Illinois Business Formation Services Comparison
Professional analysis of the top LLC and S Corporation formation services for Illinois businesses. Based on verified features, customer reviews, and comprehensive testing.
Quick Comparison Overview
Compare the top Illinois business formation services at a glance. All prices include professional service fees plus Illinois state filing fee.
LLC Formation Services
| Company | Rating | Price | Features | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness Best Overall | | $0 + state fees | ⚡ Fast 📋 Support ✅ Accurate | Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price | Start |
| Bizee Fastest Formation | | $0 + state fees | ⚡ Fast 📋 Support ✅ Accurate | Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation | Start |
| Tailor Brands Best for Branding | | $49 + state fees | ⚡ Fast 📋 Support ✅ Accurate | Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding | Start |
| Inc Authority Free Formation | | $0 + state fees | ⚡ Fast 📋 Support ✅ Accurate | Budget-conscious entrepreneurs comfortable with DIY approach | Start |
| LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | | $0 + state fees | ⚡ Fast 📋 Support ✅ Accurate | Businesses that need ongoing legal support and established credibility | Start |
S Corporation Formation Services
| Company | Rating | Price | S Corp Election | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness Best Overall | | $0 + state fees (S Corp election separate service) | ✓ Included Form 2553 | LLC owners wanting to elect S Corp tax status with comprehensive ongoing support | Start |
| Bizee Best Value | | $0 + state fees (includes S Corp election) | ✓ Included Form 2553 | Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election included for free with formation | Start |
| LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | | $149 + state fees (S Corp election separate) | ✓ Included Form 2553 | Businesses needing comprehensive legal support and attorney guidance for S Corp setup | Start |
| Rocket Lawyer Best Legal Platform | | $49.99 with membership + corporation formation (with membership) | ✓ Included Form 2553 | Businesses needing ongoing legal services beyond just S Corp election | Start |
| Inc Authority Budget-Friendly Option | | $79 + corporation formation + state fees | ✓ Included Form 2553 | Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election with basic support | Start |
✓ Accuracy guarantees
✓ Customer support
Processing: 5-10 business days
Registered agent required
Top Illinois LLC Formation Services
Professional LLC formation services with comprehensive support and competitive pricing. All services include state filing and provide professional guidance throughout the process.
ZenBusiness
Best OverallZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
✓ Pros:
- • Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- • Registered agent and compliance services
- • Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- • Fast 1-day processing time available
- • 100% accuracy guarantee
- • Award-winning customer support
⚠ Cons:
- • Some features require upgraded plans
- • More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Fastest FormationBizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
✓ Pros:
- • $0 basic formation package
- • Same-day processing available
- • Free registered agent for first year
- • Compliance alerts included
- • Dashboard for document management
- • Free business tools and templates
⚠ Cons:
- • Operating agreement not included in basic package
- • Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Best for BrandingTailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
✓ Pros:
- • Includes logo design and branding
- • Website builder included
- • Business card designs
- • Mobile app available
- • Operating agreement included
- • EIN service included
⚠ Cons:
- • No rush processing available
- • Monthly subscription required
- • Customer service via chat/email only
Inc Authority
Free FormationInc Authority offers genuinely free LLC formation with free registered agent service for the first year. While their basic package is unbeatable for price, be prepared for upselling attempts and note that the registered agent service renews at $119/year. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who want the absolute lowest cost and don't mind a more hands-off approach.
✓ Pros:
- • Truly free basic formation
- • Free registered agent for first year
- • Free tax planning consultation
- • No hidden fees on basic package
- • Phone and chat support available
- • Basic compliance tools included
⚠ Cons:
- • Aggressive upselling tactics
- • Processing can be slow (7-10 days)
- • Registered agent renews at $119/year
LegalZoom
Best for Legal SupportLegalZoom brings decades of experience and attorney-backed support to LLC formation. While some add-ons are pricey, their comprehensive legal services, extensive forms library, and ability to connect with attorneys make them ideal for businesses with complex legal needs or those who value the security of working with an established industry leader.
✓ Pros:
- • Attorney support available
- • Comprehensive legal forms library
- • Rush processing available (1 day +$99)
- • Phone and chat support
- • 30+ years in business
- • Peace of mind guarantee
⚠ Cons:
- • Registered agent costs $249/year
- • Operating agreement costs extra (+$99)
- • EIN service expensive (+$159)
Illinois S Corporation Formation Services
Professional S Corporation formation and election services. S Corp status provides tax benefits for profitable businesses through reduced self-employment taxes and pass-through taxation.
ZenBusiness
Best OverallZenBusiness offers S Corp tax election as a separate service for LLCs formed through their platform. Their Pro package ($199/year + state fees) provides the foundation with LLC formation, registered agent service, EIN, and operating agreement. The S Corp election service is available for an additional fee (free if filed within 30 days of LLC formation, $200 service fee after 30 days). Their comprehensive support includes 100% accuracy guarantee and award-winning customer service.
✓ Pros:
- • Handles S Corp election (Form 2553) filing
- • 100% accuracy guarantee on filings
- • Award-winning customer support
- • Guidance on S Corp compliance requirements
- • Fast processing available
- • Worry-free compliance service available
⚠ Cons:
- • Must first form LLC or corporation
- • S Corp election has strict deadlines
- • Not suitable for all business types
Bizee
Best ValueBizee (formerly Incfile) includes S Corp tax election (IRS Form 2553) in ALL packages, including their free Basic package. This makes them uniquely positioned for S Corp elections - you get both LLC/corporation formation AND S Corp election for just state fees in their Basic package. Their Standard ($199) and Premium ($299) packages add comprehensive features like EIN, business tax consultation, registered agent service, and expedited processing.
✓ Pros:
- • S Corp election (Form 2553) included in ALL packages
- • Basic package is $0 + state fees with S Corp election
- • Business tax consultation included
- • Expedited filing available
- • One-year free registered agent service
- • Banking resolution documents included
⚠ Cons:
- • EIN not included in Basic package
- • Limited ongoing legal support
- • Processing can take several weeks
- • Premium features require paid packages
LegalZoom
Best for Legal SupportLegalZoom offers corporation formation starting at $149 (Economy package), with Standard ($329) and Express Gold ($349) options that include additional features like attorney consultations and expedited processing. S Corp election is available as a separate service. With over 20 years of experience, they provide comprehensive legal guidance and extensive legal network support, making them ideal for businesses needing ongoing legal assistance.
✓ Pros:
- • Attorney consultations available
- • Corporation formation with S Corp election
- • Extensive legal document library
- • Rush processing available
- • 30+ years in business
- • Peace of mind guarantee
⚠ Cons:
- • Higher pricing than competitors
- • S Corp election costs extra
- • Registered agent service expensive ($249/year)
- • Many services require additional fees
Rocket Lawyer
Best Legal PlatformRocket Lawyer offers S Corp election services through their comprehensive legal platform. With a Rocket Legal+ membership, you can access discounted S Corp document preparation and filing. Their experienced pros handle state requirements and provide tax guidance throughout the process. The platform also includes ongoing legal document access and attorney consultations.
✓ Pros:
- • S Corp election for $49.99 with membership
- • Experienced legal professionals
- • Comprehensive legal platform
- • Attorney consultations included
- • Document preparation guaranteed
- • Ongoing legal document access
⚠ Cons:
- • Requires membership for best pricing
- • Corporation must be formed first
- • No mobile app available
- • Limited to attorney consultations vs full legal services
Inc Authority
Budget-Friendly OptionInc Authority includes S Corp document filing assistance in their premium packages, offering Form 2553 preparation along with business formation. With over 30 years of experience and genuinely affordable pricing, they provide specialized tax assistance and business analysis. Their approach focuses on helping startups access S Corp benefits without breaking the budget.
✓ Pros:
- • Includes S Corp document filing in premium packages
- • Over 30 years of experience
- • Business tax analysis included
- • Affordable pricing structure
- • Free registered agent first year
- • Tax planning consultation included
⚠ Cons:
- • S Corp election not in free package
- • Processing slower than competitors
- • Limited ongoing compliance tools
- • Registered agent renewal at higher rate
Illinois Business Formation Requirements
🏢 LLC Requirements
🏛️ S Corporation Requirements
Need Help Choosing?
Professional formation services handle all requirements and provide expert guidance to ensure your business is formed correctly and efficiently.
Get Professional Help →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an LLC and S Corporation in Illinois?
LLCs provide simple structure with pass-through taxation and flexible management. S Corporations can provide tax savings through reduced self-employment taxes but require more formal structure with boards, bylaws, and payroll requirements. Choose based on your business needs, tax situation, and growth plans.
How long does Illinois business formation take?
Standard processing typically takes 5-10 business days with the Illinois Secretary of State. Many formation services offer expedited processing options for faster approval. Professional services can help ensure your paperwork is correct to avoid delays.
Do I need a registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, all Illinois LLCs and corporations must maintain a registered agent with an Illinois address. This can be yourself, but many businesses use professional registered agent services to maintain privacy and ensure important documents are handled properly.
Why should I use a formation service instead of filing myself?
Professional services provide expert guidance, handle all paperwork correctly, offer ongoing support, and often include additional services like registered agent and compliance monitoring. They can help you choose the right business structure and avoid costly mistakes that could delay or complicate your formation.