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New Business Applications in Illinois
Monthly applications for a new Employer Identification Number in Illinois, through September 2026.
- September 2026
- 16,241
- -3.1% from a year earlier
- Last 12 months
- 202,584
- +14.7% vs. prior 12 months
- Rank among states
- 6
- By 12-month total
Monthly applications
Seasonally adjusted, through September 2026
Show as a table
| Period | Applications |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | 16,241 |
| December 2025 | 15,895 |
| December 2024 | 14,519 |
| December 2023 | 14,803 |
| December 2022 | 13,344 |
| December 2021 | 14,534 |
| December 2020 | 13,449 |
| December 2019 | 10,913 |
| December 2018 | 10,084 |
Types of applications
September 2026
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| Type | Applications | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Business applications | 16,241 | 16,758 |
| High-propensity applications | 4,879 | 4,790 |
| Applications with planned wages | 1,179 | 1,217 |
| Applications from corporations | 1,749 | 1,950 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is a business application?
- The Census Bureau counts applications for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) filed with the IRS. Each one is a sign that someone intends to start a business, though not every application becomes an active business.
- What is a high-propensity application?
- High-propensity applications are the ones most likely to turn into businesses with payroll, such as those from corporations, those that plan to pay wages, or those in certain industries.
- What are projected business formations?
- The Census Bureau estimates how many applications from a month will become employer businesses (with payroll) within four or eight quarters. The latest months are projections and are revised.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Formation Statistics · Last updated 09/01/2026