Illinois LLC Requirements
Before applying for an EIN, your Illinois LLC must be properly formed with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Formation Requirements
To form an Illinois LLC:
- File Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Pay the filing fee - $150 (one of the higher state fees)
- Designate a registered agent in Illinois
- Choose a unique business name ending in LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company
Illinois-Specific Rules
Illinois has some unique requirements:
- Annual Reports - Due before the first day of the anniversary month (cost: $75)
- Publication requirement - None (unlike some neighboring states)
- Registered agent - Must have physical Illinois address
Do Illinois LLCs Need an EIN?
It depends on your situation:
| Scenario | EIN Required? |
|---|---|
| Single-member LLC, no employees | Recommended but not required |
| Multi-member LLC | Yes, required |
| LLC with employees | Yes, required |
| LLC that will hire employees | Yes, required |
| LLC opening business bank account | Usually required by banks |
When It's Required
Illinois LLCs must have an EIN if they:
- Have more than one member
- Have employees
- File certain federal tax returns
- Are taxed as a corporation
When It's Recommended
Even single-member LLCs should get an EIN to:
- Open a business bank account (most IL banks require it)
- Apply for business licenses in Chicago and other cities
- Work with Illinois wholesale suppliers
- Build business credit
How to Get an EIN for Your Illinois LLC
Information You'll Need
Before applying, gather:
- Illinois LLC name (exactly as filed)
- Principal business address in Illinois
- Name and SSN of responsible party (typically managing member)
- Date LLC was formed with Illinois Secretary of State
- Illinois formation number (from your Articles of Organization)
- Expected number of employees
Application Methods
| Method | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Online | Immediate | Free |
| EINFile.org | 24-48 hours | $79 |
| IRS Fax | 4-7 days | Free |
| IRS Mail | 4-6 weeks | Free |
Step-by-Step Process
- Verify your Illinois LLC is active - Check with Secretary of State
- Gather formation documents - Articles of Organization
- Complete Form SS-4 - Select "LLC" as entity type
- Select Illinois as state of organization
- Submit application - Online is fastest
- Save your EIN confirmation - You'll need it for banking
Timeline for Illinois Businesses
Recommended Order
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File Articles of Organization | 1-3 days online | $150 fee |
| Receive IL formation documents | 1-5 business days | Expedited available |
| Apply for EIN | Same day | After receiving state docs |
| Receive EIN | Immediate to 48 hours | Depends on method |
| Open business bank account | Same week | Bring EIN and Articles |
Chicago Business Considerations
If operating in Chicago:
- Chicago Business License - Most businesses need one (requires EIN)
- City regulations - Additional permits may apply
- Cook County requirements - Check county-specific rules
After Getting Your Illinois LLC's EIN
Immediate Next Steps
-
Open an Illinois business bank account
- Major banks: Chase, Bank of America, BMO Harris, Fifth Third
- Credit unions: Alliant, SECU
- Bring Articles of Organization and EIN letter
-
Register with Illinois Department of Revenue
- Required if collecting sales tax
- Required if you have employees
- Register at mytax.illinois.gov
-
Obtain local business licenses
- Chicago requires business license registration
- Other municipalities have their own requirements
-
Set up Illinois employment accounts (if hiring)
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
- Illinois withholding tax account
Illinois Tax Obligations
With an EIN, be aware of Illinois taxes:
- Illinois Replacement Tax - 1.5% on LLC net income (if multi-member)
- Illinois Sales Tax - 6.25% state rate (plus local)
- Illinois Withholding - If you have employees
- Annual Report - $75 due each year
Common Mistakes for Illinois LLCs
Waiting too long: Get EIN right after state formation.
Wrong formation date: Use the date Illinois approved your LLC.
Name mismatch: LLC name must match Illinois filing exactly.
Forgetting annual reports: Illinois charges late fees and can dissolve your LLC.
Not registering with IDOR: Required for sales tax and withholding.
Related Guides
Other State Guides:
- California LLC EIN - West coast businesses
- Texas LLC EIN - No state income tax
- Florida LLC EIN - Southern business hub
- New York LLC EIN - Financial hub
General Guides:
- EIN for LLCs - Complete LLC EIN guide
- EIN for Business Banking - Opening IL business accounts
- What is an EIN? - EIN basics
Get Your Illinois LLC's EIN Today
We help Illinois business owners get their EIN quickly and correctly. Apply through us and receive your EIN within 24-48 hours.