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What legal steps do I need to take to start a business in Illinois?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To start a business in Illinois, there are several legal steps that you will need to take. These steps include:

  1. Choose a business structure: the first step is to decide on the type of business entity you want to form, which can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the structure that best suits your needs.
  2. Name your business: you will need to choose a name for your business and ensure that it is available for use. You can check the availability of a business name in Illinois by conducting a name search on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
  3. Register with the Illinois Secretary of State: you will need to file the necessary paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State to register your business entity. This paperwork typically includes Articles of Incorporation or Organization for corporations and LLCs, a Certificate of Limited Partnership for partnerships, and a Business Registration Application for sole proprietorships.
  4. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various permits and licenses from state and local government agencies. These can include a state tax ID number, sales tax permit, and zoning permits.
  5. Register for state and local taxes: you will need to register your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue and obtain any necessary tax identification numbers. You may also need to register with local taxing authorities.
  6. Obtain necessary insurance: depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain various types of insurance, such as liability insurance, property insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.

These are the general legal steps that you will need to take to start a business in Illinois. However, there may be additional steps or requirements depending on the specific type of business you are starting. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney or business advisor to ensure that you are complying with all legal requirements and to obtain guidance on the best practices for starting and managing your business in Illinois.