How To Set Up An LLC In 5 Steps

1. Certificate of Ownership

If you haven’t done this already, make sure to fill out a Certificate of Ownership with your local government body to be recognized as a business in your area. A quick Google search will help you find the correct forms to fill out.

2. Get Your Certificate Notarized

This is fairly easy. Just show up at the office of the County Clerk with your completed form/s and pay your filing fee. Make sure to have cash. Once notarized by a deputy clerk and you’ve paid your fee, you will be advised where to submit your paperwork for publication within your local newspaper. You MUST do this within 15 days of filing at the office of the County Clerk.

Once complete, your local paper will send you proof of your submission. This proof must be filed at the office of the County Clerk within 50 days of your first filing.

The office of the County Clerk will then send you an official DBA (Doing Business As) certificate.

3. Set-Up Your EIN

Don’t forget the IRS. You’ll need to acquire an EIN (Employer Identification Number) with the IRS for your new company. Nothing screams “unprofessional” more than giving our your Social Security Number to your clients.

IRS Online Application

4. Submit Your Articles of Organization

You’re getting close. Now it’s time to submit your Articles of Organization (in Illinois, LLC-5.5) to the Department of Business Services Limited Liability Division in your state. Pay your filing fee with the proper form of payment.

LLC Articles of Organization (for Illinois)

5. Submit Your Annual Report

Final step. Once you have received approval from your state government, you will need to submit an LLC Annual Report (in Illinois, LLC-50.1) next year with your yearly payment. Make sure you don’t miss your deadline otherwise you’ll incur an extra fee.

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