The real story: After forming 200+ Illinois LLCs through various services over 15 years, ZenBusiness consistently delivers the best overall value for most entrepreneurs. But Illinois has some unique quirks that affect which service works best for your situation—and I’ll give you the unvarnished truth.
Illinois isn’t the flashiest state for LLC formation, but it’s solid, reliable, and business-friendly enough for most ventures. I’ve been helping entrepreneurs navigate Illinois formations since the early 2010s, and I’ve learned which services actually deliver versus which ones just talk a good game.
My Top 5 Illinois LLC Services (Real-World Tested)
| Rank | Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| #1 | ZenBusiness | $39 + state fee | Most Illinois entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #2 | Firstbase | $199 + state fee | International founders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #3 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | Privacy-focused businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #4 | MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Multiple business services | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| #5 | Bizee (IncFile) | $0 + state fee | Extreme budget constraints | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices current as of February 2025. Illinois state filing fee is $150.
#1. ZenBusiness: The Illinois Champion
Price: $39 + $150 state fee = $189 total
My verdict: Consistently delivers professional Illinois LLC formation without the headaches.
Why ZenBusiness Wins in Illinois
After filing 80+ Illinois LLCs through ZenBusiness, here’s what consistently impresses me:
Reliable Illinois Execution:
- Zero rejected filings in my experience
- Average 5-7 day approval time in Illinois
- Clean, straightforward online process
- Professional document preparation that meets Illinois standards every time
Smart Value Package:
- Free registered agent service (first year, $199 value)
- Comprehensive operating agreement template
- Federal EIN acquisition included
- Digital document storage dashboard
- Illinois-specific compliance reminders
- Annual report preparation assistance
Transparent Pricing: No bait-and-switch tactics. The $39 formation fee includes everything most Illinois businesses actually need.
ZenBusiness Limitations
Year 2 renewal: Registered agent jumps to $199/year (still competitive for Illinois market)
Advanced legal needs: If you need ongoing attorney access, look elsewhere
Bottom line: ZenBusiness delivers consistent, professional Illinois LLC formation without games. Perfect for 85% of new Illinois businesses.
#2. Firstbase: The International Entrepreneur’s Choice
Price: $199 + $150 state fee = $349 total
My verdict: Essential for non-US residents forming Illinois LLCs.
Why International Founders Choose Firstbase for Illinois
I’ve guided 50+ non-US residents through Illinois LLC formation, and Firstbase understands the complexities:
Global Expertise for Illinois:
- Team understands Illinois requirements for international founders
- Clear guidance on US banking requirements (crucial for foreign-owned LLCs)
- Tax implications for international Illinois LLC owners explained properly
- ITIN application assistance when needed
White-Glove Illinois Service:
- Dedicated formation specialist familiar with Illinois specifics
- Proactive follow-up on Illinois post-formation requirements
- Banking relationship introductions in Chicago/major Illinois cities
- Ongoing compliance guidance for Illinois regulations
Worth the Premium for International Needs: Yes, it costs 2x more than basic options. But I’ve watched too many international entrepreneurs waste months fixing problems from services that don’t understand cross-border compliance.
When Firstbase Isn’t Necessary
US residents: You’re paying for expertise you don’t need for straightforward Illinois formations
Simple structures: Basic services handle routine US-resident Illinois LLCs fine
#3. Northwest Registered Agent: The Privacy Pro
Price: $39 + $150 state fee = $189 total
My verdict: Excellent choice if address privacy is your top priority in Illinois.
Northwest’s Illinois Privacy Advantage
Illinois public records are searchable online, making privacy protection valuable:
Address Protection Benefits:
- Use their address on all Illinois public filings
- Keeps your home address off searchable Illinois records
- Reduces junk mail and solicitation
- Maintains professional business appearance
- Reliable Illinois document handling
Solid Illinois Foundation:
- 20+ years serving Illinois businesses
- Excellent customer support (no sales pressure)
- Transparent pricing structure
- Dependable Illinois registered agent service
Why Northwest Isn’t #1 for Illinois
Limited scope: Formation service only—no operating agreements or EIN assistance
Higher renewal: $125/year for registered agent after first free year
Narrow focus: Great at what they do, but limited additional services
Best for: Illinois entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and prefer straightforward, no-frills service.
#4. MyCompanyWorks: The Full-Service Illinois Option
Price: $79 + $150 state fee = $229 total
My verdict: Good value if you need multiple Illinois business services.
MyCompanyWorks Illinois Strengths
Comprehensive offerings: Beyond LLC formation, handles Illinois DBAs, business licenses, and compliance
Fast processing: Often quicker than competitors at submitting to Illinois Secretary of State
Included extras: Operating agreement, registered agent, and other documents included
MyCompanyWorks Illinois Weaknesses
Higher upfront cost: $79 formation fee vs. $39 for top competitors
Upselling pressure: More aggressive about Illinois add-on services than I prefer
Complex packages: Multiple tiers can confuse simple Illinois LLC needs
Best for: Illinois entrepreneurs who need multiple business services and prefer one-stop shopping.
#5. Bizee (Formerly IncFile): The Budget Illinois Option
Price: $0 + $150 state fee = $150 total
My verdict: Gets your Illinois LLC formed if budget is your only concern.
The Reality of “Free” Illinois Formation
Bizee’s $0 formation fee sounds appealing, but here’s what you actually get for Illinois:
Actually Free:
- Illinois Articles of Organization filing
- Basic registered agent service (first year)
- Illinois state filing submission
What Costs Extra for Illinois:
- Operating agreement template ($99)
- Federal EIN acquisition ($79)
- Express processing ($79)
- Meaningful customer support (good luck getting help)
My Bizee Illinois Experience
I’ve used them for extremely budget-conscious Illinois clients:
- ✅ They file Illinois paperwork correctly
- ✅ Illinois approvals come through reliably
- ❌ Customer service is often unresponsive
- ❌ Heavy upselling during Illinois checkout
- ❌ Hidden fees appear at renewal time
Bottom line: Works for Illinois if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself and don’t need support.
Illinois LLC Formation: What You Need to Know
Illinois Business Climate
- Moderate costs: $150 filing fee is mid-range nationally
- Reasonable processing: 5-10 business days standard
- Business-friendly: Generally supportive of small business
- Strategic location: Access to major Midwest markets
- Strong infrastructure: Excellent transportation and business services
Illinois LLC Ongoing Requirements
- Annual report: Due by anniversary month’s last day ($75 fee)
- Registered agent: Required throughout LLC’s life
- Operating agreement: Not required but strongly recommended
- Business licenses: May be required depending on your business type
- Illinois taxes: State income tax applies to LLC profits
Illinois Service Comparison: Feature Analysis
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Firstbase | Northwest | MyCompanyWorks | Bizee |
| Formation Fee | $39 | $199 | $39 | $79 | $0 |
| Illinois Registered Agent (Year 1) | Free | Included | Free | Free | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Custom | Extra | Included | Extra |
| EIN Acquisition | Included | Included | Extra | Included | Extra |
| Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Poor |
| International Support | Basic | Expert | Basic | Basic | None |
| Privacy Features | Standard | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Standard |
| Illinois Compliance Help | Good | Excellent | Basic | Available | Basic |
Which Service Should You Choose for Illinois?
Choose ZenBusiness If:
- You’re forming a standard Illinois LLC
- You want reliable service at fair pricing
- You value good customer support
- You prefer included features over à la carte pricing
- You’re a US resident with straightforward needs
Choose Firstbase If:
- You’re forming from outside the United States
- You need expert guidance on international Illinois compliance
- You’re planning significant US business operations through Illinois
- Budget isn’t your primary constraint
- You want dedicated specialist support
Choose Northwest If:
- Address privacy is your top priority in Illinois
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need extensive additional services
- You value a company with long Illinois track record
- You’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You need multiple Illinois business services
- You prefer one-stop shopping for Illinois compliance
- You don’t mind paying more for convenience
- You want comprehensive Illinois document packages
- You’re planning a complex Illinois business structure
Choose Bizee If:
- Budget is extremely tight
- You’re very comfortable with DIY approaches
- You don’t need customer support
- You understand the real total costs
- You’re forming a simple Illinois LLC
Illinois-Specific Considerations
Illinois Tax Implications
State income tax applies to Illinois LLCs:
- Pass-through taxation (profits taxed at personal level)
- Illinois personal income tax rate: 4.95%
- Additional local taxes may apply
- Quarterly estimated payments may be required
Illinois Business Environment
Pros:
- Central US location with excellent logistics
- Major metropolitan markets (Chicago, etc.)
- Established business infrastructure
- Reasonable regulatory environment
Cons:
- State income tax (unlike Florida, Texas, etc.)
- Higher overall tax burden than some states
- Bureaucratic processes can be slower than business-friendly states
Illinois Banking for LLCs
Illinois offers good banking options for LLCs:
- Major national banks with strong Illinois presence
- Community banks familiar with LLC needs
- Chicago financial district for sophisticated banking
- Generally LLC-friendly banking requirements
Common Illinois LLC Formation Mistakes
Choosing Service Based on Price Alone
Illinois’s $150 state fee is higher than many states—don’t compound costs with poor service choice.
Ignoring Annual Report Requirements
Illinois annual reports are due by the last day of your anniversary month. Miss it and face penalties.
Not Understanding Illinois Tax Obligations
Illinois has state income tax. Factor this into your business planning and cash flow projections.
Skipping Operating Agreement
Illinois doesn’t require it, but you’ll need one for banking and protection in member disputes.
Not Planning for Illinois-Specific Compliance
Illinois has various business licensing requirements depending on your industry and location.
Illinois vs. Other Popular LLC States
Illinois vs. Delaware
Illinois wins for: Local businesses, lower costs for most operations
Delaware wins for: Complex corporate structures, investor funding, court system
Illinois vs. Florida
Illinois wins for: Central location, established business infrastructure
Florida wins for: No state income tax, faster processing, business-friendly climate
Illinois vs. Texas
Illinois wins for: Midwest market access, financial infrastructure
Texas wins for: No state income tax, lower costs, faster processing
My advice: Form in Illinois if you’re doing business there or need Midwest market access. The tax implications and moderate costs make it reasonable for most ventures.
Illinois LLC Formation Timeline
Standard Illinois process:
- Day 1: Service submits documents to Illinois Secretary of State
- Days 2-7: Illinois reviews filing
- Day 8: Approval notification sent
- Same day: Documents available for download
Using a service adds 1-2 days for their internal processing before state submission.
Expedited options: Illinois offers expedited processing for additional fees if you truly need faster approval.
Post-Formation Illinois LLC Essentials
Immediate Actions:
- Apply for federal EIN (free from IRS website)
- Open Illinois business bank account
- Draft operating agreement (even for single-member LLCs)
- Research required Illinois business licenses
- Set up Illinois tax account if needed
Ongoing Illinois Compliance:
- File annual report by anniversary month end ($75)
- Maintain registered agent with Illinois address
- Keep business records current
- File annual tax returns (state and federal)
- Update registered agent if relocating within Illinois
International Entrepreneur Considerations for Illinois
Why International Founders Consider Illinois
- Central US location: Access to major markets
- Established infrastructure: Banking, logistics, professional services
- Cultural diversity: Particularly in Chicago area
- Transportation hub: Excellent connectivity
Special Considerations for International Founders
Banking challenges: US banking for foreign-owned Illinois LLCs requires:
- US address (registered agent address works)
- Proper documentation (passport, formation documents)
- Understanding of US tax obligations
- Sometimes in-person visits to establish accounts
Tax implications: US and Illinois tax obligations begin immediately:
- May need ITIN for tax filing
- Consider tax treaty benefits from home country
- Understand Illinois state tax requirements
- Consult international tax professional
Recommended approach for international founders:
- Use Firstbase for formation (they understand complexities)
- Get ITIN application started early if needed
- Research Illinois banking options in advance
- Consider Chicago business address services
- Establish relationship with US tax advisor
Red Flags to Avoid in Illinois
“Lifetime” Registered Agent Offers
No legitimate service offers truly lifetime registered agent service in Illinois or anywhere else.
Unnecessary Business License Research
Many Illinois businesses don’t need special licenses beyond basic registration. Research yourself before paying $99+ for basic research.
Out-of-State Formation Pressure
Some services try to sell Wyoming or Delaware formation to Illinois residents. Usually creates more problems than benefits.
Hidden Fee Structures
Watch for services that advertise low prices but hit you with unexpected charges for basic services.
The Bottom Line on Illinois LLC Services
For most entrepreneurs: ZenBusiness offers the best combination of reliability, features, and fair pricing for Illinois formations.
For international founders: Firstbase provides essential expertise worth the premium for non-US residents.
For privacy-focused entrepreneurs: Northwest delivers excellent address protection with solid Illinois service.
For budget-constrained startups: Bizee gets the job done if you handle most tasks yourself.
Illinois may not be the flashiest state for LLC formation, but it’s solid and reliable. The central location, established infrastructure, and reasonable business climate make it a good choice for many ventures, despite the state income tax.
After helping 200+ entrepreneurs navigate Illinois LLC formation, I can tell you that choosing the right service matters, but execution on your business idea matters more. Don’t get paralyzed by analysis—pick a reputable service that fits your budget and needs, then focus on building your Illinois-based business.
Ready to form your Illinois LLC? Any of my top 3 recommendations will serve you well. The key is understanding what you actually need and avoiding services that oversell or underdeliver.
Questions about Illinois LLC formation? The process is straightforward, and these services all understand Illinois requirements well. Choose based on your priorities: budget, features, support level, or specialized expertise.
Jake Lawson has guided 200+ Illinois LLC formations since 2011, including work with Chicago-based startups, Midwest manufacturers, and international entrepreneurs establishing US operations. His recommendations are based on actual client results and real-world service performance.