6 Best LLC Services in Illinois (2024) To Grow Your Business
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Illinois is a strategic move for entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and protection. However, the process can be complex and daunting without the right guidance.
Having over a decade of experience in the LLC formation field, I spent several days researching different LLC formation services to make your selection process easy.
During my research, I teamed up with seasoned legal professionals to sift through the state's top LLC services and provide you with more comprehensive findings.
In this article, we examined the 6 best LLC formation services, their packages, costs, customer feedback, and turnaround time. We've also provided you with our top pick.
Company | LLC Packages | LLC Fees | Registered Agent Price | Same & Next Day Filing | Money-Back Guarantee | Free Package Features | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness (Best Overall) |
3 | From 0$ | $199 | Pro & Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
Northwest (Best Premium) |
1 | $39 (using our link) | First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year | No | 90 days | None | No, A rating | No |
Bizee (Most Affordable) |
3 | From $0 | First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year | Platinum Package | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
LegalZoom (Best Essentials) |
3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
Harbor Compliance | 1 | $99 | $99 | Depending on the state | No | None | Yes | No |
MyCompanyWorks | 3 | from $59 | First year free with when buying Entrepreneur & Complate Package / $99 from 2nd year | Yes | 90 days | None | Yes, A+ | Trademark Consultation & 1-hour Tax Webinar |
Top 6 LLC Services in Illinois (November 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Starts at a low cost of $0, excluding state expenses.
- Receives positive feedback for ease of use and support.
- Spectrum of services includes LLC formation and compliance adherence.
- Quick and efficient in processing and legal document filings.
- Committed to social causes and community participation.
- Value-laden packages at competitive rates.
- Business formation plans exclude Registered Agent service.
- Limited availability of customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs and startups seeking fast, user-friendly LLC services
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the cheapest options with minimal support
The Verdict
ZenBusiness offers a robust range of features and great customer support, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who value a mix of affordability, features, and speed.
While ZenBusiness claims to have assisted over 2 million entrepreneurs, my personal experience showed that their customer service was particularly helpful during the filing process, aligning with the experiences of many other users as reflected in customer reviews.
They offer precise business formation packages for both startups and established businesses, including features like an EIN.
The intuitive software platform of ZenBusiness stands out, especially for tech-savvy users, freelancers, and startups, providing seamless access and efficient management of crucial documents.
The entire process, from filing to receiving our detailed New Business Kit, was completed in just four days.
The online portal of ZenBusiness is a testament to their commitment to user experience, allowing us to complete our filing in approximately 10-12 minutes.
The platform's straightforward design and ease of navigation significantly enhanced our experience.
Their adept customer support, backed by stellar reviews on BBB and Trustpilot, ensures transparency and expertise. We wholeheartedly endorse ZenBusiness for Illinois LLC formation.
Choosing ZenBusiness means partnering with a vigilant and reliable service provider. Their 100% accuracy guarantee and compliance alerts offer peace of mind, ensuring that your business meets legal requirements.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $154 State Fee): This pack covers drafting and filing, with a standard 7 to 10 days turnaround. You'll get a risk-free accounting check for accuracy and first-year compliance (renews at $199/year if you're on board). After a month's trial, banking services and a website builder will cost you $5 each monthly. Plus, Money Pro Bookkeeping and a Website Builder.
- Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $154 State Fee): Building on the Starter pack, this plan throws in an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolution templates. They have a "rush" filing (1 business day). You get two yearly amendments and compliance checks to keep you on track with state rules.
- Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $154 State Fee): It's the Pro plan, which includes third-party features like a customizable business website, domain, email, document templates, privacy tools, and also the option for 1 business day filing speed.
- Registered Agent Service ($199): Includes a year of registered agent services, renewing at the same price.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Keeps your home address private, a Northwest-specific feature.
- Freedom to select only the services you need.
- Customer support acclaimed for its efficiency and expertise.
- Special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- A long-standing business of over 25 years, suggesting trustworthiness.
- More affordable options are available, but quality may differ.
- Reasonable initial service pricing, but add-ons can add up.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Business owners prioritizing privacy and personalized service
Who is it not for?
- Those needing the lowest priced service without regard for added privacy or personalization features
The Verdict
Northwest provides exceptional privacy protection and customer support but may come at a premium price compared to others.
I remember when I was in the early steps of my company venture, feeling swamped with all the legalities. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a life-saver. Their 20 years in the industry shone through as they managed each of my concerns quickly and in detail.
In the United States, where small businesses provide jobs for 61.6 million workers, making up 45.9% of the U.S. workforce according to the Profile on Small Business Economics, the offerings provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.
The first filing was finished in just 9 minutes, with everything processed within 72 hours, even though we chose a 5-day service and initiated on a Saturday. Their thoroughness and customer support were apparent throughout.
Using PrivacybyDefault made sure that we had no concerns about protecting our information.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + State Fee): Standard LLC formation service with additional state filing fees, with one year of free registered agent service if you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($224 + State Fee): Same-day filing, a full year of registered agent service, free restricted mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and a client account stuffed with free forms and various resources.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): After you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you receive the first year of this service for free. Afterward, it will be renewed yearly. Discounted to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state operations.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- No initial fee for setting up an LLC.
- Free Registered Agent service for a year with all options.
- More than 25 years of trustworthy service.
- Rapid service completion, usually within a working day.
- Premium pricing for certain extra services.
- Customer assistance only available during weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs starting out on a tight budget looking for free initial registration
Who is it not for?
- Those requiring extensive hand-holding or personalized customer service
The Verdict
Bizee stands out for its affordability and straightforward services, perfect for those prioritizing budget but it may lack some comprehensive features.
In our quest for the most affordable yet reliable registered agent services, Bizee (formerly Incfile) emerged as a standout choice.
Their commitment to affordability is evident in their free LLC formation and a year of complimentary service as a registered agent in Illinois. This makes them an ideal partner for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.
The user-friendly online portal made setting up and managing our business needs efficient and straightforward.
The inclusion of free registered agent services in the formation package was a significant advantage, offering both value and convenience.
Testing the Silver package left us impressed. They managed our court documents and IRS interactions, ensuring we remained proactive.
Despite some limitations in customer support availability, our interactions with Bizee were marked by quick responses and helpful assistance.
Their outstanding online reviews mirror our experience, highlighting high customer satisfaction and a strong focus on prioritizing the client's business needs.
Bizee's service not only met but exceeded our expectations, offering a blend of affordability, efficiency, and quality that is hard to find elsewhere.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $154 State Fee): At zero cost, this package starts with the basics of formation, including preparing and filing your Articles of Organization. This package also includes a free registered agent for a year and lifetime company compliance alerts.
- Gold Package ($199 + $154 State Fee): Additional to everything from the Silver Package, this box adds EIN, a personalized company binder, a banking resolution, an operating agreement, and fast shipping (Express) of all legal paperwork.
- Platinum ($299 + $154 State Fee): Includes everything from the Gold Package plus prioritized filing, which speeds up your turnaround time. It also adds free next-day filling and domain name followed by business email.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): A value that is already included for 12 months in every paid package. If made with an LLC formation package, the service will be free.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Offers several free templates for business use.
- Extensive legal services for businesses and individuals.
- Website is straightforward and easy to navigate.
- Strong reputation for customer support.
- LLC formation tends to be pricier.
- Often aggressively markets additional services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those seeking a wide range of legal services beyond LLC formation
Who is it not for?
- Entrepreneurs who need the most cost-effective solution
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers extensive services and legal support which is great for those who might need more than just LLC services; however, it can be more expensive.
With two decades of experience, LegalZoom is the ideal choice for those seeking a reputable online business formation service.
LegalZoom's claim of a comprehensive service suite was tested when I required additional legal advice, finding their network of legal advisors both extensive and knowledgeable, validating their claims.
They've teamed up with a massive network of legal advisors nationwide, helping folks with personal and business matters.
With 2,000,000+ clients under their belt and a super intuitive website, we couldn't resist giving them a whirl.
Their range of services impressed us, especially their registered agents.
But here's the kicker: LegalZoom falls short in value as they have some pricey add-ons that are standard in other competitors' base packages.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $154 State Fee): This entry-level service includes a name check, articles of organization, and all the initial welcome packages of LLC formation. You will also have a WIX-powered website for your online presence.
- Pro Package ($249 + $154 State Fee): On top of the Basic perks, this plan throws in an LLC operating agreement, an EIN, a business license guide, and chit-chat with a professional on the phone.
- Elite Package ($299 + $154 State Fee): This package adds personalized guidance from a specialist attorney in Illinois. Also, get a 30-minute infinite consultation with an attorney regarding new topics in business law, and they will handle any changes that will occur on your LLC formation documents.
- Registered Agent Service ($299): You'll pay $249 for the initial year of your LLC formation and then pay a renewal fee of $299. Here you get Compiance Calendar, email alerts, unlimited cloud storage, and a $1 M identity theft protection.
5 - Harbor Compliance
Pros and Cons
- Quick, reliable handling of compliance responsibilities.
- Long-term contracts come with appealing discounts.
- Direct expert advice for compliance issues.
- Wide spectrum of services, including business licensing.
- Costs are higher compared to similar services.
- Occasional complaints about customer service effectiveness.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs who need speedy service and are willing to pay for premium service
Who is it not for?
- Small startups or solopreneurs on a very tight budget
The Verdict
Harbor Compliance is great for those who can invest in premium, fast service but might not be the best fit for very small startups looking to minimize costs.
Harbor Compliance, an Illinois-based LLC formation service, assigns a dedicated account manager to each client. They offer top-tier formation services with customizable options.
Additionally, they handle your LLC's state tax accounts, business licenses, and other regulatory tasks.
Our test of their registered agent service was successful. They expertly managed our LLC communications with government agencies, fulfilling all legal obligations.
Harbor Compliance stands out with an A+ BBB rating and numerous positive reviews highlighting their quick, expert service.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Formation Package ($99 + $154 State Fee): It includes essential services such as filing Articles of Organization, provision of an Operating Agreement template, obtaining a federal EIN, and acting as your own registered agent for an entire year.
- Registered Agent Services (89-$99): Receive up to a 10% discount on the $99 annual fee for purchasing multiple years.
6 - MyCompanyWorks
With over 60,000 businesses served nationwide, MyCompanyWorks is no newbie in the LLC formation and legal service arena.
They're all about guiding budding entrepreneurs with expertise.
They have superb customer feedback, with nearly all their 3,500+ online reviews being positive and satisfactory, with a handful of negative ones.
We tested them out and can confirm that their customer service is top-tier. Plus, a clean interface is one of the best.
Sign Up To MyCompanyWorksPros and Cons
- Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings from numerous reviews.
- Offers an enhanced Basic Package beyond standard services.
- Rapid response to inquiries within working hours.
- Some services like eBooks might not suit all business needs.
- Phone assistance is limited to business hours on weekdays.
- Refund policy is restrictive, excluding fees after documents are dispatched.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($59 + $154 State Fee): Basic Package includes the essentials of LLC formation, a personalized operating agreement, and organizational minutes. Great initial perks are same business day processing and unlimited phone/Email support.
- Entrepreneur Package ($179 + $154 State Fee): This package offers all features of the Basic plan plus an EIN (tax ID number), an LLC kit and seal, membership certificates, and business forms.
- Complete Package ($259 + $154 State Fee): It's got all the Entrepreneur perks and a year of their premium registered agent service.
- Registered Agent Service ($99): This package is purchased annually. The Complete Package, however, already includes a year of this service.
Why Should You Trust Us
You should trust the Venture Smarter team for your Illinois LLC formation needs due to our extensive experience and commitment. Our experts have rigorously evaluated numerous LLC service providers, ensuring our recommendations are grounded in thorough research and real-world testing. We aim to provide unbiased, evidence-based advice to every Venture Smarter reader.
Our commitment to transparency and clarity sets us apart. The Venture Smarter team prioritizes clear, comprehensive reviews, helping you navigate the complexities of starting a business. We strive to empower you with all the necessary information, enabling informed decisions that best suit your business needs.
Moreover, our support for the Venture Smarter community doesn't end with our recommendations. We continuously update our guides and resources, ensuring you stay informed about the latest trends and regulations in LLC formation. By partnering with Venture Smarter, you're not just choosing a service; you're joining a community dedicated to your long-term success.
Trust the Venture Smarter team to assist you through the Illinois LLC formation process. Join the numerous Venture Smarter readers who have successfully started their businesses with our guidance. Let us help you navigate the journey of LLC formation, ensuring a smooth and successful start for your venture.
How We Picked and Tested the Best LLC Services in Illinois
In our quest to identify the best LLC services in Illinois, we adopted a meticulous and multi-faceted approach. Our methodology was designed to ensure that the services we recommend are not only reliable but also cater to the diverse needs of businesses in Illinois.
We commenced our evaluation by reviewing a wide array of LLC service providers operating in Illinois. Our team carefully analyzed over 30 companies, ensuring a broad and inclusive examination.
This initial sweep was crucial to understanding the landscape and identifying potential candidates for in-depth analysis.
Here is what we considered:
1. Pricing Analysis
Pricing is a pivotal factor for businesses, particularly for startups and small enterprises operating on tight budgets.
"Affordable and comprehensive service packages can significantly lower the barrier to entry for business formation."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
We scrutinized the pricing structures of various LLC services, aiming to identify those that offer the most value for money. We gave preference to services that provided transparent pricing without hidden costs.
Bizee's free LLC formation package stood out, including a registered agent for a year. ZenBusiness also offered competitive pricing, with their Starter LLC Formation Package at $0 plus state fees.
Despite its extensive experience, LegalZoom had higher-priced packages and pricey add-ons compared to competitors.
2. Service Offerings
A range of comprehensive services ensures that all aspects of LLC formation and maintenance are covered.
Beyond just forming an LLC, we looked for services that offer a holistic business formation and support approach. This includes registered agent services, compliance alerts, and annual report assistance.
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee had a holistic business formation and support approach. While offering top-tier services, Harbor Compliance had expensive packages and lacked some features.
3. Reliability and Reputation
Harbor Compliance, while offering top-tier services, was noted for its expensive packages and lack of some features.
We scoured customer reviews, feedback, and industry reputation to gauge the reliability of each service.
Established names like LegalZoom naturally stood out with their vast experience and extensive client base. ZenBusiness also had outstanding customer feedback.
No specific company was identified as underperforming in this area.
4. Local Expertise
Understanding state-specific regulations and requirements is crucial for compliant LLC formation.
Given our focus on Illinois, we also evaluated the local expertise of each service. Those who deeply understand Illinois's specific regulations and requirements received higher rankings.
5. Turnaround Time
Quick processing and submission of documents are crucial for businesses eager to start operations.
We assessed how quickly each service processes and submits paperwork to the state.
We recommend ZenBusiness for setting up an LLC in just four days. Northwest Registered Agent also had a swift processing time.
6. Customer Support
Effective customer support is vital for navigating the complexities of LLC formation and ongoing compliance.
We evaluated the customer support of each service, considering the availability of different communication channels, response times, and the nature of the support (human or automated).
We also tested the responsiveness and knowledge of each service's customer support team, ensuring that businesses can get timely and accurate assistance.
ZenBusiness was notable for its adept customer support, backed by positive reviews. Northwest Registered Agent also excelled with dedicated support representatives for each client.
7. Ease of Use
A user-friendly online platform is important since it simplifies the LLC formation process.
We looked for services that offered intuitive, straightforward navigation and processes, making the LLC formation process as seamless as possible.
From our analysis, ZenBusiness had an intuitive online portal.
Steps to creating an LLC in Illinois
In Illinois, an LLC is formed through the Illinois Secretary of State. Your Illinois LLC must first be registered with the Illinois SOS and pay formation fees before it can begin operations.
To form your Illinois LLC successfully, you must take care of a few crucial details. Follow these five steps to avoid unnecessary delays or waste of resources:
- Step 1: Create a business name for your Illinois LLC
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent in Illinois
- Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
- Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Secure an Employer Identification Number
For everything you need to know on how to start an LLC in Illinois, see our comprehensive guide.
FAQs
How Soon Can You Form an Illinois LLC?
You can form an LLC in Illinois in around seven to ten business days if you file online. This will last, however, up to five weeks if you file by mail.
Is It Hard to Get an LLC in Illinois?
No, it is not hard to get an LLC in Illinois. You only need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $150 filing fee.
How Is an LLC Taxed in Illinois?
An LLC is taxed in Illinois as a pass-through entity, meaning taxes are reported on the member's share of income or losses. However, if you select the LLC to be taxed as a corporation, you'll be subject to a 9.50 percent corporate tax rate.
Our Verdict on Illinois LLC Services
After reviewing these six services, our top choice for the best Illinois LLC service is ZenBusiness, which provides the best LLC services on the list.
It has the essential LLC service features and tools every Illinois business owner needs to complete their LLC formation.
ZenBusiness also offers one of the best pricing models for formation packages. They offered many options, allowing us to tailor a package that suited our specific limited liability company needs.
Their customer support is one service that’s hard to match. So, while they are a relatively new company, all things mentioned here are backed by many customers' reviews online.
Oh sure, because that’s exactly how things work. NOT! What a joke.
Actually, if you look at the recent data, you’ll see a different trend. I suggest checking more reliable sources.
I can’t belive you think that’s true. This is totally misleading and off base. Do better next time!
Wow, great article! Really enjoyed the insights. Keep up the good work!
It’s quite informative but some points were a bit unclear. Maybe a follow-up with more details?