Illinois LLC Articles of Organization (2026)
Learn how to file the Illinois LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.
LLC Route Editorial Team
Reviewed against official state and federal resources.
Updated July 28, 2026
Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.
The Illinois LLC formation filing is the Articles of Organization. For a standard domestic LLC, Illinois Secretary of State lists LLC 5.5 Articles of Organization at $150. Online instructions also show a 24-hour service option at $250 for standard LLC Articles.
Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm the current form and fee with Illinois Secretary of State before filing.
Quick answer
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Filing name | Articles of Organization |
| Common form | LLC 5.5 |
| Standard LLC filing fee | $150 |
| 24-hour online service | $250 total shown in online instructions |
| Series LLC Articles | $400 standard / $500 24-hour |
| Registered agent needed? | Yes |
| EIN included? | No |
| Tax registration included? | No |
What Articles of Organization do
Articles of Organization create the LLC in Illinois after acceptance by the Secretary of State. They are not a full operating plan. They do not solve tax setup, licenses, bank paperwork, contracts, or ownership rules by themselves.
Expect to deal with:
- LLC name
- Principal office or business address information
- Registered agent
- Illinois registered office
- Effective date choices if available
- Manager or authorized representative information
- Organizer information
- Standard LLC vs series LLC choice
Standard LLC vs series LLC
Illinois lets some LLCs form with the ability to establish series. That choice is more expensive and more complex. The Secretary of State fee schedule lists LLC 5.5(S) Articles of Organization (Series) at $400, compared with $150 for a standard LLC.
For many small businesses, the standard LLC is easier to understand and maintain. A series LLC can raise questions around banking, bookkeeping, separate records, contracts, insurance, tax handling, and legal risk. Use legal advice before choosing it.
Before filing
Do these checks first:
- Search the LLC name.
- Confirm the name includes LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company.
- Choose the registered agent and Illinois registered office.
- Decide whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
- Confirm whether the business needs professional approval.
- Decide whether you need a delayed effective date or special provisions.
- Keep service-company fees separate from the Secretary of State fee.
After filing
After the LLC is approved:
- Save the formation confirmation
- Create the operating agreement
- Apply for EIN if needed
- Open business banking
- Register with IDOR if required
- Register with IDES if hiring
- Check local licenses and zoning
- Calendar the annual report
Articles FAQ
What is the Illinois LLC filing fee?
The standard domestic LLC Articles of Organization filing is $150.
Is Illinois online filing available?
Yes, if the LLC meets online eligibility rules. Some filings may require legal counsel or additional provisions.
Does filing Articles create an EIN?
No. EIN is requested from IRS separately.
Do Articles replace the operating agreement?
No. Articles create the public entity record. The operating agreement governs internal ownership and management.
Official resources
- Illinois Secretary of State LLC fee schedule
- Illinois online LLC formation instructions
- Illinois LLC Articles online filing
- Illinois Limited Liability Company Act
Related Illinois LLC topics
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