Business privacy has become a serious concern in
2025, not a luxury. Real estate investors want to keep rental properties
disconnected from their personal identity. Online creators and freelancers want
to avoid their home address appearing in public databases. Many entrepreneurs
simply want to reduce spam, harassment, and unwanted exposure.
That demand has led to a surge in searches for Anonymous
LLC states 2025 and practical ways to legally keep personal
information off public records. This guide explains exactly how anonymous LLCs
work, which states offer the strongest privacy protections, and how to stay
compliant with US law while protecting your identity.
What Is an Anonymous LLC? (Plain-English Explanation)
An anonymous LLC is a limited liability
company where the owner’s personal name does not appear on public state
business records. Instead of listing members or managers, certain states
allow the use of a registered agent or company address for public filings.
Important clarifications:
- Anonymous
does not mean illegal
- Anonymous
does not mean hidden from the IRS or law enforcement
- It
only limits what the general public can see online
Each state sets its own disclosure rules. Some require
member names to be publicly listed, while others do not. This difference is
what creates LLC privacy by state.
To understand how to start an anonymous LLC, you
must first choose a state that legally allows owner anonymity at the
public-record level.
Is an Anonymous LLC Legal in the US?
Yes, anonymous LLCs are fully legal in the
United States when structured correctly.
However, privacy exists at two different levels:
- Public
records (state websites, Google searches)
- Government
reporting (IRS, FinCEN, banks)
As of 2025, most US LLCs must comply with Beneficial
Ownership Information (BOI) reporting through FinCEN. This means the
federal government knows who owns the company, but that information is not
public.
Key point:
Anonymous LLCs protect you from public exposure, not from lawful
government oversight. Staying compliant is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Top 4 States for Anonymous LLCs in 2025
Not all states are equal when it comes to privacy. Below are
the best states for anonymous LLC formation in 2025, based on
public record policies, cost, and ease of compliance.
.webp "Top 4 States for Anonymous LLCs in 2025 How to Hide Your Name from Public Records")
1. Wyoming Anonymous LLC
Privacy Level: High
Wyoming is widely considered the best state for
anonymous LLCs.
What appears on public records:
- LLC
name
- Registered
agent name and address
- No
member or manager names required
Formation cost:
- $100
state filing fee
Annual fees:
- $60
minimum annual report
Best for:
- Real
estate investors
- Online
businesses
- Privacy-focused
entrepreneurs
Pros:
- Strong
anonymity laws
- No
state income tax
- Minimal
annual reporting
- Business-friendly
courts
Cons:
- Must
use a registered agent
- Out-of-state
owners may still need foreign registration elsewhere
Verdict:
Wyoming remains the best state for anonymous LLC in 2025 for
most business owners.
2. New Mexico Anonymous LLC
Privacy Level: Very High
New Mexico offers one of the most underrated privacy
structures in the US.
What appears on public records:
- LLC
name
- Registered
agent
- No
member or manager names
- No
annual reports
Formation cost:
- $50
one-time filing fee
Annual fees:
- None
Best for:
- Maximum
privacy seekers
- Holding
companies
- Passive
income businesses
Pros:
- Extremely
strong anonymity
- No
annual filings
- Low
cost
Cons:
- Less
established legal reputation than Wyoming
- Not
ideal for active, customer-facing businesses
Verdict:
New Mexico is ideal if privacy is your top priority, especially for
asset holding.
3. Delaware Anonymous LLC Privacy
Privacy Level: Medium
Delaware is famous for corporate law but offers moderate
privacy, not full anonymity.
What appears on public records:
- LLC
name
- Registered
agent
- Member
names generally not required publicly
Formation cost:
- $90
filing fee
Annual fees:
- $300
franchise tax
Best for:
- Startups
- Investors
- Companies
planning to raise capital
Pros:
- World-class
legal system
- Strong
investor credibility
Cons:
- Higher
annual cost
- Privacy
is not as strong as Wyoming or New Mexico
Verdict:
Delaware anonymous LLC privacy is suitable for growth-focused companies, not
pure privacy seekers.
4. Nevada (Honorable Mention)
Privacy Level: Medium
Nevada promotes privacy but has higher ongoing costs.
What appears on public records:
- Manager
or officer names often required
Formation cost:
- Higher
than most states
Annual fees:
- Business
license + filings
Verdict:
Nevada is no longer the top choice for anonymity in 2025.
Anonymous LLC State Comparison Table
|
State |
Owner Name Public? |
Annual Reports |
Cost Level |
Best Use Case |
|
Wyoming |
No |
Yes |
Low |
All-purpose privacy |
|
New Mexico |
No |
No |
Very Low |
Maximum anonymity |
|
Delaware |
No (limited) |
Yes |
High |
Startups |
|
Nevada |
Sometimes |
Yes |
High |
Legacy structures |
Best Anonymous LLC State by Use Case
Best for Real Estate Investors
Wyoming
Strong asset protection, low taxes, and excellent privacy.
Best for Online Businesses
Wyoming or Delaware
Wyoming for privacy, Delaware for credibility.
Best for Maximum Privacy
New Mexico
No annual reports and minimal public disclosure.
Best for Low Cost
New Mexico
Lowest formation and maintenance costs.
How to Start an Anonymous LLC (Step-by-Step)
.webp "Top 4 States for Anonymous LLCs in 2025 How to Hide Your Name from Public Records")
This is the correct and legal way to structure anonymity.
Step 1: Choose the Right State
Select Wyoming or New Mexico based on your business goals.
Step 2: Hire a Registered Agent
A registered agent replaces your name and address on public
records.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
Do not list yourself as a public manager or organizer unless
required.
Step 4: Get an EIN (Privacy-Safe)
Use the LLC’s address, not your home address, when possible.
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Banks will verify ownership privately. This does not affect
public anonymity.
Step 6: Stay Compliant
File BOI reports, tax returns, and state filings on time.
This process explains how to start an anonymous LLC while
staying compliant.
Common Mistakes That Destroy LLC Privacy
Many owners accidentally expose themselves. Avoid these
mistakes:
- Using
your home address on filings
- Acting
as your own registered agent
- Listing
yourself as a public manager
- Mixing
personal and business finances
- Ignoring
annual compliance requirements
Once exposed, privacy is difficult to reverse.
Anonymous LLC vs Regular LLC
|
Feature |
Anonymous LLC |
Regular LLC |
|
Public name visibility |
Hidden |
Visible |
|
Privacy level |
High |
Low |
|
Cost |
Slightly higher |
Lower |
|
Compliance |
Same |
Same |
|
Suitability |
Privacy-focused owners |
General use |
FAQs About Anonymous LLCs
Can I be completely anonymous?
No. Government agencies and banks will always know the owner.
Does the IRS know who owns the LLC?
Yes. Anonymous does not mean hidden from tax authorities.
Can I open a bank account?
Yes. Anonymous LLCs can open US bank accounts legally.
Is an anonymous LLC good for YouTubers?
Yes. It helps keep personal addresses off public databases.
Which state is best in 2025?
For most people, Wyoming is the best state for anonymous LLC in 2025.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Anonymous LLC State
Anonymous LLCs are not about secrecy—they are about privacy,
safety, and professionalism. In 2025, Wyoming and New Mexico clearly lead
the market for business owners who want to hide their name from public records
while remaining fully compliant.
The best choice depends on your goals:
- Choose Wyoming for
flexibility and credibility
- Choose New
Mexico for maximum anonymity
- Choose Delaware for
growth and investors
Always prioritize compliance, proper reporting, and
long-term business strategy over hype.
If you structure it correctly, an anonymous LLC is one of
the smartest legal privacy tools available to US entrepreneurs today.