Assumed Business Name Registry: By law, all businesses must register their names. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must file with the County Clerk's Office. Registering your business name under the Assumed Business Name Act does not prevent anyone from using your business name. The only way to prevent that is to file as a corporation or have a trademark for your name.

Who must file: Anyone using a name other than his/her own personal name must file. Simply adding the word "Company" to your personal name does not exclude you from the requirement to file.

Corporate Filings: Anyone using a name other than his/her own personal name must file. Simply adding the word "Company" to your personal name does not exclude you from the requirement to file.

Business Licenses: Check with the local city or village clerk's office for any licensing requirements.

Employment Identification Number: Check with the Illinois Department of Revenue for specific requirements.

Tax Information: Check with the Illinois Department of Revenue for specific requirements.

Other Services: The Clerk's Office also provides the following services:

• Notary Public Registry
• Certificates of authority
• Surface Mining Permits
• Landfill Siting Applications
• Statements of Economic Interest
• Local Government Audits
• Local Government Budgets
• State Tax Forms