LLC by State Guide

LLC by State Guide › Compare › New York vs Illinois

New York vs Illinois LLC (2026)

Illinois is cheaper to form, by $50. New York is cheaper to keep, by $70.50 a year. Over five years New York costs $232 less in state fees. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, files in either state for $199 a year.

  • Official sources, checked October 20, 2026

Side by side

MeasureNew YorkIllinois
Filing fee$200$150
Yearly reportEvery 2 years, $9Yearly, $75
Report cost per year$4.50$75
5-year state cost$218$450
10-year state cost$245$825
Registered agentOptionalRequired
Change-agent fee$30$25
ExtrasPublication notice, Extra state tax or feeNone listed
Best overall in either state

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Is New York or Illinois cheaper for an LLC?

Illinois is cheaper to form, by $50. New York is cheaper to keep, by $70.50 a year. Over five years New York costs $232 less in state fees.

Which has the lower filing fee, New York or Illinois?

New York: $200. Illinois: $150.

Do I need a registered agent in New York and Illinois?

New York: optional. Illinois: required.

Sources