JV Bookkeeping & Accounting Services

03/17/2026

To start a business as a sole proprietor, you will need to follow these steps:

Choose a Business Name: Select a unique name for your business and check its availability. If you plan to use a different name, register a DBA (Doing Business As).

Obtain an EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes.

Open a Business Bank Account: Set up a separate bank account for your business to keep personal and business finances separate.

Check for Licenses and Permits: Research and obtain any necessary licenses and permits required for your specific business activities.

Maintain Records: Keep organized financial records to ensure compliance with tax regulations and informed decision-making.

These steps will help you establish a clean legal and financial foundation for your sole proprietorship.

03/16/2026

To obtain a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate in Illinois, you must register an assumed business name with the county clerk's office where your business operates.

What is a DBA?

A DBA, or assumed business name, allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. In Illinois, this is required for sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and certain corporations that wish to use a name other than their legal name.

Go to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to get started.
https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/dba/illinois

Steps to Register a DBA in Illinois:

1. Choose Your Business Name:
Ensure that the name you want to use is unique and not already in use. You can check the availability of your desired name through the Illinois Secretary of State's name check database.

2. Complete the Application:
Fill out the Assumed Business Name Application. This can often be done online, by mail, or in person at your local county clerk's office.

3. Pay the Registration Fee:
The fee for registering a DBA in Illinois is typically around $50. Payment can usually be made via cash, money order, or credit card.

4. Publish a Legal Notice:
After filing your application, you must publish a legal notice of your assumed business name in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This must be done within 15 days of your DBA registration.

5. Submit Proof of Publication:
After the notice has been published, you need to submit proof of publication to the county clerk's office within 50 days of your DBA application.

Important Considerations:

1. Renewal: Unlike DBAs registered at the county level, those registered with the Secretary of State must be renewed every five years.

2. No Change in Business Structure: Registering a DBA does not change the legal structure of your business; it simply allows you to operate under a different name.

By following these steps, you can successfully register a DBA certificate in Illinois and operate your business under your chosen name. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official resources provided by the Illinois Secretary of State or your local county clerk's office.

03/15/2026

To open a business bank account for an LLC, you will need the following:

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number): Required for businesses with employees.
If you are a sole proprietor, you may use your Social Security number instead.

2. Personal Identification: Proof of identification for both you and your LLC, such as a driver's license or passport.

3. Business Registration Documents: Articles of organization or formation, business license, and operating agreement.

4. Initial Deposit: You may need to make an initial deposit to open the account.

**Additional Documents: Depending on the bank, you may also need to provide other documents like a DBA certificate or proof of ownership.

Make sure to check with your bank for any specific requirements they may have.

03/14/2026

What are my responsibilities as an employer?

Unemployment Insurance

Typically, a business is required to make unemployment insurance contributions to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) if they have: 1) employed one or more workers in each of 20 or more calendar weeks; or 2) paid at least $1,500 in total wages during the calendar quarter. IDES offers a New Employer Packet. To request this packet, contact:

Department of Employment https://ides.illinois.gov/
Division of Unemployment Insurance
33 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
1.800.247.4984
TTY: 1.866.212.8831

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the main licensing agency for the State of Illinois. IDFPR provides an on-line database listing every individual licensed with their agency.
Visit the IDFPR web site and click on "License Look-up" to learn if an individual is licensed in a certain profession or determine if a licensed number is valid. https://online-dfpr.micropact.com/

Anti-Discrimination Laws

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for the enforcement of all anti-discrimination laws. These laws include:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
Business owners should acquaint themselves with these laws because they affect the company's hiring practices. To order information on these laws, contact:

EEOC Publications Office
PO Box 12549
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
1.800.669.3362
Fax: 513.489.8692
TTY: 1.800.800.3302
Material Orders Only TTY: 1.800.669.6820
http://eeoc.gov/employers

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Under the Workers' Compensation and Workers' Occupational Diseases Acts, an employer is required to provide insurance for accidental deaths, injuries and occupational diseases of employees arising in the course of employment. Temporary workers who normally do not receive company benefits are still provided workers' compensation. Insurance generally is purchased through private companies. http://www.iwcc.il.gov/insurance.htm
Companies can apply to the Workers' Compensation Commission to become self-insured. To learn more, contact:

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission
100 West Randolph, 8-200
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Toll Free: 1.866.352.3033
312.814.6611
TTY: 312.814.6519

Employment Service/Labor Market Information

The Illinois Department of Employment Security can assist you with finding new employees. Find out about labor market conditions and industry projections. https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov
-Finding New Employees
-Data and Statistics

Wage Withholding for Child Support

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is the Child Support Enforcement Agency for the State of Illinois. If you (as an employer) are served a Notice of Withholding, you are required by law to withhold a portion of an employee's income for payment of child support. For more information, contact:

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/Employers/Pages/default.aspx
Division of Child Support Enforcement
Employer Verification Unit
PO Box 19405
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9405
217.782.1380
TTY: 217.524.3148
In Cook County: 312.793.3289
TTY: 312.814.1580

Immigration Reform and Control

The Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires every employer to keep on file a form for every employee certifying that employee's identity and work eligibility. For further Information contact:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services http://www.uscis.gov/
219 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604
312.353.7334
TTY: 1.800.767.1833
Required Posters for Illinois Employers

The Illinois Department of Labor's website has a listing of State and Federal posters employers are required to display in the workplace. Visit their website at for details on how to obtain each poster.

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03/13/2026

Where do I register a business in Illinois?

Registering A Business Name
When the business name is different from the owner’s full legal name(s), the "Assumed Name Act" requires sole proprietorships and general partnerships to register the business name with their county clerk's office.

Find Your County Clerk https://iaccr.net/Illinois-Clerks-&-Recorders

Business Tax Registration:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs
The Internal Revenue Service has information such as a checklist for a new business and selecting a business structure. Learn about operating a business with employees, deductions and credits, recordkeeping and accounting methods. Additional resources include the Small Business Tax Calendar, Tax Topics for Businesses, and Frequently Asked Questions. For more information contact:

Internal Revenue Service
To Obtain IRS Forms:
Forms Distribution Center
PO Box 8902
Bloomington, Illinois 61702-8902
1.800.829.3676
TTY: 1.800.829.4059

Illinois Department Of Revenue (IDOR) https://tax.illinois.gov/forms.html
In Illinois, most business are required to be registered and/or licensed by the IDOR. If you plan to hire employees, buy or sell products wholesale or retail, or manufacture goods, you must register with the IDOR. To obtain information contact:

Illinois Department of Revenue
Central Registration Division
PO Box 19030
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9030
1.800.732.8866
TTY: 1-800-544-5304

Local Tax Registration and Requirements:
Some municipalities and counties impose their own taxes in addition to the state and federal taxes that most businesses are responsible for. New businesses should contact their local revenue department to determine if additional taxes apply to their business activities. Many communities restrict advertising, regulate pricing or require zoning permits. Contact your city or county clerk for information on local restrictions.

Licenses And Permits Required By Law:
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the main licensing agency for the State of Illinois for most professions. Individuals must be licensed prior to conducting business as one of the listed professions.
IDFPR's Occupational Listing https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/proflist.html

Click on Profession Name to access Profession Acts & Rules, Licensure Applications, Certifications/Verifications, Email Profession Specific Questions, Address Changes, Online License Renewal and more.

03/12/2026

You can register your business in person at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) or your local county Register of Deeds office, depending on your business type.
https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Businesses/New-Business-home.aspx

State-Level Registration
For most formal business entities such as LLCs and corporations, you must file formation documents with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). While DFI primarily offers online and mail-in registration, you can also visit their office in Madison to submit documents in person and ask questions about the process, fees, and compliance requirements.

Steps to Starting a Business
If your business will operate under a trade name (DBA) as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you may need to register the name with your county’s Register of Deeds office. This is typically done in person, and the office can provide forms, instructions, and guidance on local requirements.
www.commenda.io

Local and County Offices
Many counties in Wisconsin allow in-person registration for trade names and certain business licenses. For example, in Kenosha County, the Register of Deeds office handles trade name filings, while the City Clerk or local licensing department may issue permits or occupancy approvals for businesses operating within city limits.

City of Kenosha
Before visiting, it’s recommended to:
Verify the office hours and in-person services available.
Bring identification and any required formation documents.
Check if your business type requires additional permits, zoning approval, or occupancy permits.

Additional Considerations
Department of Revenue (DOR): If your business will collect sales tax, hire employees, or require other state tax accounts, you may need to register with the Wisconsin DOR. While most registration is online, DOR offices can provide in-person assistance for tax-related questions.

Business Planning: Consider preparing a business plan and confirming your business name availability before visiting any office. The DFI Corporate Records Search can help ensure your desired name is unique.

By visiting the DFI office for entity formation and your local Register of Deeds for trade name registration, you can complete the in-person registration process and ensure your business is legally recognized in Wisconsin.

2. Otherwise - Click on the One Stop Business Registrationto register your business with multiple agencies, including the Department of Financial Institutions and the Department of Workforce Development.

03/11/2026

Write your business plan

Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.

Business plans help you run your business:
A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business. Your research can also help you later in your planning. For example, knowing your NAICS code could help you with market analysis, insurance, and taxes. https://www.census.gov/naics/

Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment. Your business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.

Pick a business plan format that works for you
There’s no right or wrong way to write a business plan. What’s important is that your plan meets your needs.

Most business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean startup.

-Traditional business plans are more common, use a standard structure, and encourage you to go into detail in each section. They tend to require more work upfront and can be dozens of pages long.

-Lean startup business plans are less common but still use a standard structure. They focus on summarizing only the most important points of the key elements of your plan. They can take as little as one hour to make and are typically only one page.

You might prefer a traditional business plan format if you’re very detail-oriented, want a comprehensive plan, or plan to request financing from traditional sources.

When you write your business plan, you don’t have to stick to the exact business plan outline. Instead, use the sections that make the most sense for your business and your needs.

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan

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03/10/2026

03/08/2026

What ownership structure choices do I have?

There are several ways to organize businesses in Illinois. They are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), Limited Liability Companies (LLC), "S" Corporations and "C" Corporations. Before selecting a business type, consult an attorney or accountant for assistance in determining which one is best for your business.

Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership

When a business name is different from the owner(s) full legal name(s), the Illinois Assumed Name Act requires sole proprietorships and general partnerships to register with their local county clerk's office for registration under the Assumed Name Act. Sole proprietors must have a Federal Employer Identification Number if they pay wages to one or more employees or file any pension or excise tax returns including those of alcohol, to***co or fi****ms.

This guide will inform you of various legal requirements and direct you to additional resources. If you have any questions contact the First Stop Business Information Center at 800.252.2923 (TTY: 800.785.6055) or Submit a Question and a staff member