Filing Articles of Incorporation in Illinois: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing articles of incorporation in Illinois is a crucial step in forming a corporation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of filing articles of incorporation in Illinois, including the necessary forms, fees, and procedures.

The first step in filing articles of incorporation in Illinois is to choose a business name. The name must be unique and not deceptively similar to an existing business name. You can check the availability of your desired business name by searching the Illinois Secretary of State's database.

Once you have chosen a business name, you will need to prepare the articles of incorporation. The articles of incorporation must include the following information:

• The name and address of the corporation
• The purpose of the corporation
• The number of shares of stock the corporation is authorized to issue
• The names and addresses of the initial directors
• The name and address of the registered agent

After preparing the articles of incorporation, you will need to file them with the Illinois Secretary of State's office. You can file online or by mail. The filing fee is $150.

Once your articles of incorporation are filed, you will receive a certificate of incorporation from the Illinois Secretary of State's office. This certificate serves as proof that your corporation has been formed and is valid for business purposes.

In addition to filing articles of incorporation, you will also need to obtain a federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify your corporation for tax purposes.

Finally, you will need to obtain any necessary licenses and permits from local authorities. These may include licenses to operate a business, permits to conduct certain activities, and other permits required by local law.

By following these steps, you can successfully file articles of incorporation in Illinois and form a corporation.