How long does it take to register a business in Illinois?

Processing times vary: 5-7 business days (online). Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Illinois?

Illinois does not require a state-level business license, but individual cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for specific licensing needs.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Illinois?

The LLC filing fee is $150. Annual fees are $75. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $350.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Illinois. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Illinois Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Illinois LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Illinois businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Illinois

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Illinois?

$150

Filing Fee

5-7

Processing (days)

1.4M

Total Businesses

150K/yr

New Businesses

Chicago is a major business and transportation hub

Diverse economy: finance, manufacturing, agriculture

Access to skilled workforce and top universities

Central US location for national distribution

Starting a Business in Illinois

Top Cities for Business

Chicago2,746,000
Aurora180,000
Naperville149,000
Rockford147,000
Joliet150,000

Popular Industries

Finance
Manufacturing
Technology
Healthcare
Agriculture

Cost to Start a Business in Illinois

LLC Filing Fee$150

Annual Report Fee$75/year

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 90 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$350

Processing time: 5-7 business days (online)

Illinois Tax Overview

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate for individuals and 7% for corporations. Sales tax is 6.25% state plus local additions up to 11%.

Illinois Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable from existing businesses

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Illinois

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Chicago Plate
Windy City Cuisine
Illinois Kitchen
Midwest Flavors
Prairie Table
Farm-Fresh Dining

barbershop

Chicago Cuts
Classic Barbering
Illinois Barber Co.
Premium Grooming
Windy City Clippers
Expert Style

construction

Illinois Build Group
Quality Construction
Chicago Contractors
Building Dreams
Prairie Builders
Trusted Partners

consulting

Chicago Strategy
Business Excellence
Illinois Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Midwest Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Illinois Market
Local Goods
Chicago Supply
Quality Products
Prairie Mercantile
Premium Retail

Home Services

Illinois Home Care
Complete Solutions
Chicago Services
Professional Care
Prairie Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Chicago Tech
Innovation Hub
Illinois Digital
Tech Solutions
Midwest Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Illinois Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Chicago Medical
Patient Care
Prairie Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Illinois Properties
Dream Homes
Chicago Realty
Expert Service
Prairie Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Chicago Fitness
Peak Performance
Illinois Strong
Community Fitness
Windy City Athletics
Elite Training

Official Illinois Business Resources

Illinois Secretary of State

Business registration and filing services

Illinois Department of Revenue

Tax information and business registration

Illinois SBDC

Business planning and consulting services

How to Register a Business in Illinois

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Illinois LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report by first day of anniversary month ($75)
Maintain registered agent in Illinois
Pay federal and state income taxes
Renew local business licenses as required

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Illinois Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Illinois Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.