Payroll
New Employer Payroll Setup: Step-by-Step Checklist for 2026
Get your EIN, register with IDES, choose payroll frequency, and run your first payroll ? the complete checklist.
Practical guides on IL payroll taxes, IDES registration, SUI, income tax withholding, and wage laws ? written for small business owners, not accountants.
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Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, Paychex, and ADP — compared honestly. Who each product is right for, where each falls short, and what to ask before you sign anything.
Get your EIN, register with IDES, choose payroll frequency, and run your first payroll ? the complete checklist.
Illinois follows federal FLSA overtime rules ? 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Here's everything employers need to know.
IL statewide $15/hr, Chicago $16.20/hr, youth and tipped worker rates, and annual indexed increases.
All IL employer taxes ? flat 4.95% income tax, SUI via IDES, no SDI program. Rates, filing schedules, and MyTax Illinois explained.
Get your EIN, register with IDES, choose payroll frequency, and run your first payroll ? the complete checklist.
Illinois follows federal FLSA overtime rules ? 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Here's everything employers need to know.
IL statewide $15/hr, Chicago $16.20/hr, youth and tipped worker rates, and annual indexed increases.
Illinois follows federal FLSA overtime rules ? 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Here's everything employers need to know.
IL statewide $15/hr, Chicago $16.20/hr, youth and tipped worker rates, and annual indexed increases.
All IL employer taxes ? flat 4.95% income tax, SUI via IDES, no SDI program. Rates, filing schedules, and MyTax Illinois explained.
Get your EIN, register with IDES, choose payroll frequency, and run your first payroll ? the complete checklist.
Illinois follows federal FLSA overtime rules ? 1.5x after 40 hrs/week. Here's everything employers need to know.
IL statewide $15/hr, Chicago $16.20/hr, youth and tipped worker rates, and annual indexed increases.
IRS common-law test, Illinois Employee Classification Act, misclassification penalties, and when each classification applies.
Gusto vs Paychex vs QuickBooks vs ADP ? detailed comparison for Illinois small businesses.
Gusto handles payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposit automatically. Trusted by 300,000+ small businesses. Start with a free trial — no credit card required.
On Gusto’s website — Illinois Payroll Guide may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Before you run payroll, you need a legal business entity. LegalZoom handles your Articles of Organization, registered agent, and operating agreement — all online. Trusted by 4M+ small business owners. Starts at $0 + state filing fees.
On LegalZoom’s website — Illinois Payroll Guide may earn a commission at no cost to you.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Employment laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements change frequently. The information on this page reflects our understanding as of the date noted above and may not reflect recent changes in federal or Illinois state law. Do not act or refrain from acting based solely on the information in this article. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or HR professional familiar with Illinois law before making payroll or compliance decisions for your business.