The required licenses to operate a business in Illinois depend largely on the nature of your business and its location. Businesses within certain municipalities—Chicago, for example—oftentimes need specific business licenses that are not required in the surrounding suburbs, such as those within DuPage, Will, or Lake County. On top of this, Illinois mandates that certain professions, such as accounting, engineering, medicine, and cosmetology, hold licenses through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). This agency regulates professional and financial services statewide.
Believe it or not, the application process for business permits and licenses in Illinois is relatively painless. Assuming you don’t encounter any issues or aren’t some rare case, you can wrap it up online within a few days to weeks for a modest filing fee. However, this can vary depending on the industry and the particular agency that you have to work with.
When launching a startup, there are several fees you’ll have to pay. They can vary depending on the nature of your business and its particular legal needs:
The Secretary of State typically charges fees for filing the articles of incorporation for corporations or articles of organization for limited liability companies (LLCs). This fee is generally a few hundred dollars or less up front with an annual report fee due each year, which is typically less than a hundred dollars.
If your business operates in a regulated industry like healthcare or food services, for instance, you may need to obtain a specific license, which often carries a nominal fee. The frequency and amount of these fees depend on the industry and the agency overseeing it.
If you engage an attorney to assist with setting up your business, they’ll charge you fees that can vary based on the complexity of your startup. Some law firms such as Donnelly Law LLC offer flat fees for startup services, which typically range from $1,000 and up, plus additional costs like filing fees. The fee will depend on factors such as whether it’s a single-owner business or if there are multiple owners involved, which requires more detailed work on management and financing structures.
Hiring a business attorney can provide you with significant advantages as you make your way through the complexities of starting and managing your business. While there are initial costs involved, the benefits far outweigh these expenses in the long run.
For starters, an attorney will ensure your business is set up correctly from the beginning, including filing the necessary legal documents like articles of incorporation or organization and drafting essential agreements such as operating agreements or shareholder agreements. This means that you are more likely to avoid costly mistakes down the line.
An attorney usually will tailor their services to fit your specific business needs, including working on a flat fee basis for startups. Translation: You’ll receive professional help without facing unpredictable legal costs. Many firms such as Donnelly Law LLC also offer retainer arrangements, where they provide ongoing legal advice throughout the first year (or more) of your business, empowering you to navigate with confidence the many new challenges you’ll face.
A good attorney will make sure that your business is protected with the right legal safeguards, such as intellectual property protections, employment agreements, and compliance with industry-specific regulations. They’ll mitigate the risks you’d otherwise face from improperly drafted contracts, missed regulatory requirements, or disputes between business partners. All of this helps to prepare your new business for future growth and potential legal challenges that are highly likely to arise at some point
For more information on Business Licensing Permits And Fees, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (630) 608-2124 today.