How to File Articles of Organization in Illinois

In Illinois, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as an officially registered business entity in Illinois. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the Illinois Articles of Organization

In Illinois, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business.
   • Entity name
   • Entity address
   • Registered agent name
   • Registered office address
   • Business purpose
   • Governing authority type
   • Effective date
   • Duration
2. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website

Find the Illinois articles of organization form here. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

To file your articles of organization online, head to the LLC Articles of Organization section of the Secretary of State website. Read the guidelines and click “File” at the bottom of the page. 

On the first page of the form, select whether you want to form a standard LLC or one with the ability to establish a series and click “Continue”. On the next page, read through the provisions, click “yes” and click “Continue”.

The next several screens ask you to input your business name, principal place of business, registered agent information, and names and addresses of any managers and members. On the last page of the form, enter in your contact information as your attestation and click “Continue”.  

The last screen offers you an opportunity to review all of your information before filing. If everything looks correct, click “Continue”. You will then be asked if you would like to expedite your filing. Make your selection and click “Continue” to be brought to the payment screen.

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization – The final step in the process is to submit payment through the website’s payment screen or mail in all documentation. The filing fee in Illinois is $150. You also can pay an extra fee to expedite processing time. If you choose the standard option, your LLC should be officially formed within 10 business days.

Illinois Secretary of State Contact Info

Illinois Secretary of State Website

Business Services – Online LLC Articles of Organization Form

Physical Address:
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756

Phone:
800-252-8980 (toll free in Illinois)
217-785-3000 (outside Illinois)
Chicago Business Information Line: 312-793-3380

Business Services Contact Form

The Bottom Line

In Illinois, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Prairie State.