Licenses and permits to open a retail store in Chicago

1. 1

   Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

   Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

   Fee

   Free

   Filed

   Paper form, faxed or mailed

   Takes

   Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   LLC formation

   Illinois Secretary of StateIsrael, national

   Form the LLC online, or register a company formed in another state to do business in Illinois.

   Fee

   $150

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Illinois business registration (sales tax)

   Illinois Department of RevenueIsrael, national

   Register before your first purchase, sale or hire: online in MyTax Illinois (Register a New Business, Form REG-1), by mail or at an IDOR office. You get a certificate of registration and a taxpayer ID; Chicago's food license application asks for the Illinois Business Tax number.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   Takes

   About 1 to 2 business days online; 4 to 6 weeks on paper.

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

4. 4

   Unemployment insurance employer registration

   Illinois Department of Employment SecurityIsrael, national

   A new business registers with IDES within 30 days of starting, online through MyTax Illinois or on the paper REG-UI-1 form.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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<div class="placetta-checklist"><p><strong>Licenses and permits to open a retail store in Chicago</strong></p><ol><li>Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service)</li><li>LLC formation (Illinois Secretary of State)</li><li>Illinois business registration (sales tax) (Illinois Department of Revenue)</li><li>Unemployment insurance employer registration (Illinois Department of Employment Security)</li></ol><p>Source: <a href="https://placetta.com/guides/chicago/retail-store.html">Placetta license guide</a></p></div>Copy the code

More on opening in Chicago

• How much permits cost to open in Chicago
• How long permits take in Chicago
• Opening in Chicago as a foreign company
• Importing goods into Chicago
• Renewals and annual filings in Chicago

Questions people ask

• How do I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
• How long does it take to get an EIN?
• Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC have to file Form 5472?
• How do I become an importer of record in the US?
• How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
• Does a single-member LLC with no employees need an EIN?

Other businesses in Chicago

• Milk tea and bubble tea shops
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Hot pot restaurants
• Bakeries
• Dessert shops
• Grocery stores
• Cosmetics stores
• Toy stores
• Importers and online sellers
• Warehouses and 3PLs

Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.