Are you a business owner in Illinois? Or, maybe you’re considering launching your next venture in the Prairie State? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll find guidance on how to start a business, fund your business, operate your business, hire employees, file for taxes, stay compliant in your state, and more.
Bookmark this page and keep checking back to track new legislation and developments in Illinois that may affect your company. Now, let’s dive in!
How to register your business in the state of Illinois
First thing is first: Here is how you register your new business in Illinois.
Find funding for your Illinois-based business
Every business, whether new or established, requires funding. Luckily, there are business loans and grants specifically designed for Illinois-based businesses. Check out the Illinois business funding page to find a loan or grant that’s a fit for your company.
How to file and pay business taxes in Illinois
Navigating the tax landscape can be complex—especially for busy business owners. Here is an up-to-date tax guide for Illinois businesses and a guide to Illinois tax incentives.
Managing employees in Illinois
- Here’s the employer’s guide to hiring employees in Illinois.
- Are you calculating employee paychecks? Use this Illinois salary paycheck calculator to determine withholdings and calculate take-home pay for your employees in Illinois. (We do the math for you.)
- Need to calculate hourly employee paychecks? We’ve got an Illinois hourly paycheck calculator, too.
- You’ll want to read up on the payroll service and regulations for Illinois as well.
- Are you hiring in the Windy City? Take a look at our salary data for employees in Chicago.
| Minimum wage in Illinois | SUI tax rate in Illinois | Illinois DOL website |
| $13 per hour (employers may pay $12.50 for the first 90 days of work)$7.80 minimum tipped wage per hour | New employer tax rate: 3.95% Tax rate range: 0.85% – 8.65% Wage base: $13,271 | Illinois Department of Labor |
| Chicago | ||
| $15 per hour $8.70 minimum tipped wage per hour for employers with 4 to 20 workers; $15.40 for employers with 21 or more workers | ||
| Cook County | ||
| $13.70 per hour $8 minimum tipped wage per hour |
More information for business owners in Illinois