Hey all. I'm in the process of forming an LLC in Illinois to do freelance graphic design. I keep seeing conflicting info online about whether I need a general business license. Some say yes, some say no. I'm not selling products, just services. Do I need a state business license, or is the LLC formation enough? Any clarity would be great.
LLC Licensing
Does an Illinois LLC need a business license to provide freelance services?
Illinois doesn't have a general state-level business license for services like yours. The LLC registration is the main thing. You might need local/city licensesdepending on where you are. Check your city hall
Yep, what Taco said. No state license for freelance design. But if you're in Chicago, they have a business license requirement for almost everything. Where are you located?
Oh great, another 'I did zero research and came straight to a forum' post. But fine: Illinois has no general business license. You're welcome. *eye roll*
Sue, be nice. The state's website is confusing. OP, also consider if you need to register with the IL Dept of Revenue for sales tax—probably not if you're purely services, but if you ever sell digital digital products, that changes.
I've been a freelance designer in IL for 6 years. No state business license. Just LLC + EIN + local license if required. You might also need to register with the state as a 'foreign' LLC if you formed elsewhere, but since you're forming in IL, you're fine.
One more thing: some cities like Rockford require a business license for home-based businesses. So definitely call your city. But that's local, not state.
Can we talk about how the IL Secretary of State's site is stuck in 2003? That's the real issue here. But yeah, no general license.
Thanks for the info, everyone. I'm in a small town outside Peoria, so local license might not be a big deal. I'll check with the city cldrk anyway. And Sue, I did research—but it's a maze out there. Appreciate the help.
Good luck! And hey, if you ever want to collab on a project, hit me up. I'm a copywriter. Always looking for designers.