Incorporating in Illinois

Incorporating in Illinois

For complete and current information concerning Illinois corporations you should go to the state’s official web site. The following is not an attempt to present all you need to know when forming a corporation in Illinois but rather to call your attention to just some of the basic information and requirements you may want to know as you submit information to form your corporation.

The information herein is cited from the the state’s official web site, and while we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, MaxFilings cannot and does not guarantee that all of the information is accurate or complete and/or current and should therefore be independently verified.

Illinois corporation name:

An Illinois corporation name shall contain the word "corporation", "company", "incorporated", or "limited", or an abbreviation thereof and the name must be distinguishable from any other business entities’ names registered or reserved by the state, subject however to any exceptions provided for under Illinois law.

Illinois corporation board of directors:

The board of directors of an Illinois corporation shall consist of one or more members. Directors do not have to be shareholders and they do not have to reside in Illinois unless required by the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws which may also prescribe other qualifications for directors.

Illinois corporation officers:

An Illinois corporation shall have such officers, elected by the board of directors, as shall be provided in the bylaws. One officer (generally the Secretary) shall have the authority to certify the corporation’s bylaws, shareholders’ and board of directors’ resolutions, and other corporate documents. Two or more of the offices may be held by the same person if provided for in the corporation’s bylaws.

Illinois corporation shareholders’ and directors’ meetings:

An annual shareholders’ meeting shall be held as provided in the corporation’s bylaws or in a board of directors’ resolution in accordance with the bylaws. Shareholders’ meetings may be held within or without Illinois, as may be provided in the bylaws or in a board of directors’ resolution in accordance with the bylaws but without such a provision, shareholders’ meeting shall be held at the corporation’s registered office in Illinois.

Regular or special board of directors’ meetings may be held within or without Illinois upon such notice as provided for in the corporation’s bylaws.

Illinois reporting:

See Illinois legislation regarding reporting requirements.

Illinois corporation taxes:

See the Illinois Department of Revenue web site.

Illinois Registered Agent:

Illinois corporations are required to have a registered agent in Illinois. By having MaxFilings provide you with a professional registered agent, you can be assured that all legal documents, tax documents, annual reports, and correspondence with the state and regulatory agencies will be handled promptly, professionally, and efficiently.

Start forming your corporation now:

If you’re ready to form an Illinois corporation, you can start entering your information now. You’re under no obligation, and there is no charge until you actually place your order.

Incorporate in Illinois