1 – CHOOSING YOUR BUSINESS NAME 

The first step is deciding on a name for your LLC. While some states have strict rules about what words you can use in your business name, Illinois does not require that you include “LLC” or “limited liability company” in the title. However, it must be distinguishable from existing business names registered with the Secretary of State’s office and cannot contain certain words like bank or insurance without a special license. You can also use an assumed business name—also known as a DBA (doing business as)—in order to set up shop under something other than your personal name or legal corporate title. Here are some key points when picking out a business name: 

  • Make it distinctive. Choose something that stands out from other local businesses so customers will remember it easily and it won’t be confused with another entity already registered in Illinois. 
  • Check availability online. Check online resources like the Secretary of State’s website or domain registrars to make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken or trademarked by another company before settling on one. 
  • Keep it professional. Choose something professional-sounding that conveys the image you want for your company—avoid anything too whimsical or offbeat if you’re aiming for credibility and trust among customers and partners alike.  

2 – FILING ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION 

Once you have chosen your desired LLC name, it’s time to file articles of organization with the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield, Illinois. The articles of organization are essentially an official document that establishes your LLC and includes basic information such as its purpose, location, a registered agent (an individual who serves as a point of contact between your LLC and state government), etc. You will also need to include any additional information related to how many members/owners are involved in the company and whether there is any kind of management structure established within its framework (such as officers). This document must be filed before any other processes related to starting up an LLC can begin—so make sure it gets done first! Here is what else needs to go into the Articles of Organization: 

  • List all members/owners involved in the LLC;
  • Name/address of registered agent;
  • Date when formation begins;  
  • The purpose for which the company was formed;  
  • Statement about whether members/owners are personally liable for debts incurred by business;
  • Any additional information specified by law (such as operating agreement details between members.          

3 – CREATE AN OPERATING AGREEMENT  

An Operating Agreement outlines how the company will be managed and operated by members. It should include provisions regarding taxation treatment, management roles, and responsibilities, voting rights among members/managers, financial allocations/distributions among members/managers, and dispute resolution procedures if necessary. Although it isn’t required by law in Iowa to create an Operating Agreement before forming an LLC, it’s highly recommended as this document serves as evidence if there are legal disputes between members down the road. 

4 – OBTAIN NECESSARY LICENSES & PERMITS

Depending on what type of business you are starting and where you are located in Iowa, you may need certain licenses or permits from state or local authorities in order to legally conduct business activities within their jurisdiction(s). When researching whether certain licenses are required for your specific business activities make sure to check with both state agencies as well as county/city officials who may also have requirements specific to their area(s). If necessary obtain all necessary licenses & permits before engaging in any type of commercial activity. 

5 – OBTAINING EIN NUMBER

Once you have filed your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is used by employers and organizations when filing taxes, submitting employee information to government agencies, etc., so obtaining one is essential for running any kind of legitimate business entity within United States boundaries—including an LLC located in Illinois! To obtain an EIN number from the IRS website simply follow these steps:

Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov

  • Click “Apply Online Now”; 
  • Enter all required information into the fields provided;
  • Submit the application form after review;
  • Receive a confirmation email containing the EIN number immediately after the successful submission process completes!

Congratulations on taking the first step toward forming an LLC in Illinois! With careful planning and research ahead of time, setting up shop should be relatively painless once all paperwork has been filed correctly—and don’t forget about getting that EIN number from IRS too! We hope this guide has given you some insight into how easy it can be if everything goes according to plan! Good luck!