In this article, we’re looking at anonymous LLCs in the state of Delaware.
This article is part of our free series on forming LLCs in the United States, including the steps for opening a business bank account for an LLC, which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Can I Register an Anonymous LLC in Delaware?
- What Are the Benefits of an Anonymous LLC in Delaware?
- How Do I Make My Delaware LLC Anonymous?
- Frequently Asked Anonymous LLC Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Can I Register an Anonymous LLC in Delaware?
Yes, you can register an anonymous LLC in the state of Delaware. In order for a Delaware limited liability company to be anonymous, LLC formation and LLC registration needs to be completed through a registered agent or nominees.
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What Are the Benefits of an Anonymous LLC in Delaware?
The primary benefits offered by anonymous LLCs in the state of Delaware include enhanced privacy, asset protection, flexibility, and more.
Here is a closer look at the nine benefits you can capture when you register an anonymous LLC in the state of Delaware.
Benefits of Delaware Anonymous LLCs
- Enhanced privacy protection
- Asset protection
- Flexible ownership structures
- Strong legal protection
- Pro-business environment
- Reasonably low-cost business formation
- No annual report requirement
- No out-of-state income tax
- Business structure that banks recognize
Alternatively, if you’re looking for other jurisdictions to register an LLC in, specifically anonymous LLC states, you can access our free guide that is linked here to get started.
How Do I Make My Delaware LLC Anonymous?
To make your limited liability company anonymous in the state of Delaware, you will need to make sure that the information about the members (business owners) of the LLC is not entered into the public record. To do this, you will need to hire a registered agent in the state of Delaware. In doing so, the name and address of the registered agent will be entered into the public record instead of the name of the individual forming the LLC.
Can I Register an LLC in Delaware Without Living There?
Yes, you can register your business as an LLC in the state of Delaware without living there. In fact, in most cases, the LLCs that are registered in Delaware are registered by non-residents of Delaware including foreign non-residents from outside the United States.
The reason that the state of Delaware is such a popular option for non-residents, is that Delaware does not charge income tax on out-of-state business activities. This means that the state of Delaware is a tax-optimized option for anyone looking to register US LLCs.
Do I Need a Registered Agent to Set Up an Anonymous LLC in Delaware?
If you are a non-resident of Delaware, you will need to hire a registered agent in the state of Delaware to act as the registered agent for your LLC. This is true whether you are registering an anonymous LLC or a standard LLC. That said, it’s important to note that this is the case in almost all US states, including other popular states for registering foreign-owned single-member US LLCs.
Frequently Asked Anonymous LLC Questions
Below are four of the most common questions we receive from people exploring an anonymous Delaware LLC. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Is an LLC in Delaware Anonymous?
LLCs in the state of Delaware are not automatically anonymous. However, Delaware LLCs can be anonymous if the LLC owners choose to not make their names and addresses part of the public record when filing the LLC form. Instead, the name and address of the registered agent will appear in the public record for the company.
Can Delaware LLC Be Anonymous?
Yes, a Delaware LLC can be completely anonymous. This is because the names of the members of LLCs do not need to be entered into the public record. Additionally, the information about the business owners is not updated in Delaware state because Delaware does not require LLCs to file an annual report.
What Are the Cons of an Anonymous LLC?
The cons of an anonymous LLC depend on where the LLC is registered and the way that anonymity is achieved. For example, an anonymous LLC in the state of Florida is achieved by using another LLC from a different state (usually Wyoming) to provide anonymity. On the other hand, Wyoming does not require an extra layer as the names of the members are not disclosed on any of the official reports related to the formation of the LLC. Additional cons include the added costs of achieving anonymity and the possibility of increased scrutiny by banks and other financial institutions.
Which State Is Best to Register Anonymous LLC?
The state that is best to register an anonymous LLC will depend on your objectives, business activities, banking requirements, and the jurisdiction where the LLC is going to operate. This last point is especially true. This can then dictate the specific options available to the members of the anonymous LLCs to determine which options they can consider.
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