What steps do I need to take to legally start a business in Illinois?
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To legally start a business in Illinois, several steps must be taken.
- Determine Your Business Structure: Illinois recognizes several business structures; sole proprietorship, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. Each structure comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to weigh them and select the one that suits your needs.
- Choose A Business Name: You need to choose a unique name for your business, which is not already in use by some other business.
- Register Your Business: After the decision of the structure and name has been made, you need to register your business. Different structures require different registration processes. Sole proprietorships and partnerships must register with the local county clerk, while LLCs and Corporations must register with the Secretary of State's Office.
- Obtain State & Local Permits and Licenses: Different businesses need different permits and licenses to operate in Illinois. You should check with your local government authorities to determine which permits and licenses are required for your type of business.
- Register for Taxes: Register your business with the Internal Revenue Service for federal taxes. In addition, Illinois State and local authorities require businesses to register for taxes, like sales and income taxes.
- Obtain Necessary Business Insurance: Every business needs insurance to run the business safely, and to protect from unforeseen damage or loss. The type of insurance needed depends on the business type.
- Comply with Employer Obligations: If your business will have employees, it is imperative to comply with employer obligations like obtaining workers' compensation insurance, and fulfilling employment laws to avoid any legal issues.
In conclusion, starting your own business in Illinois comes with several legal requirements that must follow. Registering the business and obtaining licenses and permits, registering with the tax authorities, obtaining insurance and obtaining worker's compensation insurance if necessary, are some primary steps. Consulting a business lawyer can also help you navigate the process efficiently.
