Business Resource Guide

The State of Illinois has extensive web sites dedicated to each of its departments. Many resources are available to help start a business. Start with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website. An excellent resource for general business information is DCEO handbook, Starting a Business In Illinois. This publication also includes a feasibility checklist and a business plan outline. For information regarding state licenses, permits, registrations and assistance programs, contact the First Stop Business Information Center by calling (800) 252-2923, or on-line. For assistance in determining Federal licenses, permits, registrations and assistance programs, contact the Federal Information Center at 800/688-9889.

Business Registration

If the name of a business is different from the owner(s) exact, full, legal name(s), the Illinois Assumed Name Act requires Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships to register with the office of the city or county clerk where the business is located.

Under the Illinois Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 1986, limited partnership filings became centralized with the Secretary of State. The Division has a Chicago office, which should only be used for filing purposes. Contact the Limited Partnership Division at: 17 North State, Room 1137, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Voice (312) 793-2872, TDD: (800) 252-2904

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the non-corporate form of doing business that provides its owners with limited liability, flow-through tax treatment and operating flexibility through participation in management of the business. For a packet containing organization information, write or call: Limited Liability Company Division, Room 359, Howlett Building, Springfield, Illinois 62756, Voice: (217) 524-8008, TDD: (800) 252-2904

Corporations and S Corporations must register with the Secretary of State’s Office. Booklets are available upon request on organizing domestic corporations (headquartered in Illinois) or foreign corporations (headquartered out of state or out of country). Contact the Secretary of State, Business Services, 17 North State, Room 1137, Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 793-3380, TDD: (800) 252-2904.

Federal Taxes

General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Corporations and S Corporations all must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Sole Proprietors that DO NOT pay wages to one or more employee(s) or file excise tax returns (including returns for alcohol, tobacco or firearms sales) may use his or her social security number. Otherwise, Sole Proprietorships must have a FEIN. The Internal Revenue Service has criteria for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor as well as a Tax Guide for Small Business and various registration forms.

For free tax information, call or write:

Internal Revenue Service

Forms Distribution Center

PO Box 8902

Bloomington, Illinois 61702-8902

Voice: (800) 829-3676

TDD: (800) 829-4059

Web Site

State Taxes

If you plan to hire employees, buy or sell products wholesale or retail, or manufacture goods, you must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). A registration kit can be obtained by contacting the Illinois Department of Revenue at (800) 732-8866, TDD: (800) 544-5306 or by writing or visiting the Illinois Department of Revenue at:

100 West Randolph, Suite C-300,

Chicago, Illinois 60601,

Voice: (800) 732-8866,

TDD: (800) 544-5304

Web Site

Workers’ Compensation

All employers must provide workers’ compensation to cover employee’s accidental death, injury or occupational diseases arising out of the course of employment. Workers’ Compensation coverage is most commonly arranged through private firms or agents. Annual premiums are based on company payroll, loss experience and type of business. Temporary workers who receive no other company benefits must be covered under Workers’ Compensation. For further information contact:

Illinois Industrial Commission

100 West Randolph, 8-200

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Voice: (312) 814-6611

TDD: (312) 814-2959

Web Site

Offices of Minority and Women Business Development

Also available to new or expanding entrepreneurs are the Offices of Minority and Women’s Business Development which responds to individual, local and regional advocacy needs of those business populations. Information on any Network participant or the Offices of Minority and Women Business Development is available by contacting DCEO’s Business Assistance line at (800) 252-2923.

Small Business Administration

The federal government’s Small Business Administration (SBA) provides several programs and services, including training and educational programs, advisory services, publications, financial programs and contract assistance. The SBA also offers specialized programs for women business owners, minorities, veterans, international trade and rural development. For more information call the SBA at (312) 353-4528 or (217) 492-4416, TDD: (312) 886-5108 or (217) 492-4418.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the SBA conduct seminars at various locations in Illinois on starting and operating a business, and provide individual counseling. For more information on SCORE, phone (312) 353-7723, TDD: (312) 886-5108.