Business Partnership Resources in Illinois

These are the public and nonprofit bodies in Illinois that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. Every one is free or low cost, and every link goes to the organization itself.

This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in Illinois should read your actual agreement.

• The law. General partnerships follow the Uniform Partnership Act (1997) (805 ILCS 206/100). LLCs have Illinois's own Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 180/1-1). LLPs and LLLPs are both open to any partnership. All 50 states compared.
• The cost. An LLC files for $150, then owes a $75 annual report every year before the first day of its anniversary month. An LLP registers for $100 per partner (at least $200, at most $5,000) and pays the same again every year to renew. Fees in every state.
• Non-competes. Void for an employee earning $75,000 or less a year (Illinois Freedom to Work Act), rising on a schedule to $90,000 by 2037. A covenant tied to selling an ownership interest is excluded from the Act and judged by ordinary reasonableness instead. Every state's rule.
• When a court can end it. An LLC can be dissolved for a frustrated purpose, impracticability, or illegal, fraudulent or oppressive conduct; the court may order a buyout instead of winding up the company (805 ILCS 180/35-1). Grounds by state.