How To Run Payroll In Illinois

Startup Resources
Lisa Shmulyan
August 10th
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Running payroll in Illinois requires tech startups to manage state income taxes, unemployment insurance, and strict labor law compliance. Illinois employers must withhold state income tax at a flat rate of 4.95% and follow specific payment schedules, with monthly payments due by the 15th of the following month for most businesses.

The state's minimum wage is $14.00 per hour and will increase to $15.00 on January 1, 2025. Illinois also maintains reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin, allowing employees living in these states to pay income taxes to their home state instead of Illinois.

Tech startups must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue through MyTax Illinois, obtain proper business incorporation, and establish automated payroll systems to handle the state's complex tax requirements. Beyond basic payroll processing, startups need integrated solutions for banking, bookkeeping, and cash management to maintain compliance while scaling their operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois requires state income tax withholding at 4.95% with monthly payments due by the 15th of the following month
  • Tech startups need proper business incorporation and automated payroll systems to handle Illinois tax compliance efficiently
  • Integrated banking, bookkeeping, and treasury management solutions help startups scale while maintaining payroll compliance

How To Run Payroll In Illinois

Illinois tech startups must complete eight key setup steps, comply with a 4.95% state income tax rate plus federal requirements, and follow specific labor laws including a $15 minimum wage and mandatory paid time off.

What Are The Steps To Set Up Payroll For Startups In Illinois?

Tech startups need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS before starting payroll operations. This federal tax ID enables businesses to withhold taxes and report payroll information.

Step 1: Federal Registration

  • Obtain EIN from the IRS
  • Set up Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) account

Step 2: Illinois State Registration Startups must register with Illinois Department of Revenue through MyTax Illinois. Mail registration using Form REG-1 takes six to eight weeks to process.

Step 3: Employment Security Registration Register with the Illinois Department of Employment Security for unemployment insurance taxes. This registration provides the state withholding tax identification number.

Step 4: Payroll System Setup

  • Choose payment method (direct deposit or paper checks)
  • Select pay frequency (semimonthly minimum required)
  • Set up time tracking for hourly employees

Step 5: Employee Documentation Collect required forms during onboarding: W-4, I-9, IL-W-4, and direct deposit authorization.

Which State And Federal Tax Requirements Apply In Illinois Payroll?

Illinois imposes a flat 4.95% state income tax on employee wages. Startups must withhold this amount from paychecks along with federal taxes.

Federal Tax Obligations:

  • Income tax withholding based on W-4 elections
  • Social Security: 6.2% (employer and employee each)
  • Medicare: 1.45% (employer and employee each)
  • Federal unemployment (FUTA): 6% on first $7,000 of wages

Illinois State Taxes: The state requires monthly tax payments by the 15th of the following month. Companies with quarterly withholdings exceeding $12,000 must follow semiweekly payment schedules.

Illinois charges State Unemployment Tax Assessment (SUTA) on the first $13,590 of each employee's wages. New employers pay 3.950%, while experienced employers pay rates between 0.850% and 8.650%.

Reciprocity Agreements: Illinois has agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Employees living in these states pay income tax to their home state instead of Illinois.

Payment Deadlines:

  • State income taxes: 15th of following month (monthly) or 3-5 days after payroll (semiweekly)
  • SUTA payments: Quarterly by specific deadlines

How Do Illinois Payroll Laws Affect Tech Startups?

Illinois minimum wage reaches $15 per hour in January 2025, higher than many states. Tech startups must pay this rate to all non-exempt employees.

Wage Requirements:

  • Current minimum: $14 per hour
  • January 2025: $15 per hour
  • Overtime: Time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week
  • Pay frequency: At least semimonthly, within 13 days of pay period end

Mandatory Paid Time Off: Illinois requires 40 hours of paid leave annually starting January 2024. Employees can use this time for any reason, making it one of only three states with such broad paid leave requirements.

Break Requirements:

  • 20-minute meal break for shifts over 7.5 hours
  • Break must occur within first five hours of shift
  • 24 hours of rest per calendar week (employees can waive with written agreement)

Pay Stub Compliance: Startups must provide itemized pay stubs showing wages, deductions, and net pay each payday. Electronic delivery requires employee consent.

Record Keeping: Illinois requires five years of employee record retention, longer than federal requirements. This includes payroll records, tax documents, and time sheets.

Tech startups should consider Every's payroll platform to automate Illinois compliance requirements and reduce administrative burden while scaling operations.

Delaware C-Corp Incorporation For Illinois Startups

Illinois tech startups often choose Delaware incorporation to attract venture capital and simplify equity management. This decision directly affects payroll setup, tax compliance, and operational complexity across multiple states.

Should Illinois Startups Form A Delaware C-Corp?

Most startups should be C corporations rather than LLCs when planning to raise venture capital. Delaware offers significant advantages for tech startups seeking investment.

Key Benefits:

  • Venture capitalists prefer Delaware corporations
  • Established corporate law and court system
  • Standardized equity structures for investors
  • Business-friendly incorporation process

Investment bankers and venture capitalists prefer Delaware incorporated companies. The state's Chancery Court specializes in business disputes and provides predictable outcomes.

Delaware incorporation costs around $89 in state fees plus registered agent costs. Annual franchise taxes start at $175 for most startups.

Drawbacks to Consider:

  • Additional state filing requirements
  • Need for registered agent in Delaware
  • Potential qualification requirements in Illinois
  • More complex tax compliance

Startups planning to remain small and local should consider Illinois incorporation instead. Delaware makes sense primarily for companies seeking venture funding or planning rapid growth.

How Does Incorporation Impact Payroll And Compliance?

Delaware C-corps operating in Illinois must handle payroll compliance in both states. The corporation pays federal corporate income tax plus any applicable state taxes.

Payroll Tax Requirements:

  • Illinois state income tax withholding
  • Illinois unemployment insurance (SUTA)
  • Federal payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA)
  • Delaware franchise tax annually

Employees working in Illinois are subject to Illinois payroll taxes regardless of incorporation state. The company must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue for payroll tax withholding.

Delaware C-corps need corporate income tax filing plus individual income reporting. Founders receiving W-2 wages pay personal income tax on their salaries.

Compliance Steps:

  1. Obtain EIN from IRS
  2. Register for Illinois payroll taxes
  3. Set up Delaware registered agent
  4. File annual reports in both states

Companies must qualify to do business in Illinois if they have substantial operations there. This requires additional filing fees and ongoing compliance obligations.

What Are The Common Mistakes When Incorporating For Payroll?

Startups frequently misunderstand the tax implications of Delaware incorporation. The most common error is assuming Delaware incorporation eliminates Illinois tax obligations.

Tax Classification Errors:

  • Treating 1099 contractors as employees
  • Missing Illinois nexus requirements
  • Failing to withhold proper state taxes
  • Incorrect corporate tax filings

Professional services help calculate Delaware C-corp taxes correctly and avoid costly mistakes. Many startups need both Delaware and Illinois tax compliance.

Founders often set up payroll before understanding their employment classification. Illinois requires specific wage reporting and unemployment insurance registration.

Documentation Mistakes:

  • Missing corporate formalities and meetings
  • Inadequate IP assignment documentation
  • Poor record keeping for equity grants
  • Incomplete registered agent setup

Startups should maintain corporate records books and follow proper governance procedures. These requirements become critical during investor due diligence.

Companies need qualified payroll providers familiar with multi-state compliance. Every's payroll platform handles Delaware C-corp complexity while ensuring Illinois employment law compliance for tech startups managing distributed teams.

Banking And Payments For Illinois Startups

Illinois startups need banking solutions that automate payroll processing through ACH transfers and direct deposit capabilities. FDIC protection becomes essential when managing employee funds, while streamlined vendor payment systems reduce administrative overhead for growing teams.

What Banking Features Support Efficient Payroll?

ACH Processing Capabilities form the backbone of modern payroll systems. Illinois startups should prioritize banks offering ACH origination services that allow batch processing of employee payments.

Same-day ACH transfers help startups meet Illinois's 13-day payment deadline for semi-monthly payrolls. Most business banks charge $0.25-$0.50 per ACH transaction, making direct deposit cost-effective for teams under 50 employees.

Multi-Account Structures help separate payroll funds from operating capital. Startups benefit from dedicated payroll accounts that automatically calculate tax withholdings and maintain separate balances for federal and state obligations.

API Integration capabilities allow payroll software to connect directly with banking systems. This automation reduces manual data entry errors and ensures Illinois payroll compliance requirements are met consistently.

Mobile Banking Access enables founders to approve payroll runs remotely. Real-time balance monitoring prevents overdraft fees during high-volume payment periods.

How To Simplify Vendor And Contractor Payments In Illinois?

Bill Pay Automation reduces manual check writing for recurring vendor payments. Illinois startups can schedule automatic payments for office rent, software subscriptions, and utility bills through their business banking platform.

1099 Contractor Management requires separate payment tracking for tax reporting. Banks offering integrated 1099 processing help startups maintain compliance with Illinois Department of Revenue requirements.

Wire Transfer Capabilities support large vendor payments or international contractor compensation. Most business banks charge $15-$25 per domestic wire, making this suitable for payments over $5,000.

Payment Approval Workflows allow multiple team members to review expenses before processing. Dual authorization prevents unauthorized payments while maintaining operational efficiency.

Digital Payment Rails including Zelle for Business and same-day ACH provide flexibility for urgent vendor payments. These options typically cost more than standard ACH but offer faster settlement times.

What Should Startups Look For In FDIC-Insured Business Banking?

FDIC Coverage Limits protect up to $250,000 per account ownership category. Illinois startups should structure multiple accounts across different ownership types to maximize protection for payroll reserves.

Account Sweep Programs automatically move excess funds into FDIC-insured money market accounts. This maximizes protection while earning competitive interest rates on idle payroll funds.

Banking Relationship Stability matters for long-term growth. Choose established banks with strong Illinois presence rather than newer fintech solutions that may lack regulatory stability.

Fee Structure Transparency prevents unexpected charges during rapid scaling. Look for banks offering clear pricing on ACH transactions, wire transfers, and monthly maintenance fees.

Regulatory Compliance Support helps startups meet Illinois banking regulations. Banks providing dedicated business banking specialists can guide startups through complex payroll banking requirements as teams grow.

Automating Payroll And HR In Illinois

Illinois startups can streamline operations by implementing automated systems that handle employee onboarding, tax calculations, and compliance tracking. Modern payroll platforms reduce manual errors while ensuring adherence to state-specific requirements like the $14 minimum wage and mandatory paid time off laws.

How Can Startups Automate Onboarding And Compliance?

Automated onboarding systems collect required Illinois forms like the IL-W-4 and federal documents through digital workflows. These platforms guide new hires through completing tax withholding forms, direct deposit authorizations, and employment eligibility verification.

Key automation features include:

  • Digital form collection and storage
  • Automatic compliance reminders for employment certificates
  • Integration with Illinois Department of Employment Security for new hire reporting

Startups benefit from automated compliance tracking that monitors changing regulations. The system alerts founders about updates to Illinois labor laws, including the upcoming $15 minimum wage increase in January 2025.

Automated platforms handle Illinois new hire reporting requirements within the mandatory 20-day window. They submit information directly to the Illinois Department of Employment Security through secure connections.

Document management becomes effortless with cloud-based storage that maintains the required five-year record retention period. This exceeds federal requirements and ensures audit readiness.

What Tools Help Manage Employee Data And Payroll Taxes?

Modern payroll software calculates Illinois state income tax at the flat 4.95% rate automatically. These tools apply the $2,775 exemption allowance and handle reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Essential tax management features:

  • Automatic SUTA calculations based on the $13,590 wage base
  • Real-time tax rate updates for experienced employers
  • Electronic filing through MyTax Illinois integration

Cloud-based employee databases centralize personal information, tax elections, and benefit enrollments. Staff can update their details through self-service portals, reducing administrative overhead for founders.

Time tracking integration eliminates manual timesheet calculations. The software automatically applies overtime rules for hours exceeding 40 per week and generates compliant pay stubs with itemized deductions.

Payroll automation tools synchronize with accounting systems to maintain accurate financial records. They export data for quarterly tax filings and year-end reporting without manual data entry.

How Does Payroll Automation Save Time For Founders?

Automated payroll processing reduces weekly administrative tasks from hours to minutes. Founders spend less time calculating wages, taxes, and deductions while focusing on core business activities.

Time-saving benefits include:

  • Scheduled payroll runs that process payments automatically
  • Bulk employee updates for pay rate changes
  • Integrated direct deposit that eliminates check printing

Error reduction saves significant time on corrections and employee inquiries. Automated systems prevent miscalculations of Illinois-specific requirements like the 20-minute meal breaks for 7.5-hour shifts.

Tax filing automation handles quarterly IL-941 forms and annual W-2 distribution. The software submits payments to state agencies on required deadlines, preventing costly penalties.

Every's unified platform combines payroll automation with comprehensive HR management for growing startups. Their Illinois-compliant system handles state tax calculations, mandatory paid time off tracking, and automated new hire reporting while providing founder-friendly support for scaling teams.

Bookkeeping And Tax Filing For Payroll In Illinois

Illinois payroll requires precise record-keeping and timely tax filings to avoid penalties. Tech startups must track specific employee data for five years and file quarterly reports through MyTax Illinois.

How To Sync Payroll With Bookkeeping Effortlessly?

Startups need integrated systems that automatically record payroll transactions in their general ledger. Modern payroll platforms connect directly to accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.

Set up automatic journal entries for each pay period. These entries should include gross wages, tax withholdings, and employer contributions. The system should categorize expenses by department and employee type.

Key integration points include:

  • Gross payroll as operating expenses
  • Tax withholdings as current liabilities
  • Employer FICA and SUTA as payroll tax expenses
  • Benefits premiums as employee benefit costs

Track cash flow impact by recording when payroll clears your bank account versus when you accrue the expense. This timing difference affects your cash position planning.

Use payroll registers that match your chart of accounts structure. Each pay period should generate consistent account coding for easy month-end reconciliation.

What Payroll Records Are Required For Illinois Compliance?

Illinois employers must maintain payroll records for five years, longer than federal requirements. This includes all employee documentation and tax filings.

Essential employee records:

  • I-9 forms and work authorization documents
  • W-4 and IL-W-4 withholding certificates
  • Time cards or electronic time tracking data
  • Pay stubs showing gross pay, deductions, and net pay

Required tax documentation:

  • Quarterly IL-941 forms filed with IDOR
  • Monthly or semiweekly tax deposit records
  • SUTA payments and UI-3/40 quarterly reports
  • Annual W-2 forms for employees

Store digital copies with secure backup systems. Cloud-based storage ensures records remain accessible during audits or employee inquiries.

Document any payroll corrections or adjustments with supporting explanations. Illinois tax authorities may request detailed explanations for wage changes or tax adjustments.

Track reciprocity agreements for employees living in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, or Wisconsin. These workers need IL-W-5-NR forms and different tax treatment.

How Can Startups Streamline Corporate Tax Filing?

Startups should automate payroll tax calculations and filing deadlines to prevent costly errors. Illinois uses a flat 4.95% income tax rate with standardized withholding tables.

Use payroll software that generates tax forms automatically. The system should calculate state withholdings, prepare quarterly filings, and track payment due dates.

Filing schedule requirements:

  • Monthly payments due by 15th of following month
  • Semiweekly payments for withholdings over $12,000 quarterly
  • Quarterly IL-941 forms with specific due dates
  • Annual reconciliation with W-2 reporting

Set up electronic filing through MyTax Illinois for faster processing. Paper filings take six to eight weeks versus immediate confirmation online.

Create a tax calendar with all federal and state deadlines. Include backup dates for holiday weekends when due dates shift to the next business day.

Consider Every's payroll platform for automated Illinois tax compliance. Every handles state registration, calculates withholdings accurately, and files all required forms electronically while maintaining proper records for your startup.

Treasury And Cash Management For Illinois Payroll

Treasury sweeps help startups optimize cash flow by automatically moving excess funds between accounts, while proper payroll reserves protect against compliance issues. Automated cash management systems reduce manual oversight and ensure sufficient funds for Illinois payroll tax requirements.

How Do Treasury Sweeps Benefit Startup Payroll?

Treasury sweeps automatically transfer excess cash from operating accounts into higher-yield savings or investment accounts. This process helps startups maximize returns on idle cash while maintaining enough funds for payroll obligations.

Key Benefits for Payroll Management:

  • Automated fund allocation between payroll and operating expenses
  • Interest earnings on swept funds until payroll dates
  • Reduced manual transfers between accounts
  • Better cash visibility across multiple accounts

Startups can set minimum balance thresholds to ensure payroll accounts maintain adequate funds. The system sweeps anything above this threshold into interest-bearing accounts.

Most banks offer sweep services with same-day reversals. This means funds return to payroll accounts automatically before scheduled pay dates.

The timing matters for Illinois employers who must pay state income tax withholdings either semi-weekly or monthly. Treasury sweeps can align with these payment schedules.

What Are Best Practices For Managing Payroll Reserves?

Payroll reserves protect startups from cash flow disruptions and compliance penalties. Illinois employers face specific requirements that make reserve planning critical.

Reserve Calculation Framework:

Component                  Recommended Amount
Base payroll                 2-3 pay periods
Tax withholdings        1.5x monthly obligation
Benefits premiums     1 month coverage
Emergency buffer      10-15% of total

Illinois requires workers' compensation insurance for all employees, including part-time workers. Reserves should account for these premium payments.

Startups should separate payroll reserves from general operating funds. This prevents accidental spending on non-payroll expenses.

Monthly Reserve Review Process:

  • Calculate upcoming payroll obligations
  • Review tax payment schedules
  • Adjust for seasonal hiring plans
  • Monitor benefit enrollment changes

The Illinois minimum wage increases to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2025. Startups must adjust reserves accordingly to handle higher labor costs.

How To Maximize Startup Funds With Automated Cash Management?

Automated cash management systems integrate payroll, banking, and accounting functions. These platforms help startups optimize fund utilization while maintaining compliance.

Core Automation Features:

  • Predictive cash flow modeling based on payroll schedules
  • Automatic tax calculations for Illinois requirements
  • Integration with banking APIs for real-time balances
  • Alert systems for low balance warnings

Modern cash management platforms connect with payroll software to forecast upcoming obligations. This visibility helps startups avoid overdrafts or missed payments.

Implementation Strategy:

  1. Connect all business bank accounts
  2. Set up payroll schedule parameters
  3. Configure minimum balance thresholds
  4. Enable automated sweep rules
  5. Establish alert preferences

The platform should handle Illinois-specific requirements like the 4.95% state income tax rate and varying SUTA rates. Automated calculations reduce manual errors.

Every's cash management solutions help tech startups optimize their financial operations while maintaining payroll compliance across multiple states. The platform automates fund movements and provides real-time visibility into cash positions.

Why Illinois Tech Startups Should Consider Every.io

Illinois tech startups face mounting pressure to manage payroll efficiently while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Every.io offers integrated payroll processing, automated compliance management, and real-time financial reporting that streamlines operations for growing companies.

How Does Every.io Reduce Payroll And Compliance Costs?

Every.io eliminates the need for multiple software subscriptions by combining payroll processing with compliance management in one platform. Startups typically spend thousands monthly on separate tools for payroll, accounting, and legal compliance.

The platform automates Illinois-specific tax calculations and filings. This includes state income tax withholdings, unemployment insurance contributions, and workers' compensation requirements. Manual processing of these tasks often costs startups $3,000-$5,000 monthly in administrative overhead.

Key cost reductions include:

  • Elimination of multiple software licenses
  • Reduced accounting fees through automation
  • Lower compliance penalties through automated filings
  • Decreased administrative time spent on payroll tasks

Illinois startup funding programs show that companies using integrated platforms report 40% lower operational costs in their first two years.

What Makes Every.io A Unified Solution For Startups?

Every.io consolidates essential business functions into a single dashboard. Startups can handle payroll, benefits administration, equity management, and financial reporting without switching between platforms.

The system integrates with banking, accounting, and HR functions. This eliminates data entry errors that occur when information transfers between separate systems. Startups report saving 10-15 hours weekly on administrative tasks.

Unified features include:

  • Automated payroll processing and tax filings
  • Employee benefits enrollment and management
  • Equity compensation tracking
  • Real-time expense monitoring
  • Integrated banking and financial reporting

The platform scales with company growth. Early-stage teams can start with basic payroll and add features like equity management as they raise funding rounds.

How Can Every.io Deliver Board-Ready Financials Effortlessly?

Every.io generates comprehensive financial reports that meet investor and board requirements. The platform automatically categorizes expenses, tracks burn rates, and produces cash flow statements in real-time.

Monthly board packages typically require 20-30 hours of preparation when using separate systems. Every.io reduces this to under two hours by automatically pulling data from integrated payroll and expense systems.

Board-ready reports include:

  • Monthly P&L statements with departmental breakdowns
  • Cash flow projections based on current burn rates
  • Headcount planning and salary expense forecasting
  • Equity dilution modeling for funding rounds

The system maintains audit trails for all financial transactions. This preparation proves valuable during due diligence processes when Illinois tech startups seek Series A funding or acquisition opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois employers must register with the state for withholding taxes and follow specific calculation methods. The state requires particular forms and offers certain exemptions while providing online tools to help businesses manage payroll compliance.

What are the steps to register for Illinois withholding tax?

Employers can register for Illinois withholding tax through three methods. The fastest option is registering online through MyTax Illinois, which provides immediate access to the system.

Alternatively, employers can complete and mail Form REG-1 to the Illinois Department of Revenue. This method takes six to eight weeks to process, making it less ideal for startups needing quick setup.

The third option involves visiting an Illinois Department of Revenue branch office in person. Employers will need their federal TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) for any registration method.

The MyTax Illinois account also handles state unemployment insurance taxes. This makes it the most efficient choice for new businesses managing multiple tax obligations.

How can employers calculate payroll taxes accurately in Illinois?

Illinois uses a flat tax rate of 4.95% for state income tax calculations. Employers must subtract $2,775 per exemption from wages before applying this rate.

The calculation process starts with the employee's gross wages for the pay period. Employers then subtract any exemptions the employee claims on their IL-W-4 form.

Federal taxes follow standard IRS guidelines for Social Security and Medicare. Employers pay 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare, matching employee contributions.

State unemployment taxes range from 0.850% to 8.650% for experienced employers. New employers pay a standard rate of 3.950% on the first $13,590 of each employee's annual wages.

What are the current employer payroll tax rates in Illinois?

Illinois state income tax remains at 4.95% for 2025. This flat rate applies to all employee income levels after subtracting allowable exemptions.

State unemployment insurance rates vary based on employer experience. The taxable wage base for SUTA is $13,590 per employee for 2025.

Employers with quarterly wages under $50,000 pay the lesser of their assigned rate or 5.4%. This provision helps smaller startups manage their tax burden during early growth phases.

Federal tax rates follow standard guidelines. Social Security taxes are 6.2% and Medicare taxes are 1.45%, with both employer and employee paying matching amounts.

Which forms must employers use for state tax withholding in Illinois?

The IL-W-4 form is required for all Illinois employees. This form determines the correct amount of state income tax to withhold from each paycheck.

Employers must file Form IL-941 quarterly to report state income tax withholdings. Companies paying more than $500 per quarter also need to file Form IL-501.

The UI-3/40 form handles state unemployment insurance reporting and payments. Employers receive payment coupons from the Illinois Department of Revenue for these submissions.

Nonresident employees from reciprocity states use Form IL-W-5-NR. This applies to workers living in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, or Wisconsin who work in Illinois.

Are there any specific exemptions for Illinois income tax withholding?

Nonresident employees from reciprocity states are exempt from Illinois income tax withholding. These workers pay state taxes to their home state instead of Illinois.

The reciprocity agreement covers Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin residents. Military spouses who are residents of these states also qualify for this exemption while stationed in Illinois.

Each employee can claim a $2,775 exemption that reduces their taxable wages. This amount gets subtracted before applying the 4.95% tax rate.

Employers still withhold federal taxes for all employees regardless of their state residency status. The exemption only applies to Illinois state income tax.

What online tools are available for employers to assist with payroll tax calculations in Illinois?

MyTax Illinois serves as the primary online platform for state tax management. Employers can register, file returns, and make payments through this single system.

The Illinois Department of Revenue provides Booklet IL-700-T with complete withholding tables and instructions. This resource helps employers calculate exact withholding amounts for different pay periods.

Payroll software solutions can automate tax calculations and ensure compliance with changing rates. These tools integrate with state systems for seamless filing and payment processing.

Excel templates offer basic calculation assistance for smaller employers. However, automated solutions reduce errors and save time as startups scale their operations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I sign up for Every?

    You can get started right away—just click “Get Started” and follow a short onboarding flow. Prefer a little help? One of our specialists can walk you through incorporation, banking, payroll, accounting, or whatever you need.

  • What features does Every offer?

    Every gives startups a complete back office in one platform. From incorporation and banking to payroll, bookkeeping, and tax filings, we take care of the operational heavy lifting—so you can spend more time building, less time managing.

  • How is Every different from other tools?

    Most competitors give you software. Every gives you a full-stack finance and HR team—plus smart financial tools that actually benefit founders. Earn up to 4.3% interest on idle cash and get cash back on every purchase made with your Every debit cards, routed straight back to you.

  •  Is my data secure with Every?

    We use end-to-end encryption, SOC 2-compliant infrastructure, and rigorous access controls to ensure your data is safe. Security isn’t a feature—it’s foundational.


  • Can I switch to Every if my company is already set up?

    Yes—you can switch to Every at any time, even if your company is already incorporated and running. Whether you're using separate tools for banking, payroll, bookkeeping, or taxes, we’ll help you bring everything into one place. Our onboarding specialists will guide you through the process, make sure your data is transferred cleanly, and get you set up quickly—without disrupting your operations. Most founders are fully transitioned within a week.

  • What stage of startup is Every best for?

    Every is designed for startups from day zero through Series A and beyond. Whether you're just incorporating or already running payroll and managing expenses, we meet you where you are. Early-stage founders use Every to get up and running fast—with banking, payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes all handled from day one. Growing teams love how Every scales with them, replacing patchwork tools and manual work with a clean, unified system.

    We’re especially valuable for teams who want to move fast without hiring a full finance or HR team—giving founders more time to build, and fewer distractions from admin and compliance

  • How long does onboarding take?

    Onboarding with Every is fast and efficient. For most startups, the process typically takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on your specific needs and how much setup you already have in place.

    If you're a new company, you'll be up and running quickly—getting your banking, payroll, and bookkeeping set up without hassle. If you’re transitioning from another system, our specialists will help you migrate your data, ensuring a smooth switch with no gaps or errors in your operations.

    We guide you every step of the way, from incorporation to setting up automated payroll to handling your taxes—so you can focus on growing your business. Our goal is to make sure you're fully operational and confident in your back office in under a week.

Practical Questions to Ask to Ensure Your Bank is Well Managed

  • How much liquidity does the bank have on hand to cover unexpected withdrawals or shortfalls?

  • What percentage of the bank's deposits are invested in longer-term securities and loans, and what percentage is kept as cash reserves?

  • How does the bank diversify its investment portfolio to minimize potential losses and reduce risks?

Lisa Shmulyan
Lisa Shmulyan
Contributing Writer and Editor
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