In a world where transparency is becoming the new norm and data disclosure is a prerequisite for doing business, the demand for confidential legal structures is growing. Especially in the U.S., which traditionally combines high legal protection and aggressive regulation, entrepreneurs are looking for tools to minimize publicity. One such tool is the anonymous limited liability company, Anonymous LLC.
In 2025, interest in anonymous LLCs remains high, especially from investors, high-risk industries, public figures and owners of digital capital.
But how well does this tool meet expectations? Let's look at what is really behind anonymous business registration, where it is possible, how it is implemented in practice and what limitations it has.
What an anonymous LLC is - and what it is not
An anonymous LLC is not a special form of ownership, but a type of standard Limited Liability Company registered using legal mechanisms that conceal the identity of the owners. In such structures, the beneficiaries are not listed in the public registries of the state (and more recently, even in the FinCEN department). Instead, registered agents or nominees acting as public representatives appear in the articles of incorporation.
However, it is important to recognize that anonymity does not mean complete lack of identification. Until early 2025, FinCEN was required to file ultimate beneficial owner information with FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This data was not publicly available, but was accessible to government agencies, including the IRS, SEC, and law enforcement.
But in January 2025, a district court in Alabama ruled that the CTA violates the U.S. Constitution, and enforcement of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements has since been suspended at the federal level. This means that as of this article's publication, companies are not required to file beneficial ownership information, and FinCEN does not impose penalties for non-filing. Nevertheless, the law remains in effect and a decision on its ultimate fate is pending before the Supreme Court.
In addition, as part of obtaining an EIN, opening an account or filing a tax return, the real owner must disclose his or her identity to the appropriate organizations. Anonymous LLC maintains confidentiality only within the framework of public reporting - not to the state in general (more precisely to the tax structure). Also, when opening a current account - in a bank or payment system - you will be asked to disclose all information. But even this can be "nicely circumvented" by formalizing everything on a nominal representative. For advice on how to do this, please contact us: taxfreecorp.com/schedule60/.
Jurisdictions in which it is possible to establish an anonymous LLC in 2025
Not all US states provide the right not to disclose ownership information. Below is a comparison of the most popular jurisdictions:
| State | Anonymity | Annual Reporting (State Excess) | State Taxes | Level of asset protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | Full | No | No | Medium |
| Wyoming | Partial | Yes (~$60) | No | High (Charging Order) |
| Delaware | Partial | Yes ($300) | No* | High, reliable courts |
| Nevada | Limited | Yes (more expensive) | No | High, but the cost is higher |
*Subject to Delaware's Gross Receipts Tax if they are engaged in business in Delaware
New Mexico remains the simplest jurisdiction: there is no requirement to identify participants even in documents filed with the state tax authorities. Wyoming, on the other hand, is attractive because of its creditor protection mechanism and ease of administration. Delaware is popular with the corporate sector because of its predictable court system, while Nevada offers stable but more expensive confidentiality instruments.
How to open an anonymous LLC: practical algorithm
The process of registering an anonymous company is easy if you follow a structured procedure. The first step is the selection of a suitable state. This is determined by both the level of privacy desired and the potential jurisdiction of the business. If the company will operate physically outside the state of registration, it may be necessary to register as a foreign company (a company from another state - Foreign Company Registration), which already reduces the degree of anonymity. But for those who are engaged in e-commerce, IT, services, there is no need to apply for "Domistification" in other states.
The next step is the selection of a registered agent. This is a legal or natural person authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of the company. It is his or her name that will appear on the documents available through the Secretary of State's website. In most cases, the agent can be replaced by a nominee trustee to enhance confidentiality. Our company provides Registration Agent services in all US jurisdictions.
After receiving your Articles of Organization, which include the registered agent and company details, you’ll need to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. Without it, you won’t be able to open a business bank account or pay taxes legally. There are different ways to obtain an EIN depending on your residency status and whether you have a “U.S.” individual tax number.
The final stage is the opening of a corporate current account. Banks and payment systems are required to identify the owner of the company as part of KYC/AML requirements. This means that even if a nominee is used, the real controlling owner will be disclosed to the bank. Nevertheless, his name is not included in open government databases.
Want to remain anonymous? Make an appointment for a consultation: taxfreecorp.com/schedule60/
Anonymity vs. protection: common misconceptions
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is confusing confidentiality with legal protections. An anonymous LLC hides the identity of the beneficiary, but does not make the beneficiary invulnerable to lawsuits or financial liability. The law allows the court to request bank records, contracts, articles of incorporation, and other information that directly or indirectly identifies the business owner.
Thus, anonymity is only a first barrier, not a defense against active legal claims.
Who uses anonymous LLCs and why
- Buying real estate - e.g., in highly publicized locations (California, Florida, etc.) where the owner does not want to advertise the property.
- IT projects and startups - particularly at an early stage, when it is important to keep the corporate structure secret.
- Working with cryptocurrencies and Web3 - privacy is becoming an essential element of financial security.
- Public figures - politicians, journalists, artists who wish to avoid speculation.
- Consolidation of assets through holding structures - as part of international tax planning.
Alternatives and Privacy Enhancement
When a standard anonymous LLC is not enough, many attorneys recommend using more complex constructions:
- Nominee service - nominee managers and participants who participate in the documents but do not control the company.
- International Holding - A U.S. LLC is owned by a company in a jurisdiction with no automatic tax information exchange treaties.
- Trusts - management of assets without direct ownership by the beneficiary.
- Tiered structures are layered arrangements that include LLCs, corporations, and foundations.
How TaxFreeCorp helps its customers
Our team has been working with anonymous structures since 2009. We take care of all stages:
- Jurisdiction selection for the client's task
- Assignment of registered agents and nominees
- Preparation of internal documents and filing of all applications
- Obtaining tax identification numbers EIN and ITIN, filing tax returns with the IRS and opening bank accounts
- Support of all reporting, including FinCEN forms and compliance
We understand how to build not just a company, but a strategic structure that will meet your business model, tax status and risk management objectives.
Conclusion
The anonymous LLC is not a panacea, but it is a powerful legal tool. Its power lies in its ability to reduce publicity, limit direct linkage of identity to assets, and simplify corporate risk management. However, the illusion of complete protection can play a cruel trick. It is important to use such structures consciously, in conjunction with professional legal support.
If you're ready to build a business with a high level of privacy and legal predictability - TaxFreeCorp can help you implement that plan with the utmost precision.