Business Licensing for Illinois

If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact the Internal Revenue Service to get a Federal Employer’s Identification Number, and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor then you will need to register your business entity with the county clerk. Find your county clerk’s contact information.
If you plan to operate as a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP) then you will have to register with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Business Services.
Visit the State of Illinois Licensing website to determine if you need a state license and/or local license.
Contact your city and county government for specific zoning, permitting, and licensing regulations.

Illinois state sales tax is 6.25%.
- Qualifying food, drugs, and medical appliances are taxed at 1%
- See a list of exemptions.
- Complete state tax information can be found here.
Some municipalities and counties have their own taxes in addition to the state tax. Contact your local government for the rates.