Illinois S Corporation Formation Services
Compare top-rated S Corp formation services in Illinois. Get expert analysis, pricing details, and comprehensive feature comparisons to make the best choice for your business.
What is an S Corporation?
An S Corporation is a tax election that allows your LLC or corporation to avoid double taxation. Instead of paying corporate taxes, profits and losses pass through to owners' personal tax returns.
ZenBusiness provides S Corp tax election services for existing LLCs and corporations, helping you file IRS Form 2553 correctly and on time.
Key S Corp Benefits:
- ✓ Potential self-employment tax savings
- ✓ Pass-through taxation (no double taxation)
- ✓ Enhanced business credibility
- ✓ Limited liability protection
Best S Corp Formation Services for Illinois
| Service Provider | Price | Rating | Speed | Support Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 ZenBusiness Best Overall | $0 + state fees (S Corp election separate service) | ★ 4.9 | Fast | Excellent | LLC owners wanting to elect S Corp tax status with comprehensive ongoing support |
| Bizee | $0 + state fees (includes S Corp election) | ★ 4.6 | Fast | Basic | Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election included for free with formation |
| LegalZoom | $149 + state fees (S Corp election separate) | ★ 4.2 | Standard | Good | Businesses needing comprehensive legal support and attorney guidance for S Corp setup |
| Rocket Lawyer | $49.99 with membership + corporation formation (with membership) | ★ 4 | Standard | Basic | Businesses needing ongoing legal services beyond just S Corp election |
| Inc Authority | $79 + corporation formation + state fees | ★ 4.4 | Standard | Basic | Budget-conscious businesses wanting S Corp election with basic support |
| BetterLegal | $299 all-inclusive with S Corp election | ★ 3.9 | Standard | Basic | Businesses wanting fast, complete S Corp setup with everything included |
| Active Filings | $0 + state fees + S Corp election | ★ 3.8 | Standard | Basic | Traditional businesses preferring established service providers for S Corp setup |
| Filenow | $74 + state fees + S Corp election fee | ★ 3.6 | Standard | Basic | Experienced entrepreneurs wanting basic S Corp election services at low cost |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees + $100 S Corp election | ★ 3.4 | Standard | Basic | Privacy-conscious business owners wanting straightforward S Corp election |
🏆 ZenBusiness offers the best combination of value, features, and support for Illinois S Corp formation. Get Started →
ZenBusiness
+ state fees (S Corp election separate service)
Get Started →ZenBusiness offers S Corp tax election as a separate service for LLCs formed through their platform. They offer three tiers: Starter ($0 + state fees), Pro ($199/year + state fees), and Premium ($349 first year, then $399/year + state fees). The S Corp election service is available for an additional fee (free if filed within 30 days of LLC formation, $200 service fee after 30 days). Their comprehensive support includes 100% accuracy guarantee and award-winning customer service.
Pros:
- ✓ Handles S Corp election (Form 2553) filing
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee and 60-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support (phone, chat, email)
- ✓ Guidance on S Corp compliance requirements
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing included with Pro and Premium
- ✓ Worry-free compliance service FREE for 1 year with Starter, included in Pro/Premium
- ✓ Velo AI assistant included with all packages
- ✓ Mobile app for business management on the go
- ✓ Blueprint for Success educational program
- ✓ Operating agreement and 25+ business document templates with Pro/Premium
- ✓ Logo builder included with Pro/Premium
- ✓ Online tools bundle (domain, website, email) with Pro/Premium
- ✓ Money Pro bookkeeping with Premium (60-day free trial)
- ✓ Registered agent service included with Premium
- ✓ Business advisor consultation with Premium
Considerations:
- − Must first form LLC or corporation
- − S Corp election has strict deadlines
- − Not suitable for all business types
- − Some features require upgraded plans (Pro or Premium)
- − Registered agent service not included in Starter/Pro ($199/yr)
- − Special offers auto-renew at regular prices after trial period
Bizee (formerly Incfile) includes S Corp tax election (IRS Form 2553) in ALL packages, including their free Basic package. This makes them uniquely positioned for S Corp elections - you get both LLC/corporation formation AND S Corp election for just state fees in their Basic package. Their Standard ($199) and Premium ($299) packages add comprehensive features like EIN, business tax consultation, registered agent service, and expedited processing.
Pros:
- ✓ S Corp election (Form 2553) included in ALL packages
- ✓ Basic package is $0 + state fees with S Corp election
- ✓ Business tax consultation included
- ✓ Expedited filing available
- ✓ One-year free registered agent service
- ✓ Banking resolution documents included
Considerations:
- − EIN not included in Basic package
- − Limited ongoing legal support
- − Processing can take several weeks
- − Premium features require paid packages
LegalZoom offers corporation formation starting at $149 (Economy package), with Standard ($329) and Express Gold ($349) options that include additional features like attorney consultations and expedited processing. S Corp election is available as a separate service. With over 20 years of experience, they provide comprehensive legal guidance and extensive legal network support, making them ideal for businesses needing ongoing legal assistance.
Pros:
- ✓ Attorney consultations available
- ✓ Corporation formation with S Corp election
- ✓ Extensive legal document library
- ✓ Rush processing available
- ✓ 30+ years in business
- ✓ Peace of mind guarantee
Considerations:
- − Higher pricing than competitors
- − S Corp election costs extra
- − Registered agent service expensive ($249/year)
- − Many services require additional fees
Rocket Lawyer
+ corporation formation (with membership)
Get Started →Rocket Lawyer offers S Corp election services through their comprehensive legal platform. With a Rocket Legal+ membership, you can access discounted S Corp document preparation and filing. Their experienced pros handle state requirements and provide tax guidance throughout the process. The platform also includes ongoing legal document access and attorney consultations.
Pros:
- ✓ S Corp election for $49.99 with membership
- ✓ Experienced legal professionals
- ✓ Comprehensive legal platform
- ✓ Attorney consultations included
- ✓ Document preparation guaranteed
- ✓ Ongoing legal document access
Considerations:
- − Requires membership for best pricing
- − Corporation must be formed first
- − No mobile app available
- − Limited to attorney consultations vs full legal services
Inc Authority includes S Corp document filing assistance in their premium packages, offering Form 2553 preparation along with business formation. With over 30 years of experience and genuinely affordable pricing, they provide specialized tax assistance and business analysis. Their approach focuses on helping startups access S Corp benefits without breaking the budget.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes S Corp document filing in premium packages
- ✓ Over 30 years of experience
- ✓ Business tax analysis included
- ✓ Affordable pricing structure
- ✓ Free registered agent first year
- ✓ Tax planning consultation included
Considerations:
- − S Corp election not in free package
- − Processing slower than competitors
- − Limited ongoing compliance tools
- − Registered agent renewal at higher rate
BetterLegal offers an all-inclusive approach to S Corp setup with their comprehensive package that includes corporation formation, S Corp election filing, EIN, and all necessary documentation. With their 2 business day turnaround and transparent pricing, they eliminate confusion while providing everything needed for S Corp status upfront.
Pros:
- ✓ 2 business day formation speed
- ✓ All-inclusive pricing with S Corp election
- ✓ No confusing upsells or hidden fees
- ✓ Includes EIN and all documentation
- ✓ Phone and email support
- ✓ Transparent, straightforward pricing
Considerations:
- − Higher upfront cost than competitors
- − Limited ongoing compliance services
- − No mobile app available
- − Fewer additional business services
Active Filings provides traditional corporation formation services with S Corp election options. Their straightforward approach includes phone support and basic compliance tools. While their starting price is higher, they offer reliable service with rush processing options and can guide you through the S Corp election process.
Pros:
- ✓ Corporation formation with S Corp election
- ✓ Phone and email support available
- ✓ Rush processing available (2 days)
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Established company with experience
- ✓ Basic compliance tools included
Considerations:
- − S Corp election costs extra
- − Limited modern features
- − No mobile app or advanced dashboard
Filenow offers basic corporation formation with S Corp election services at competitive rates. Their streamlined process focuses on essential services without extras, making them suitable for businesses that know exactly what they need for S Corp status and prefer minimal hand-holding through the process.
Pros:
- ✓ Low-cost corporation formation
- ✓ S Corp election services available
- ✓ Rush processing available
- ✓ Clear, simple pricing structure
- ✓ Straightforward process
Considerations:
- − Email-only customer support
- − No ongoing compliance guidance
- − Limited S Corp-specific expertise
- − Basic service with minimal features
- − No mobile app or advanced tools
Northwest Registered Agent offers basic LLC or corporation formation for $39 + state fees, with S Corp election available as an add-on service for an additional $100. Their approach maintains focus on privacy and transparent pricing without aggressive marketing tactics. They include one year of free registered agent service ($125/year after) and provide straightforward business formation.
Pros:
- ✓ Privacy-focused service approach
- ✓ No aggressive upselling tactics
- ✓ Transparent pricing structure
- ✓ Corporation formation available
- ✓ Registered agent service available
Considerations:
- − Email-only customer support
- − Limited S Corp-specific guidance
- − No rush processing available
- − Minimal ongoing compliance support
- − Basic service offerings only
Illinois S Corp Requirements
Filing Requirements
- 1. Form LLC or Corporation First: S Corp is a tax election, not a business entity type
- 2. File Form 2553: Submit to IRS within 2 months and 15 days of formation
- 3. Illinois Registration: Register with Illinois Department of Revenue if required
- 4. EIN Required: Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number from IRS
Ongoing Compliance
- ✓ Annual Returns: File Form 1120S with IRS by March 15
- ✓ Illinois Franchise Tax: Annual filing with Illinois Department of Revenue
- ✓ Payroll Taxes: Pay reasonable salary to owner-employees
- ✓ Registered Agent: Maintain Illinois registered agent service
Why Choose ZenBusiness for Illinois S Corp?
ZenBusiness combines comprehensive S Corp services with award-winning support. Get your Illinois S Corporation formed correctly with 100% accuracy guarantee.
100% Accuracy
Guaranteed accurate filing or we'll fix it for free
Fast Processing
1-day processing available for urgent formations
Award-Winning Support
Expert customer service with 4.8/5 rating