If you are conducting business in Illinois or with Illinois customers, it’s essential to register your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue. This guide provides a detailed overview of the business registration process in Illinois.
Who Needs to Register?
Business registration is required for:
- Sole proprietors (individual or husband/wife/civil union)
- Exempt organizations
- Government agencies withholding for Illinois employees
How to Register Your Business
There are two ways to register your business in Illinois:
1. Online Registration through MyTax Illinois
- Visit the MyTax Illinois website.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Follow the prompts to complete the electronic registration process.
- Online registration typically takes one to two days to process.
2. Mail-In Registration
- Download Form REG-1, Illinois Business Registration Application, from the Illinois Department of Revenue website.
- Complete the form, ensuring all required information is provided.
- Mail the completed form to the address provided on the form.
- Allow additional processing time for mail-in registrations.
Important Information
- Form REG-1 is available as a fill-in and savable form on the Illinois Department of Revenue website.
- Registration forms can also be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Revenue at 1-800-356-6302.
- Ensure all information provided during registration is accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Schedules Associated with Form REG-1
When registering your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue, you may need to complete additional schedules depending on the nature of your business. Here’s an overview of the various schedules:
Schedule REG-1-A: Liquor Information
This schedule is for businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages. It requires information about liquor licenses and the types of alcohol sold.
Schedule REG-1-C: Cigarette and Tobacco Products Information
Businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell cigarettes and tobacco products must complete this schedule. It includes details about cigarette and tobacco product sales and distribution.
Schedule REG-1-D: Electricity Tax Self-Assessing Purchaser
This schedule is for businesses that purchase electricity for use in Illinois and are required to self-assess and remit the Electricity Excise Tax.
Schedule REG-1-G: Gas Use Tax Self-Assessing Purchaser
Businesses that purchase natural gas for use in Illinois and are required to self-assess and remit the Gas Use Tax should complete this schedule.
Schedule REG-1-L: Illinois Business Site Location Information
This schedule provides information about the physical location(s) of the business in Illinois, including site addresses and types of activities conducted at each location.
Schedule REG-1-MR: Illinois Cigarette Manufacturer’s Representative
Cigarette manufacturer’s representatives operating in Illinois must complete this schedule, providing details about their activities and the brands they represent.
Schedule REG-1-O: Owner and Officer Information
This schedule collects information about the owners, partners, officers, and members of the business, including their names, titles, and contact information.
Schedule REG-1-R: Responsible Party Information
This schedule identifies the individuals responsible for the business’s tax obligations, including their names, titles, and contact information.
Schedule REG-1-T: Telecommunications Tax Location Information
Businesses providing telecommunications services in Illinois must complete this schedule, detailing the locations where services are provided and the types of services offered.
Completing the appropriate schedules along with Form REG-1 ensures that your business registration is accurate and compliant with Illinois tax laws. Be sure to review each schedule carefully and provide all required information.
Registering your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue is a critical step in ensuring compliance with state regulations. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully register your business and focus on growing your operations in Illinois.
