Anonymous LLCs: which states allow them and what they hide

Privacy is a common reason people choose one state over another for an LLC. An anonymous LLC can keep your name off public searches, which matters for landlords, creators and anyone wary of unwanted contact. It does far less than many people assume. This guide explains both sides.

By Awais Jameel, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Mirza Fahad Baig, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 3 minute read.

Short answer

An anonymous LLC is one whose owners do not appear on the state's public record. Delaware, New Mexico and Wyoming are the states most used, because their formation filings do not require members' names. It keeps your name off public databases, not away from authorities: banks, the IRS, courts and other states where you register can still identify the owners.

At a glance

What it hides
Owners' names on the state's public record
States commonly used
Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming
Still known to
Banks, the IRS, courts
BOI reporting
US-formed LLCs exempt since August 14, 2026
Watch out for
Organizer names and other states' filings
Not for
Hiding assets or income
Anonymous LLCs: which states allow them and what they hideWhat it hides: Owners' names on the state's public record; States commonly used: Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming; Still known to: Banks, the IRS, courts; BOI reporting: US-formed LLCs exempt since August 14, 2026; Watch out for: Organizer names and other states' filings; Not for: Hiding assets or income.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEAnonymous LLCs: which states allow them and whatthey hideWhat it hidesOwners' names on thestate's public recordStates commonly usedDelaware, New Mexico,WyomingStill known toBanks, the IRS, courtsBOI reportingUS-formed LLCs exemptsince August 14, 2026Watch out forOrganizer names and otherstates' filingsNot forHiding assets or incomeChecked against official sourcesTax BakersAnonymous LLCs: which states allow them and what they hideWhat it hides: Owners' names on the state's public record; States commonly used: Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming; Still known to: Banks, the IRS, courts; BOI reporting: US-formed LLCs exempt since August 14, 2026; Watch out for: Organizer names and other states' filings; Not for: Hiding assets or income.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEAnonymous LLCs: which states allowthem and what they hideWhat it hidesOwners' names on the state's public recordStates commonly usedDelaware, New Mexico, WyomingStill known toBanks, the IRS, courtsBOI reportingUS-formed LLCs exempt since August 14, 2026Watch out forOrganizer names and other states' filingsNot forHiding assets or incomeChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
Key facts at a glance, as set out in this guide.

How does an anonymous LLC work?

Some states only ask for the LLC's name, a registered agent and an organizer when it is formed, and have no annual report listing owners. If the organizer and registered agent are a service company, no owner's name appears anywhere on the public record.

Which states allow it?

StateWhat the public record showsYearly state cost
DelawareName and registered agent; no members or managers; no annual report for LLCs$400 annual tax
New MexicoOrganizer and registered agent; member names optional; no annual reportNone
WyomingOrganizer and registered agent; no members required$60 minimum annual report

By contrast, Nevada lists managers or managing members, Texas lists managers or members on its Certificate of Formation, and Illinois lists managers and members with management authority.

What does it not hide?

  • The IRS. The EIN application names the responsible party, an individual. See Form SS-4 line by line.
  • Banks and payment processors. They must identify the owners and controllers under anti-money-laundering rules.
  • Courts and law enforcement. They can compel the registered agent, bank or LLC to disclose owners.
  • Other states. Registering as a foreign LLC, or getting a license, may require names.
  • Property records and contracts. Whoever signs a deed, lease or contract for the LLC is usually named on it.

What about beneficial ownership reporting?

US-formed LLCs no longer file beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN. Under FinCEN's final rule effective August 14, 2026, they are permanently exempt. See who still files BOI reports.

How do you set one up?

  1. Choose a privacy state

    Delaware, New Mexico or Wyoming, weighing cost and where you operate.

  2. Use a commercial registered agent

    Their address goes on the record instead of yours.

  3. Have the agent act as organizer

    So the person signing the formation document is not you.

  4. Keep ownership in the operating agreement

    A private document, not filed with the state.

  5. Use a business address

    For the IRS, banks and customers, where a home address would otherwise appear.

What if you operate in another state?

You usually have to register there as a foreign LLC, and that state may require names or addresses the formation state did not. You also pay both states' fees. A common alternative is to form in your home state and use a commercial registered agent and business address there. See home state or another state.

Does it keep your home address private?

Only if nothing else puts it on record. A commercial registered agent's address replaces yours on the state filing, but your home address can still appear through a mailing address on the formation document, a principal office address on an annual report, a sales tax or business license registration, or a domain registration in your own name. Use a business address consistently, such as the agent's address or a virtual office, wherever the law allows a non-residential address.

What does it cost to keep an LLC anonymous?

Mostly the registered agent and organizer service, which is a yearly fee set by the provider, plus the state's own yearly charge: $400 in Delaware, nothing in New Mexico and a $60 minimum in Wyoming. If the LLC operates in another state, add that state's registration and yearly fees. The privacy is only worth that cost if your name on a public database would cause real problems.

What should anonymity not be used for?

Hiding assets from creditors, income from tax authorities, or ownership from anyone legally entitled to know. Privacy keeps your name off public websites. It does not change your legal or tax obligations.

Want your name off the public record?

We form your LLC in a privacy-friendly state, act as registered agent and organizer, and keep your name off public filings where the law allows.

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Questions people ask

What is an anonymous LLC?

An LLC whose owners' names do not appear on the state's public record.

Which states allow anonymous LLCs?

Delaware, New Mexico and Wyoming are the most commonly used, because their filings do not require members' names.

Can the IRS find the owner of an anonymous LLC?

Yes. The EIN application names a responsible party, and banks must identify owners.

Do anonymous LLCs file BOI reports?

Not if formed in the US. US-formed LLCs have been exempt from FinCEN beneficial ownership reporting since August 14, 2026.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. Delaware Division of Corporations: Certificate of Formation form, rev. 8/2026
  2. FinCEN: Beneficial ownership information reporting
  3. Wyoming Secretary of State: Business Division fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026
  4. New Mexico Secretary of State: Business Services

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after October 1, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.