State Franchise
Excise Tax Filings

Timing

3–7 business days for standard filing; same-day filing available for urgent deadlines

If You Do It Yourself

Free

Delivery

Filing receipt and confirmation emailed upon acceptance.

Eligibility

All active LLCs and corporations must file and pay applicable franchise taxes. Foreign entities doing business in the U.S. must also comply, even if headquartered elsewhere. No residency or visa requirements apply — all owners, U.S. or foreign, are equally obligated.

Every registered business in the U.S. must file franchise or excise taxes to remain active and in good standing. These state-level taxes are separate from federal income taxes and are based on your company’s authorized capital, net worth, or annual business activity.

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The consultation fee is applied toward your total service fee if you proceed with the services.

If the consultation is the only service provided, the fee remains non-refundable, as professional time, analysis, and guidance are delivered during the session.

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DIY Step-by-Step Guide
(No agent or lawyer)
As an example, in Illinois

Determine Your Filing Type

Corporations must file Form IL-1120 (Corporation Income and Replacement Tax Return)

LLCs taxed as corporations use the same form

LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities may need Form IL-1065 or IL-1040 (Schedule NR)

Cost: Free

Access Official Filing Portals

Illinois MyTax Portal
https://mytax.illinois.gov/

IRS (for federal return reference)
https://www.irs.gov/businesses

Gather Required Data

Business name, FEIN, and Illinois file number

Prior year’s taxable income or loss

Current-year income, deductions, and credits

Authorized and issued capital stock (for corporations)

Payment method for franchise tax due (ACH debit or credit card)

Complete the Filing Process

Log into the MyTax Illinois portal

Choose the correct filing form (IL-1120, IL-1065, or IL-1040)

Fill out all required sections carefully, ensuring figures match your financial statements

Attach supporting schedules if requested (balance sheet, statement of income)

Submit your return and make payment online

Note: If your total tax liability exceeds $400, quarterly estimated payments may be required.

Mail-In Option
(if preferred)

Download the correct form from the Illinois Department of Revenue
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/forms

Complete, sign, and mail it with payment to:
Illinois Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 19031
Springfield, IL 62794-9031
‍
Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Cost: Free (postage and payment fees apply).

Receive Confirmation

You’ll receive a filing acknowledgment and payment confirmation from the Department of Revenue

Keep this for your records — it may be required for annual report renewal or Certificate of Good Standing.

Common Mistakes People Make

Missing the annual filing deadline (usually due the same day as the Annual Report).

Reporting incorrect total capital or net worth, resulting in overpayment or rejection.

Filing the wrong form type (LLC vs. Corporation).

Forgetting to include your FEIN or entity number.

Overlooking franchise tax obligations when registering in multiple states (“foreign qualification”).

Documents & Information Needed

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