an LLC in Illinois is more straightforward than most people expect, not to mention cheaper than many formation services would have you believe. Some advertise $0. Others quote $150. A few charge $500. The confusion is understandable, but the reality is simpler: the state sets a mandatory minimum, and everything beyond that is optional. The entire LLC process runs through official Illinois and federal websites, most steps cost nothing, and the total minimum is $150. This guide walks you through every step in simple language, including exactly what each step costs, what you can skip, and where LLC services like Inc Authority are genuinely useful versus unnecessary.

What Is an LLC?

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a legal business structure that separates your personal finances from your business finances. If your business gets sued or can’t pay its debts, your personal bank account, car, and home are generally protected. The LLC also avoids the double taxation that corporations face: profits pass through directly to the owner’s personal tax return, so you’re taxed once rather than at both the business and personal level. LLCs are cheaper and less complicated to maintain than corporations, with no required board meetings and less paperwork overall, which is why they’re the most popular structure for new businesses across the country.

Why Form an LLC in Illinois?

Illinois has some genuine financial advantages for owners that are worth understanding before you form an LLC in Illinois.

Illinois-Specific Cost Advantages

No newspaper publication requirement. Some states require you to announce your LLC formation in a local newspaper, a process that costs anywhere from $300 to $2,000 or more. New York is notorious for this. Illinois has no such requirement. That’s significant savings for first-time filers. Pass-through taxation keeps your tax rate lower. By default, an Illinois LLC doesn’t pay state income tax at the business level. Instead, profits flow through to the owner’s personal tax return, where they’re taxed at Illinois’s flat individual income tax rate of 4.95%. Compare that to Illinois’s combined corporate income tax rate of 9.5%, nearly double. If you formed a corporation instead of an LLC, you’d pay corporate tax on business income first, then individual tax again when you take a distribution. The LLC structure avoids that double layer entirely. Registering for Illinois state taxes is free. Once your LLC is approved, you may need to register for a sales tax permit, employer withholding tax, or other state tax accounts. All of those registrations go through MyTax Illinois, the Illinois Department of Revenue’s online portal, and there’s no fee to register. You pay taxes on what you earn, but the registration itself costs nothing.

One Honest Downside to Know

Illinois isn’t the cheapest state in the country to start an LLC. The $150 Articles of Organization filing fee is higher than several other states. Kentucky charges $40 and Colorado charges just $50. Illinois also charges a $75 annual report fee every year, a recurring cost that catches many new LLC owners off guard. That said, Illinois compares favorably to many states once you look past the formation fee. States like New York and Arizona have required LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper, and California requires a minimum annual tax of $800.

Ready to start your business?

Form your free LLC in minutes with Inc Authority.

Start Your Free LLC + Free EIN

How to Start an LLC in Illinois: Step by Step

Every step below includes what to do, where to do it, how long it takes, and exactly what it costs. Follow these steps in order and you can have your Illinois LLC filed the same day you start.

Step 1: Search for an Available Business Name

Cost: $0 | Time: 10 minutes Before filing anything, confirm your desired name is available. Run a business name search using a free Illinois LLC tool or the Illinois Secretary of State Business Entity Search. It takes five minutes and costs nothing. Illinois naming rules to know before you search:

Your name must be distinguishable from every existing business name on SOS records. A name that’s too similar to an existing company will get rejected at filing.
Your name must include an LLC designator. “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” are all acceptable.
Certain words, such as those implying banking, insurance, or other regulated industries, may require additional agency review or approval.
You should also make sure your name doesn’t infringe on any federal trademarks. Use a free USPTO trademark search to confirm.

If your preferred name is taken or too similar to an existing business, you’ll see it here before you waste $150 on a rejected filing. The LLC lookup Illinois provides also shows registered agents, filing dates, and good-standing status for existing businesses. On name reservation: Illinois lets you reserve a business name for $25 before filing. This process requires either in-person or mail submission plus processing time, which can delay your LLC formation. Skip it. If you’re ready to file the Articles of Organization now, there’s no reason to pay $25 to hold a name you’re about to use. Search the database, confirm your name is available, then file immediately.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Cost: $0 if you serve yourself; approximately $50 to $250 per year for a commercial service Every Illinois LLC must have a registered agent, a person or company that agrees to receive official legal documents, lawsuits, and government notices on behalf of your business. Illinois requires your registered agent to have a physical Illinois street address, and a P.O. box does not qualify. The address must be a real location where someone can actually receive documents during all normal business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a valid Illinois street address and you’re available there during business hours on weekdays. This is the cheapest option by far, at $0 per year. However, there are two main downsides to being your own agent:

Availability: You must consistently present and reachable at that address whenever official correspondence might arrive. If you’re away from your address even briefly when a service of process is delivered, you risk missing a legal notice entirely. That availability gap can expose your business to default judgments or other serious legal consequences, which is why many LLC owners prefer a professional registered agent service that acts on their behalf.
Privacy: Your registered agent address becomes part of the public record when your LLC is filed. If you work from home and don’t want your home address searchable on the Illinois SOS database, or if you travel frequently, a commercial registered agent service is worth the cost.

Commercial services typically run $50 to $250 per year in Illinois depending on the provider. Inc Authority’s formation package includes one year of registered agent service for free. After that first year, renewal is typically $249 per year. Factor that into your Year 2 budget if you go that route.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State

Cost: $150, mandatory | Time: 15-30 minutes Filing your Articles of Organization is the official step that legally creates your Illinois LLC. The mandatory $150 filing fee pays for your Illinois LLC registration with the state, and there’s no way around it. If you’re looking to file Articles of Organization with the potential for a series, the filing fee is $400. Where to file: The Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department handles all LLC filings. Online filing is available and is the fastest, most reliable option. Illinois LLC form: The Articles of Organization is filed on Form LLC-5.5. You can complete and submit this form directly through the SOS online filing portal. Having everything ready before you open the form keeps the process to about 15 to 30 minutes. Gather everything on this list:

Your LLC’s full name, including the required designator (LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company)
Principal office address, a street address, not a PO box
Registered agent’s full name and Illinois street address
Management structure: member-managed (owners run the business) or manager-managed (a designated manager runs the business)
Organizer’s name and address, the person submitting the filing, which can be you
Effective date, either the filing date or a specific future date if you need the LLC to start on a particular day
Business purpose. Illinois generally accepts a broad general statement here.

Processing time: Typically, processing an online application takes 10 business days, and mail-in filings can be longer. If you need your LLC approved faster, say because of a pending contract or lease, the Illinois SOS offers expedited processing for an additional $100. Skip it unless you have a firm deadline. Standard processing is fine for most new LLCs.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Cost: $0 if self-drafted; $90-200 if purchased from a commercial formation service | Time: 30-60 minutes An operating agreement is an internal document that defines how your LLC operates: who owns what percentage, how profits and losses are divided, how decisions get made, and what happens if an owner wants to leave or sell their stake. Illinois does not require you to file it with the Secretary of State, but every LLC should have one in their records regardless. Without an operating agreement, you have no written proof of ownership structure, banks may refuse to open your account, and disputes between members become much harder to resolve. For single-member LLCs, a free template is a completely legitimate approach, and you can find many free operating agreement resources online. For multi-member LLCs, a free template still works as a starting point, but take more time customizing it to document exactly how profits split, how members vote on major decisions, and under what conditions a member can exit. Formation services typically charge $90 to $200 for an operating agreement package. That’s an optional upsell, not a legal requirement. For first-time filers, the DIY route is easy and cost-effective.

Step 5: Get Your EIN from the IRS

Cost: $0 | Time: 10 minutes An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC’s federal tax ID number. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file certain federal and state tax returns. The IRS issues EINs at no charge. The online EIN application at IRS.gov takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your EIN is issued immediately when you finish. Many formation services offer EIN filing as an add-on at checkout, typically charging $50 to $100 for this. That fee buys you nothing except the convenience of having someone fill out a 10-minute form on your behalf. There is no legal advantage, no faster processing, and no difference in the EIN you receive. Skip the third party and do this yourself.

Step 6: Register for Illinois State Taxes

Cost: $0 to register | Time: 20 minutes Forming your LLC does not automatically register you for Illinois state taxes. These are separate steps you take after your Articles of Organization are approved, and which ones apply depends entirely on how your business operates. If your LLC will sell taxable goods or certain services, you must register for a sales tax permit through MyTax Illinois. Registration is free, though your actual tax obligations depend on your business activity. You cannot legally collect Illinois sales tax from customers until this registration is complete. If your LLC will have employees, you must register for Illinois withholding tax and unemployment insurance tax before your first employee’s first day of work. Both registrations are free and can be completed through MyTax Illinois or the Illinois Business Gateway. If your LLC has more than one member, it’s subject to the Illinois Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT), a 1.5% tax on net income filed annually on Form IL-1065. Single-member LLCs are not subject to PPRT; owners simply report LLC income on their personal IL-1040.

Step 7: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits (If Required)

Cost: $0 to search, license fees vary based on business and location Forming your LLC legally creates your business. It does not automatically authorize you to operate it. Many industries require separate licenses or permits before you can open your doors or take on clients. Illinois does not have a single statewide general business license that applies to everyone. Instead, licenses are issued by specific agencies based on what your business does:

State-level licenses are handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for regulated professions, including real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, accountants, and dozens of other fields.
Local licenses depend on where you operate. For example, Chicago requires a Chicago Business License through the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), with a basic fee of approximately $500 for a two-year license.
County permits may also apply. Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties each have their own permit requirements for certain business types and locations.

The fastest way to identify what applies to your specific situation is the Illinois Business Gateway. Enter your business type and location, and it generates a personalized checklist of required state registrations and licenses for free.

Illinois LLC Costs and Fees

The absolute minimum cost for Illinois LLC registration is $150, the mandatory state filing fee paid to the Illinois Secretary of State. No formation service can waive this for you. If you file yourself, act as your own registered agent, get your EIN free from the IRS, and use a free operating agreement template, your total Year 1 cost stays at a minimum of $150 (not including any required local/industry-specific business licenses). Year 2 costs catch many new LLC owners off guard. The $75 annual report fee is mandatory every year, and missing the deadline adds a $100 penalty, bringing the late-payment total to $175. If you’re using a commercial registered agent, budget an additional $100 to $249 per year for that renewal on top of the annual report fee. Note: All fee amounts in these tables should be verified against current Illinois Secretary of State pricing and current Inc Authority offer details before relying on them for budget planning.

Year 1 Formation Costs

The table below breaks down every potential cost you’ll encounter in your first year across three paths: filing everything yourself (DIY), using Inc Authority’s low-cost formation service where you pay only for what you need, and hiring a full-price formation service.

Cost Item	DIY Path	Inc Authority Path	Paid Service Path
State filing fee	$150	$150	$150
Formation service fee	$0	$0	$79 to $299
Registered agent (Year 1)	$0 (self)	$0 (included)	$0 to $249
EIN	$0 (IRS direct)	$0 (assistance included)	$0 to $100
Operating agreement	$0 (free template)	$0 if upsell declined / $89 to $199 if accepted	$0 to $150
Name reservation (optional)	$0 to $25	$0 to $25	$0 to $25
Business licenses/permits	Varies	Varies	Varies
Estimated Year 1 minimum	$150	$150	$229+
Estimated Year 1 realistic total	$150 to $175	$150 to $350+	$350 to $700+

A few things to note about how to read this table honestly. The DIY minimum of $150 is real and achievable, but only if you act as your own registered agent, apply for your EIN directly, and use a free operating agreement template. Inc Authority’s free LLC formation matches the DIY minimum. The formation service fee is genuinely $0 and comes with Year 1 registered agent services for Illinois, a clear advantage over the fully DIY option. The EIN service, operating agreement package, compliance bundle, and expedited processing are all optional add-ons. They save time and headache, though these guided add-ons could push your total to $350+. The paid service path almost always costs more than either alternative in Year 1. The one exception is when a paid service bundles registered agent service and other features at a discounted package rate, but even then, the DIY path with free tools comes out cheaper for most first-time filers.

Ongoing Annual Costs (Year 2 and Beyond)

Formation is a one-time event, but running your Illinois LLC costs money every year, and these two recurring expenses are where many first-time owners get surprised.

Annual report: Illinois requires LLCs to file an annual report, which comes with a $75 state fee. Note that failing to file on time comes with a $100 late fee.
Registered agent: Maintaining a current registered agent is required every year. If you can no longer be your own agent and maintain a physical address with regular availability, or if you chose Inc Authority’s formation option with the Year 1 free registered agent, you will want to factor in the cost of an agent for Year 2 (roughly $100-250/year).

What “Free LLC Formation” Actually Means

When a formation company advertises “free LLC formation,” they mean one specific thing: they are waiving their own service fee. The state filing fee, $150 paid directly to the Illinois Secretary of State, still applies. No formation company can waive it, discount it, or absorb it on your behalf. A formation service that advertises $0 can easily become a $300+ purchase if you accept the add-ons presented during signup. They’re convenience services to take on the paperwork hassle of EIN filing, operating agreements, compliance and more.

How Inc Authority’s Illinois LLC Service Works

Inc Authority charges $0 as a service fee for Illinois LLC formation. That means Inc Authority prepares and files your Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State without adding a charge on top of the mandatory state fee. Here’s what the package typically includes:

Business name availability check against the Illinois SOS database before filing
Preparation and filing of your Articles of Organization
One year of registered agent service at no extra charge
Digital document storage and online account access
Basic compliance notifications for upcoming filing deadlines

What you still pay: The mandatory $150 Illinois state filing fee. This goes directly to the Illinois Secretary of State. Optional services: Inc Authority’s package comes with optional add-ons that appear during the signup process, including an operating agreement package, expedited processing, compliance bundles, business credit services, website packages and more. You’re not required to purchase these convenience products, though they can help save you the headache of doing all the steps yourself. Pick and choose what makes sense for your business. Ultimately, the fully DIY path costs the same as Inc Authority but doesn’t include the first year of registered agent services. If you’d rather have someone handle the paperwork while you focus on your business, Inc Authority’s LLC formation service lets you get started for just the $150 Illinois state fee—no service charge, no formation markup, and you choose exactly what you need beyond that.

Illinois LLC Requirements and Ongoing Compliance

Once your LLC is approved, your compliance obligations are straightforward, but missing them carries real financial consequences.

Illinois Annual Report: Due Every Year

As mentioned above, every Illinois LLC must file an annual report with the Illinois Secretary of State each year. The filing fee is $75, which can be filed online. The annual report due date follows a specific rule worth memorizing. Your report is due before the first day of your LLC’s anniversary month, the calendar month in which your LLC was originally approved. If your LLC was formed on July 15, your annual report is due by July 1 each subsequent year. Miss that deadline, and the $75 fee becomes $175 with a $100 late penalty added on top. Failing to submit the annual report on time may put your new LLC at risk of losing good standing, which could eventually lead the Secretary of State to administratively dissolve your business. The process for LLC reinstatement costs all back fees plus penalties. The day your LLC is approved, set a recurring calendar reminder for 60 days before your anniversary month. Filing the annual report online takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing beyond the $75 state fee.

Registered Agent Requirement

Your LLC must maintain a registered agent with a valid Illinois street address at all times, not just at formation. If you serve as your own registered agent, the ongoing cost is $0, but you must be consistently available at that address to receive official correspondence. Missing a service of process delivery even briefly can mean missing a legal notice, and courts generally do not accept unavailability as a defense. If you move, update your address with the Illinois SOS promptly. If you use a commercial registered agent service, budget for annual renewal fees of $100 to $250 per year depending on the provider. Inc A professional service maintains reliable availability so you don’t have to. If you need to switch registered agents at any point, you must file a Statement of Change with the Illinois Secretary of State. There is a $25 filing fee for this change, so factor that in if you’re planning to start with a commercial service and later switch to self-representation.

Illinois Tax Obligations After Formation

Your ongoing tax responsibilities depend on your LLC’s structure and activity. Single-member LLCs report income on the owner’s personal Form IL-1040. No separate Illinois entity-level income tax return is required. Multi-member LLCs must file Form IL-1065 annually and pay the 1.5% Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) on net income. For calendar-year filers, the return is due April 15. If you collect sales tax, file Illinois sales tax returns through MyTax Illinois on your assigned schedule, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually. You must file even in periods with zero sales. A missed zero-sales return costs $50 per period. Miss 12 months of monthly filings and you’ve racked up $600 in completely avoidable penalties. If you have employees, register for Illinois withholding tax before your first employee’s first day on the job. Make deposits on your assigned schedule. A late deposit triggers a penalty of 2% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum of 20%, plus interest.

Record-Keeping and Good Standing

Keep your stamped Articles of Organization somewhere permanent and accessible. You’ll need them to open a business bank account and for some licensing applications. Maintain your operating agreement internally and update it whenever ownership or management changes. An outdated operating agreement can undermine your liability protection and create disputes if a disagreement arises. Only purchase a Certificate of Good Standing when someone specifically asks for one. Banks, lenders, and some licensing agencies may require it, but it is not needed at formation and is not a routine annual expense. Illinois LLCs are not required to hold annual meetings or keep meeting minutes. This is a meaningful administrative advantage over corporations, which face formal meeting and record keeping requirements under Illinois law. As an LLC owner, you skip that overhead entirely.

Money-Saving Tips for Illinois LLC Owners

Take Advantage of Free State Resources

Illinois SBDC Network. The Illinois Small Business Development Center operates more than 30 free advising locations statewide, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Advisors provide one-on-one help with business planning, financial analysis, and tax strategy, the kind of guidance that costs $150 to $400 per hour from a private consultant. Every session is free. Find your nearest center at ilsbdc.com. SCORE Illinois Chapters. SCORE pairs you with retired executives and active business owners who volunteer as mentors. Mentoring sessions are free and unlimited. SCORE Chicago is one of the largest chapters in the country, with deep expertise across industries. Illinois Business Gateway. The Illinois Business Gateway is a free, single-session portal for completing all required state tax registrations in one place. Missing a registration, such as forgetting to register for sales tax before your first sale, can trigger penalties that start at $50 per missed filing period. The Gateway eliminates that risk by walking you through every required registration based on your business type and location. Illinois workNet. Illinois workNet offers free online training covering financial management, business planning, and hiring. It also connects employers to on-the-job training reimbursements that can offset up to 50% of a new employee’s wages during their training period, a direct reduction in your labor costs if you plan to hire.

Avoid Costly Illinois-Specific Penalties

File your annual report on time. The $75 annual report fee becomes $175 if filed late, a $100 penalty on top of the standard fee. Never let your LLC get administratively dissolved. Missing annual reports triggers dissolution. Reinstatement costs fees plus $75 for each missed annual report year plus $100 in late penalties per missed year. File zero sales tax returns. If you’re registered for Illinois sales tax, you must file returns even during periods with zero sales. Missing a single zero return costs $50. Monthly filers who miss an entire year face $600 in completely avoidable penalties. File through MyTax Illinois. Register for Illinois withholding tax before your first hire. Failing to register before your first employee’s first day triggers a penalty of 2% of tax due per month, up to 20%, plus interest.

State Tax Savings to Know

Keep your LLC in default pass-through tax status. Don’t elect C-corporation taxation. The default LLC treatment means members pay Illinois income tax at the flat 4.95% individual rate, far lower than the 9.5% combined corporate rate that applies if you elect corporate taxation. Multi-member LLCs: Deduct the PPRT on your federal return. The 1.5% Personal Property Replacement Tax you pay to Illinois is deductible as a business expense on your federal return. Depending on your federal tax bracket, you recover approximately 20 to 37 cents on every dollar paid, a real if partial offset. Use the Illinois resale exemption immediately. If your LLC buys inventory to resell, complete Form CRT-61 (Certificate of Resale) with your suppliers on day one. This stops you from paying sales tax on inventory purchases, a direct reduction in your cost of goods. [VERIFY current form number on tax.illinois.gov] Illinois Small Business Jobs Creation Tax Credit. This program offers $2,500 per net new full-time employee, applied against your Illinois income tax liability. It’s available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, but you must pre-register with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) before hiring.

Reduce Operational Costs

Utility rebates from ComEd and Ameren Illinois. Both utilities offer rebates of 30 to 70% on qualifying equipment upgrades, including LED lighting, HVAC systems, and refrigeration. Request a free energy audit before purchasing any equipment. ComEd serves northern Illinois businesses; Ameren Illinois serves central and southern Illinois. Illinois credit unions for business banking. Illinois-based credit unions such as Alliant Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union offer business checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees or low minimums, potentially saving hundreds per year compared to major commercial banks. Illinois Chamber of Commerce membership costs approximately $300 to $500 per year, but the return can exceed that within the first few months. Membership provides access to group workers’ compensation insurance programs, group health insurance rates, and vendor discounts on services most small businesses already buy. If your LLC will have even one employee, the savings on workers’ comp alone often cover the annual dues. Check current membership rates and benefit details at Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really start an Illinois LLC for free?

No. Illinois charges a mandatory $150 state filing fee when you submit your Articles of Organization to the Illinois Secretary of State, and no formation service can eliminate that charge for you. What can genuinely be free is everything else: the name search, the EIN (from the IRS directly), the operating agreement (using a free template), and the formation service fee itself. The cheapest legitimate total to start an LLC in Illinois is $150.

What is the cheapest way to form an LLC in Illinois?

Handle every step yourself and pay only the mandatory state filing fee. File directly with the Illinois Secretary of State without using a formation service. Act as your own registered agent if you have a valid Illinois street address and can be available there during business hours. Get your EIN free at IRS.gov. Use a free operating agreement template. Total minimum cost: $150. If you’d prefer to have the paperwork handled for you, Inc Authority’s LLC formation service charges no service fee. You pay only the $150 state filing fee and choose any additional services you actually need.

Why do some websites say LLC formation is free when others charge hundreds?

When a company advertises “free LLC formation,” it almost always means the company is waiving its own service fee, not that the Illinois state filing fee disappears. Illinois charges $150 to file your Articles of Organization, and that fee goes directly to the state. At checkout, many commercial services offer add-ons that come with a cost, but these are optional. Read exactly what’s included before you click start, and know that the $150 state fee is always yours to pay regardless of which path you choose.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Illinois?

Standard online filing takes approximately 10 business days. Mail filings take longer, typically 4 to 6 weeks once the Illinois Secretary of State receives your documents. File online through the Illinois SOS Business Services portal rather than mailing a paper form. Expedited processing is available for an additional $100 and cuts turnaround to 24 hours. If you have a hard deadline, such as a lease signing or a contract start date, the extra $100 is worth it. Check the current posted processing times on the Illinois SOS Business Services page before you submit, as turnaround times change periodically.

Do I need a registered agent for my Illinois LLC, and can I be my own?

Yes, every Illinois LLC is legally required to maintain a registered agent with a valid Illinois street address, and yes, you can serve as your own. You qualify if you have a real Illinois street address (not a P.O. box) and can be consistently available there during normal business hours to receive documents. That availability requirement is worth taking seriously: if you’re away from your address when a service of process is delivered, you risk missing a legal notice with no recourse. Serving as your own registered agent costs $0 per year, compared to $100 to $250 per year for a commercial service. A commercial registered agent also keeps your personal address off the public record on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website, which is an added benefit if privacy is a concern.

What happens after my Illinois LLC is approved?

Save your stamped Articles of Organization immediately. You’ll need them to open a business bank account and for some licensing applications. Apply for your free EIN at IRS.gov if you haven’t already. Register for Illinois state taxes through MyTax Illinois if your business will collect sales tax or have employees. Check whether your industry or city requires additional licenses or permits using the Illinois Business Gateway. Finally, mark your annual report due date the day your LLC is approved.