GoodState
How to report a new hire in Illinois: use the IDES new-hire directory, not a tax-reporting status
IDES is responsible for Illinois's new-hire directory. Its page says employers report new employees within 20 days of their first day on payroll. Use that source wording when checking the event; do not substitute a later paycheck date or assume quarterly tax reporting proves the new-hire task is complete. Illinois IDES new-hire reporting and Illinois HFS employer resources
What reporting choices does IDES list?
The page offers online reporting with an account, an IDES form submitted by fax or U.S. mail, and magnetic filing instructions. Start from those current links so that an old saved form or an unrelated employer portal does not become your filing route.
Does the page mention independent contractors?
Yes. IDES explicitly includes independent contractors in its reporting-options introduction. That statement is a reason to check the applicable contractor instructions, not permission to classify every supplier as an employee or assume all contractor situations share one trigger. Resolve worker status, required information and the current filing rule for the actual engagement before sending a record.
What should I ask the person handling the report?
Confirm the responsible employer, actual worksite, worker event, method, owner and result. Keep the original evidence privately. A queued or unknown result needs review before anyone assumes success or sends a duplicate. These are suggested administrative checks, not a complete legal checklist.
Government reporting and giving an employee a notice are separate tasks. This guide does not file a report, decide worker classification or promise GoodState reporting availability. A selected state does not establish workplace or service eligibility.
See the state reporting-method directory, Compliance Calendar and notice delivery and proof guide for related planning.
Sources checked November 11, 2026: Illinois IDES new-hire reporting and Illinois HFS employer resources. Special-worker, multistate and unresolved method questions need their own current instructions. No legal due date is calculated here.