6 Best LLC Services in Illinois (2025) 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
LegalZoom (Best Essentials)	3	From $0	$249	No	60 days	LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website	Yes, A+ rating	Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan)
Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)	1	$99	$99	Depending on the state	No	None	Yes	No
Bizee	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
MyCompanyWorks	3	from $79	First year free when buying Entrepreneur & Complete Package / $119 from 2nd year	Yes	90 days	None	Yes, A+	Trademark Consultation & 1-hour Tax Webinar

Top 6 LLC Services in Illinois (May 2025)

1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Overall)?

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)

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)?

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 + $154 State Fee): Fast LLC formation service with additional state filing fees, with one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you form your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to launch your business effortlessly.
• Registered Agent Services ($125): Once you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you receive the first year of this service for free. After the first year, it will be renewed yearly. Lowered to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state businesses.

3 - LegalZoom (Best Essentials)

Would you recommend LegalZoom (Best Essentials)?

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.

4 - Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)

Would you recommend Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)?

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.

5 - Bizee

Would you recommend Bizee?

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.

6 - MyCompanyWorks

Would you recommend MyCompanyWorks?

After hearing a friend's advise, I tried MyCompanyWorks for my LLC needs. Their professionalism and high ratings in New Mexico speak for themselves.

They offer a simple and fast formation process for those looking to form a limited liability company in the state.

The company received excellent customer feedback for its fast LLC processing time in New Mexico and excellent customer service.

They offered us the same business day processing, access to scanned docs online, and a free logo, which was acceptable to us.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Formation Package ($79 + $154 State Fee): It includes the Articles of Organization, same business day processing, unlimited phone/Email support, name availability search, personalized operating management, business bank account setup, banking resolution, access to scanned docs online, free logo, and more.
• Entrepreneur Formation Package ($199 + $154 State Fee): Basic Package plus MyCompanyForms lifetime forms & tax guide, a free one-year registered agent, and federal tax ID.
• Complete Formation Package ($279 + $154 State Fee): It features everything the Entrepreneur Packages have, plus MyCompanyWorks premium (Initial and Annual Report Filing Service, ComplianceLock™ Alerts, Automatic Minutes and Resolutions, E-Ledger, E-Certificates, Business Entity Monitoring, and Priority Support).
• Registered Agent Service ($119): This is a yearly subscription. If you opt for the Entrepreneur or the Complete LLC formation, the first year of registered agent will be given for free.

---

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.

Key Financial & Business Insights in Illinois

1. Illinois-Specific Resources

• Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network: Offers free business consulting and low-cost training services through over 40 centers statewide.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO): State agency that provides support for business development, workforce training, and tax incentives.
• Chambers of Commerce: Includes the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and local chambers (e.g., Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford) providing networking, advocacy, and business resources.

2. Illinois Business Statistics

• Between March 2022 and March 2023, approximately 40,750 establishments opened and 39,380 closed in Illinois, resulting in a net increase of 1,370.
• Employment expanded at 62,430 establishments and contracted at 68,510.
• Small businesses accounted for 38,200 openings and 36,900 closings.
• Opening and expanding establishments added 512,800 jobs, while closing and contracting establishments lost 498,200, resulting in a net increase of 14,600 jobs.
• Small businesses contributed 9,490 net new jobs, or 65.0% of the total job growth.
• In 2022, Illinois businesses with revenues under $1 million received $6.4 billion in small business loans.
• Total reported new lending to businesses in 2022 was $7.2 billion for loans under $100,000 and $16.8 billion for loans under $1 million.

Source: Business Employment Dynamics (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and CRA Aggregate Data (FFIEC)

3. Financial Incentives for LLCs

• Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit: Provides tax credits to companies that create new jobs and make capital investments in Illinois.
• Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit: Offers $2,500 per new full-time employee for qualified small businesses.
• Enterprise Zone Program: Provides tax incentives to businesses that invest in designated economically distressed areas.

4. Illinois State Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax: Flat rate of 7.0%, plus 2.5% replacement tax, for a total of 9.5%.
• Income Tax on LLCs: Most LLCs are pass-through entities with members paying individual income tax, but are subject to a 1.5% replacement tax on Illinois-based income.
• Personal Income Tax: Flat rate of 4.95% on all income.
• Sales Tax: The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, with local jurisdictions able to add up to 4.75% for a maximum combined rate that can exceed 11% in some areas (Chicago has one of the highest at 10.25%).
• Annual Report Fee: LLCs must file an annual report with the Illinois Secretary of State and pay a fee of $75.
• Franchise Tax: Illinois imposes an annual franchise tax on LLCs, with a minimum of $75 and a maximum of $100,000, based on paid-in capital allocated to Illinois.

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

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.