The Illinois auto renewal law, the Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601), is set out here for sellers with Canadian or Indian ties. See our overview and the US sales tax guide for foreign sellers.
What the Illinois auto renewal law requires
| Requirement (section) | What it says |
|---|---|
| Disclosure and consent (10(a)(i) to (iii)) | Show the renewal terms clearly next to the consent request. No charge before consent. Give a keepable acknowledgment of terms and how to cancel. |
| Trials (10(a)(iv), (a-5)) | Disclose how to cancel; allow cancelling before payment. A reminder is also needed for trials of 15 days or longer, sent at least 3 days ahead of the deadline. |
| Renewal notice (10(b)) | For terms of 12 months or more renewing for a specified term over one month, written notice is needed, sent 30 to 60 days ahead of the deadline. |
| Online cancellation (10(b-5)) | A consumer signing up online has to be allowed to cancel exclusively online. |
| Safe harbor (10(c)) | No liability if the seller shows written procedures, an error, and a full refund or credit. |
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Amount or period | Year; source |
|---|---|---|
| Written renewal notice | Sent 30 to 60 days ahead of the cancellation deadline | 2026; 10(b) |
| Court penalty when the Attorney General or a State's Attorney asks | Up to $50,000; for intent to defraud, up to $50,000 per violation; plus up to $10,000 per violation when the victim is aged 65 or older | 2022 text; Consumer Fraud Act Sec. 7 |
| Private suit | 3 years after accrual | 2026; Consumer Fraud Act Sec. 10a |
Source: 815 ILCS 601/10
Recent and pending changes
- Public Acts 103-919 (effective January 1, 2025) and 103-70 (effective January 1, 2024) are the latest changes; we credit no rule to either.
The named checklist: the Phillips Park Cancel-By Check
- List. List each auto-renewing plan and its buyers.
- Terms. Place the renewal terms beside the consent request, in contrasting type.
- Consent. Hold the first charge until consent is recorded; send a keepable acknowledgment.
- Calendar. Diary the trial reminder and the 30 to 60 day notice.
- Online cancel. Build a fully online cancel link.
- Errors. Keep written procedures and a refund practice; tell your bookkeeper.
Common mistakes
- Terms of renewal buried in fine print on a later page.
- Charging before consent.
- A notice outside the 30 to 60 day window.
- Online sign-up with phone-only cancellation.
When to bring in an attorney
- Mixed consumer and business customers.
- A customer or the Attorney General cites the Consumer Fraud Act.
- Drafting trial terms, or asking whether the Act reaches a seller based abroad.
How we can help
Our Aurora CPA firm handles the U.S. tax, payroll and accounting side, (sales tax and GST compliance, bookkeeping) alongside your attorney, Canadian CPA or Indian CA.
Frequently asked questions
Are business customers covered by the Illinois auto renewal law?
Business-to-business contracts are excluded, but the Act defines neither that phrase nor "consumer". Ask an attorney about sole proprietors.
What reminder does a free trial need?
A trial or promotion lasting 15 days or longer needs a reminder at least 3 days ahead of the cancellation deadline.
What happens if a seller breaks the Act?
It is a Consumer Fraud Act violation, not a separate fine. When the Attorney General or a State's Attorney asks, a court can impose up to $50,000; people harmed can sue within 3 years.
Is the one-step online cancellation bill law?
No. SB3562 and similar bills are pending only.
Official sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Automatic Contract Renewal Act, 815 ILCS 601
- Illinois General Assembly: Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, 815 ILCS 505
- Illinois General Assembly: Senate Bill 3562 status
- Illinois General Assembly: Senate Bill 3380 status
This page summarizes public guidance in plain language. If anything here differs from the official source, the official source controls.