Fill Out Your Illinois Statement Of Change Form

What is the Illinois Statement of Change form?

The Illinois Statement of Change form, also called Form LLC-1.36/1.37, is used by limited liability companies (LLCs) to update their registered agent and/or registered office address with the Secretary of State. This form must be completed and filed when there are changes to ensure that the company’s contact information is current and that legal documents can be served correctly.

Why do I need to update my registered agent or office?

Updating your registered agent or office is essential for maintaining compliance with Illinois law. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. Keeping this information current helps avoid penalties and ensures that important notices reach the appropriate individuals in a timely manner.

How much does it cost to file the Statement of Change form?

The filing fee for the Illinois Statement of Change form is $25. This payment must be made to the Secretary of State. If a check is returned for any reason, the filing will be voided, and it is crucial to ensure that funds are available.

How do I file the Illinois Statement of Change form?

You can file the Statement of Change form by completing it and sending it to the Department of Business Services at the Secretary of State's office in Springfield. The mailing address is 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62756. Make sure to print clearly and include your payment along with the form.

Can I use a P.O. Box for the registered office address?

A P.O. Box alone is not acceptable for the registered office address. You must provide a physical street address, including the number and street. A P.O. Box may be added to the physical address, but it cannot stand alone.

Who can sign the Statement of Change form?

The form must be signed by an individual who has the authority to make changes on behalf of the LLC. This could be a member or manager of the LLC, depending on who is authorized to address such changes. It is important to ensure that the person signing has the proper authority to avoid issues later.

What happens if I don’t file this form in a timely manner?

If you fail to appoint and maintain a registered agent within 60 days after receiving notification from the Secretary of State, a $100 penalty may be imposed. Additionally, not updating your registered agent can lead to difficulties in receiving legal notices, which may harm your business.

Can the LLC act as its own registered agent?

No, the LLC cannot act as its own registered agent in Illinois. The registered agent must either be an individual who resides in Illinois or a business entity that is registered with the Secretary of State. This requirement ensures there is a reliable point of contact for legal matters.

What is the maximum character limit for the registered office address?

The registered office address has a limit of 30 characters, including spaces. It is important to adhere to this limit while ensuring that the address is formatted correctly. Consulting the USPS website can help with understanding proper address formatting.

Where can I find more information about the filing process?

For more information on the filing process, you can visit the website www.cyberdriveillinois.com. The site contains resources and guidance on completing the Statement of Change form and provides additional information about LLC compliance in Illinois.

Filling out the Illinois Statement of Change form may seem straightforward, but many people overlook critical details that can lead to complications. One common mistake is failing to provide complete names and addresses. When filling out the form, every field must be filled in clearly. Names without middle initials or incomplete addresses can result in the form being rejected. It's essential to include the full name of the registered agent and the complete physical address, including the street number, street name, and city, in addition to the state and ZIP code. Incomplete details can create confusion and lead to unnecessary delays.

Another frequent issue arises from misunderstanding the rules regarding the registered agent. Many applicants mistakenly believe that they can act as their own registered agent, unaware that this is prohibited for LLCs in Illinois. The registered agent must be a person or business entity with a physical address in the state. Individuals often overlook this requirement, thinking that any address will suffice. To prevent errors, double-check that your registered agent meets this criterion, as failing to do so can lead to a rejection of your filing.

Additionally, miscommunication regarding the authorization of the change is also prevalent. The form requires a specific declaration about who authorized the change. Many people mistakenly check the wrong box. Understanding whether the change was authorized by the members or manager or just the registered agent is crucial. This aspect appears minor, but it can invalidate the submission if not filled out correctly. Clear communication within your organization about who has the authority can mitigate this problem.

Finally, neglecting to sign the document or misdating it are mistakes that commonly occur and may seem trivial but can have serious implications. The form must be signed and dated by an authorized person, and it is vital to ensure that the date reflects the current time. Applications lacking a proper signature or accurate date will face rejection. Taking the extra moment to review your form's completion can significantly impact the processing of your request.

When changing a registered agent or office for an LLC in Illinois, several other forms and documents may come into play. Each document serves a different purpose to ensure that the transition is recorded correctly and meets state regulations. Understanding these documents can help streamline the process.

• LLC Articles of Organization - This document is filed to create the LLC. It lays out the company’s basic structure, including name, purpose, and registered agent information.
• Registered Agent Acceptance - This form confirms that the new registered agent agrees to serve in that capacity. It should be completed and kept for records.
• Annual Report - LLCs in Illinois must file this report each year. It provides updated information on the business, including any changes in registered agent or office.
• Bylaws or Operating Agreement - These internal documents outline how the LLC operates. They may include provisions on how changes to the registered agent or office should be made.
• Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) - This is required to maintain the LLC’s good standing. It must include accurate details about the registered agent and other significant changes.
• Certificate of Good Standing - This document proves that the LLC is compliant with state laws and regulations. It may be needed in various business dealings.
• Resignation of Registered Agent - If the existing registered agent is stepping down, this document formally notifies the state of their resignation.
• Change of Address Form - If the registered office or agent’s address is changing, this form officially updates that information with the Secretary of State.
• Power of Attorney - In some cases, an LLC may need to grant someone the authority to act on its behalf during the change process. This document provides that authorization.
• Written Consent of Members - This may be needed to show approval of the change, especially if the LLC has multiple members or managers involved in decision-making.

Having these documents in order will help ensure a smooth transition when making changes to your LLC's registered agent or office in Illinois. Being prepared and knowledgeable about what is required can save time and potential complications down the road.

The Illinois Statement of Change form is a critical document for managing changes regarding a company's registered agent and registered office. Several other documents serve similar purposes but in different contexts. Below is a list of eight documents that share similarities with the Illinois Statement of Change form, demonstrating various aspects of organizational compliance and registration updates:

• Articles of Amendment: This document is used to officially change information in the original incorporation or organization documents, such as the name or purpose of the entity, similar to how the Statement of Change updates registered agent and office information.
• Change of Address Form: Organizations use this form to notify relevant authorities about a change in business location, akin to the process of updating the registered office address on the Illinois Statement of Change.
• Registered Agent Change Notice: This specific notice is filed to officially designate a new registered agent, paralleling the functionality of the Illinois form in terms of agent updates.
• Annual Report: Many states require corporations and LLCs to submit annual reports that often include current registered agent information, reflecting the need for accurate data similar to the Statement of Change.
• Certificate of Good Standing: This certificate verifies that a company is compliant with state requirements, including maintaining an up-to-date registered agent, much like the compliance enforced by the Statement of Change.
• Application for Authority: When foreign entities wish to do business in a state, they file this application, which includes appointing a registered agent. This mirrors the Illinois form's focus on the registered agent's role.
• Notice of Intent to Dissolve: This document informs the state of a company's decision to dissolve, which may involve updating registered agent details, drawing a parallel with the Statement of Change's necessity in maintaining official records.
• Merger Documents: When companies merge, they often need to change their registered agent and office information, similar to the updates made through the Illinois Statement of Change form.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in ensuring that corporate compliance is maintained and that accurate information is readily available to regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

When filling out the Illinois Statement of Change form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to avoid delays or rejections. Here’s a concise list of do's and don'ts:

• Do: Type or print clearly to ensure legibility.
• Do: Provide complete and accurate information to prevent errors.
• Do: Include the proper filing fee of $25, payable to the Secretary of State.
• Do: Confirm that the registered agent resides in Illinois.
• Do: Sign and date the form appropriately to validate the submission.
• Do: Use the complete address, including street numbers and zip codes.

• Don’t: Use a P.O. Box alone for the registered office address; it is unacceptable.
• Don’t: Leave any sections blank; incomplete forms can lead to processing issues.
• Don’t: Forget to check the authority under which the change is authorized.
• Don’t: Try to act as your own registered agent if you are an LLC; this is not allowed.
• Don’t: Submit the form without ensuring it complies with all formatting requirements.
• Don’t: Ignore the penalties for failing to maintain a registered agent.

• Misconception 1: The Statement of Change can be submitted without a registered agent.

This form is specifically designed to update information related to the registered agent or office. A registered agent is necessary for any LLC in Illinois, so submitting the form without one is not permissible.

• Misconception 2: Changing the registered agent is a complicated process.

In reality, the process is straightforward. The form requires basic information and can be completed easily if all necessary details are provided accurately.

• Misconception 3: An LLC can serve as its own registered agent.

This is incorrect. According to Illinois law, the LLC cannot act as its own registered agent. A separate individual or business entity must be designated for this role.

• Misconception 4: A P.O. Box can be used as a registered office address.

While it’s tempting to use a P.O. Box, Illinois regulations specify that a physical street address is required. A P.O. Box can be added to the physical address but cannot stand alone.

• Misconception 5: The form must be notarized to be valid.

This is not true. The form only requires a signature affirming the information provided is correct; notarization is not necessary.

• Misconception 6: There is no penalty for late filing of the Statement of Change.

Filing late can incur a $100 penalty, particularly if the LLC fails to appoint a new registered agent within 60 days of notification from the Secretary of State.

• Misconception 7: The filing fee is optional.

The $25 filing fee is mandatory when submitting the Statement of Change. Failure to pay this fee will result in the filing being rejected.

• Misconception 8: Any address can be used as the registered office without restrictions.

Addresses must meet specific guidelines, including being a physical location in Illinois. The registered office address is also limited to 30 characters, including spaces.

• Misconception 9: The Statement of Change is only for changing the registered agent.

This form can be used to update either the registered agent or the registered office address, or both. It’s versatile in that regard.

• Misconception 10: Submitting the form guarantees that the changes will be approved.

While submitting the form is necessary, it must still be reviewed and accepted by the Secretary of State. Any errors or omissions could result in the form being rejected.

The Illinois Statement of Change form is crucial for managing your Limited Liability Company (LLC) information. Filling it out correctly ensures your business remains in good standing.

• Understand the Purpose: This form is used to update your registered agent or registered office address.
• Filing Fee: A fee of $25 is required. Payments can be made by check payable to the Secretary of State.
• Keep Records Accurate: The information provided must be true, correct, and complete, as stated in the affirmation.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to appoint a registered agent within 60 days can result in a $100 penalty.
• Registered Agent Requirements: The registered agent must reside in Illinois or be a registered business entity.
• P.O. Box Restrictions: The registered office must include a physical address; a P.O. Box alone is not acceptable.
• Signature Requirement: The form must be signed by someone with authority, affirming the statement is accurate.
• Use of Spaces: The registered office address is limited to 30 characters, including spaces. Formatting matters.
• Authorization: The change must be authorized either by the members/managers or the registered agent.
• Stay Updated: Regularly review and update your registered agent and office information to avoid penalties.