Illinois State Law

Illinois businesses must register with the Secretary of State before conducting business. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk and publish…

Source: IL Secretary of State

Illinois employers who pay $1,500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter or employ at least one worker in 20 weeks of a year must register with the Department…

Source: IL Department of Employment Security

Illinois employers must report all newly hired and rehired employees to the State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of the hire date. Reports must include the employee name,…

Source: IL Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Illinois imposes a state sales tax of 6.25% on retail sales of tangible personal property, with local taxes bringing combined rates up to 11% in Chicago and other areas. Groceries…

Source: IL Department of Revenue

Illinois minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2025 for employers with four or more employees. Tipped employees must receive at least $9.00 per hour. Workers under…

Source: IL Department of Labor

Illinois employers with one or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Coverage may be obtained through a private insurer or through self-insurance approved by the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.…

Source: IL Workers Compensation Commission

Illinois professional licensing is administered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which oversees more than 100 license types including contractors, engineers, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and accountants.…

Source: IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Illinois requires roofing contractors to be licensed statewide by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Electrical, plumbing, and fire protection contractors hold separate state licenses. General contractors are not…

Source: IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers small business grant programs including the Business Interruption Grant and Economic Recovery programs. Grants target small businesses impacted by economic…

Source: IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The Advantage Illinois program uses federal SSBCI funds to provide gap financing loans and loan participation to Illinois small businesses through CDFIs and partner lenders. The program targets businesses creating…

Source: IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Home-based businesses in Illinois are regulated by local city and county zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions permit home occupations as an accessory residential use subject to restrictions on signage, customer visits,…

Source: IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Illinois LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying a $150 fee. All LLCs must designate a registered agent with an Illinois address…

Source: IL Secretary of State

Illinois corporations are formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and paying a minimum $150 fee based on authorized shares and paid-in capital. Corporations must designate…

Source: IL Secretary of State

Illinois LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by the first day of the anniversary month of formation each year. The fee is $75…

Source: IL Secretary of State

Illinois imposes a flat 9.5% total corporate income tax rate, comprising a 7% income tax and a 2.5% personal property replacement tax, on net income attributable to Illinois. C corporations…

Source: IL Department of Revenue