The Hansford Firm

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The Hansford Firm The Hansford Firm is a boutique trusts and estates law firm serving clients in the greater Chicagoland area. A boutique trusts and estates law firm

Sales Tax Compliance: A Deadline Business Owners Shouldn’t IgnoreRunning a business means keeping track of more than sal...
10/19/2026

Sales Tax Compliance: A Deadline Business Owners Shouldn’t Ignore
Running a business means keeping track of more than sales, customers, and day-to-day operations. Filing deadlines matter, too.

For Illinois businesses required to file Form ST-1, Sales and Use Tax Return, returns and payments are generally due by the 20th day following the end of the reporting period.

For the October 20, 2026 deadline:
- Monthly filers generally report September activity.
- Qualifying quarterly filers generally report July–September (Q3) activity.
Missing a filing or payment deadline can lead to penalties and interest. Good compliance starts with knowing what your business is required to file—and keeping those obligations organized.

Don’t let an important deadline get lost in the day-to-day of running your business.
The Hansford Firm helps Chicago-area business owners address business compliance, corporate governance, and other legal needs.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121
Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565



General information only and not individualized legal or tax advice. Filing frequency and requirements depend on the business and its Illinois Department of Revenue filing status.

You Created a Trust. But Did You Fund It?Signing your trust documents is an important step in estate planning. But creat...
10/16/2026

You Created a Trust. But Did You Fund It?

Signing your trust documents is an important step in estate planning. But creating a trust and funding it are two different things.

Funding a trust generally involves transferring appropriate assets into the trust's name or taking other necessary steps to ensure those assets are covered by your estate plan.

Without proper funding, some assets may still need to go through probate, even if you already have a living trust.

A trust is only part of the plan. Making sure it works as intended is just as important.

If you've established a trust but haven't reviewed how your assets are titled, now may be a good time to revisit your estate plan.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago families create and maintain estate plans that reflect their wishes and protect what matters most.

Have you funded your trust? Schedule a consultation to review your estate plan.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121, Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565

Business Owners: Is Your Corporate Housekeeping as Current as Your Tax Return?Filing your taxes on time is important. Bu...
10/14/2026

Business Owners: Is Your Corporate Housekeeping as Current as Your Tax Return?

Filing your taxes on time is important. But when was the last time you reviewed your corporate records?

For calendar-year C corporations that timely obtained a federal six-month extension, October 15, 2026, is generally the deadline to file their 2025 Form 1120.

As you prepare for the deadline, it's also a good opportunity to review your corporate housekeeping. Are your annual reports current? Have ownership changes been documented? Are your corporate minutes, resolutions, and registered agent information up to date?

Keeping your corporate records organized helps maintain compliance, supports important business decisions, and reduces the risk of complications down the road.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners stay on top of their corporate legal responsibilities.

Is your corporate housekeeping due for a review? Schedule a consultation today.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121, Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565

October 15 Is More Than a Tax Deadline.For business owners, tax season is also an opportunity to review how well your fi...
10/12/2026

October 15 Is More Than a Tax Deadline.

For business owners, tax season is also an opportunity to review how well your financial and business records are organized.

If you obtained a six-month federal extension, October 15, 2026, is generally the deadline to file your 2025 Form 1040. Illinois also lists this date as the extended filing deadline for 2025 IL-1040 returns.

Remember: An extension to file is not an extension to pay.
Before the deadline, take time to review your income and expense records, owner compensation, estimated tax payments, and applicable business filings.

Keeping your records organized isn't just about meeting deadlines. It can also help you spot gaps in your business documentation and prepare for upcoming decisions.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners address the legal side of business planning, ownership agreements, and corporate governance.
Save this checklist and share it with a fellow business owner.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
Schedule a consultation
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121, Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565



General information only, not individualized legal or tax advice. Business entity filing deadlines may differ from individual filing deadlines.

Clear Expectations Protect Business Relationships.Strong business relationships are built on trust. But trust alone isn'...
10/10/2026

Clear Expectations Protect Business Relationships.

Strong business relationships are built on trust. But trust alone isn't enough when responsibilities, financial interests, and important decisions are involved.
Whether you're starting a partnership or growing an existing business, putting expectations in writing helps everyone understand their roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority.

A well-drafted agreement isn't about expecting things to go wrong. It's about making sure everyone is on the same page before disagreements arise.
The best time to establish clear expectations is before there's a problem—not after.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners establish agreements that support their businesses and protect their professional relationships.
Let's put the right agreements in place. Schedule a consultation today.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121, Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565

Business Money Isn’t All the Same.Just because money moves in or out of your business doesn't mean every transaction sho...
10/09/2026

Business Money Isn’t All the Same.

Just because money moves in or out of your business doesn't mean every transaction should be treated the same way.

Are you investing additional capital, lending money to your company, getting reimbursed for business expenses, or taking a distribution?

Each serves a different purpose and should be properly documented.
For Illinois business owners, keeping these transactions clear and separate can help prevent misunderstandings between partners, protect ownership interests, and maintain accurate business records.

Your business finances should be as organized as your business plans.
At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners establish clear agreements, document ownership arrangements, and navigate the legal aspects of running a business.

Have questions about your business agreements? Schedule a consultation today.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121
Chicago, Illinois 60602
+1 (312) 448-6565

Before You Give Someone Equity, Answer These 5 Questions.Bringing someone into your business as an owner is a significan...
10/07/2026

Before You Give Someone Equity, Answer These 5 Questions.

Bringing someone into your business as an owner is a significant decision. Before offering equity, make sure you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

1. What percentage will they own? Define their ownership stake and how it may change over time.

2. Will they have voting rights? Establish which business decisions they can participate in.

3. How will profits be shared? Clarify their financial rights and how distributions will work.

4. What happens if they leave? Determine whether the business or other owners can buy back their interest and on what terms.

5. Can they transfer their ownership? Set clear rules for selling or transferring their interest to someone else.

An ownership agreement should address these questions before disagreements arise. The terms you establish today can have lasting consequences for your business.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners structure ownership agreements that reflect their business goals and protect their interests.
Save this post before bringing on your next business partner.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
Schedule a consultation
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121, Chicago, IL 60602

+1 (312) 448-6565

When Ownership Changes, Your Documents Should Too.Adding a new partner? Buying out an existing one? Restructuring your b...
10/05/2026

When Ownership Changes, Your Documents Should Too.

Adding a new partner? Buying out an existing one? Restructuring your business?
These changes involve more than a handshake. Your operating agreement and ownership records should reflect who owns the business, who makes decisions, and how responsibilities are divided.

Outdated documents can lead to misunderstandings, ownership disputes, and unnecessary legal complications.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners navigate ownership transitions and keep their legal documents aligned with their evolving businesses.

Planning an ownership change? Let's make sure your documents are in order.
Schedule a consultation with The Hansford Firm today.

THE HANSFORD FIRM
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2121
Chicago, Illinois 60602

+1 (312) 448-6565

Your business has grown. But has your operating agreement kept up?As your business evolves, your operating agreement sho...
10/02/2026

Your business has grown. But has your operating agreement kept up?

As your business evolves, your operating agreement should evolve with it. Changes in ownership, new partners, and shifting responsibilities can create confusion when your agreements no longer reflect how your company operates today.

For Illinois LLCs, a well-drafted operating agreement helps establish clear expectations, define decision-making authority, and protect the interests of everyone involved.

Business growth is a good reason to revisit your legal foundation.

At The Hansford Firm, we help Chicago business owners review and update their agreements to reflect where their businesses are today and where they're headed.

Schedule a consultation today.

Before Q4 begins, it is worth asking whether the legal side of your business still reflects where your company is today....
09/30/2026

Before Q4 begins, it is worth asking whether the legal side of your business still reflects where your company is today.

Ownership may have changed. Contracts may be outdated. Your succession plan may no longer fit your current structure. And if something happened to you unexpectedly, your team may not know who has the authority to keep things moving.

A simple legal checkup can help identify gaps before they become problems.

Ask yourself:

Are your ownership documents current?
Are your key contracts up to date?
Who can step in if you cannot lead?
Does your estate plan reflect your business interests?
Could your business continue without you?

The goal is not to wait for a crisis. It is to enter the next quarter with more clarity, continuity, and protection.

The Hansford Firm helps business owners review the legal foundation of their companies and plan for what comes next.

Address

30 N Lasalle Street
Chicago, IL
60602

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13124486565

Website

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