If privacy matters to you while running a business, forming an Anonymous LLC can be a smart move. Not all US states allow anonymous ownership, which makes choosing the right state extremely important.
In this guide, we break down the top 5 states to form an Anonymous LLC, explain why they are popular, and help you decide which one fits your business goals best.
What Makes a State Good for an Anonymous LLC?
A good Anonymous LLC state usually offers:
- No public disclosure of owner names
- Strong privacy laws
- Low annual fees
- Simple compliance rules
- Business-friendly regulations
Let’s look at the best options.
1. Wyoming
Wyoming is the most popular state for forming an Anonymous LLC.
Why Wyoming is a top choice:
- Owner names are not publicly listed
- Low annual report fee
- No state income tax
- Strong asset protection laws
Wyoming only requires the registered agent’s details to appear in public records. This makes it ideal for online businesses, real estate investors, and non-US residents.
Best for: Maximum privacy with low cost
2. New Mexico
New Mexico is another excellent state for Anonymous LLC formation.
Key benefits:
- No public listing of members or managers
- No annual report requirement
- Very low maintenance cost
- Simple compliance process
Because there is no annual report, New Mexico is one of the easiest and cheapest states to maintain an Anonymous LLC long term.
Best for: Low-cost privacy and minimal compliance
3. Delaware
Delaware is widely known for business-friendly laws and strong legal protection.
Why businesses choose Delaware:
- Allows anonymous ownership
- Strong corporate legal system
- Trusted by investors and institutions
- Flexible management structure
However, Delaware has higher annual fees compared to Wyoming and New Mexico. It is often chosen by startups planning to scale or seek funding.
Best for: Startups and growing businesses
4. Nevada
Nevada offers solid privacy features and tax advantages.
Benefits of forming in Nevada:
- No public disclosure of owners
- No state income tax
- Strong privacy protections
- Business-friendly environment
Nevada does require annual filings and license fees, which makes it slightly more expensive to maintain.
Best for: Privacy with tax advantages
5. South Dakota
South Dakota is an underrated but powerful option for Anonymous LLCs.
Why South Dakota stands out:
- No public owner disclosure
- No state income tax
- Strong privacy and asset protection laws
- Stable regulatory environment
South Dakota is especially attractive for asset holding companies and long-term business structures.
Best for: Asset protection and long-term privacy
Comparison of Top Anonymous LLC States
| State | Owner Privacy | Annual Fees | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Very High | Low | Easy |
| New Mexico | Very High | Very Low | Very Easy |
| Delaware | High | High | Moderate |
| Nevada | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| South Dakota | High | Low | Easy |
Things to Remember Before Choosing a State
- You may still need to register as a foreign LLC if you operate in another state
- Banks and the IRS will always require identity verification
- Anonymous does not mean tax-free
- Compliance is still mandatory
Choosing the wrong state can increase costs and paperwork, so planning is essential.
FAQs About Anonymous LLC States
Which state offers the most privacy for an Anonymous LLC?
Wyoming and New Mexico offer the highest level of privacy for most small business owners.
Can non-US residents form an Anonymous LLC in these states?
Yes, foreigners can legally form Anonymous LLCs in all the states listed above.
Do Anonymous LLCs pay state taxes?
It depends on where the business operates and earns income, not just where it is formed.
Is Delaware worth the higher cost?
Delaware is worth it for startups planning to raise capital or expand nationally.
Can I change my LLC state later?
Yes, through LLC domestication or forming a new LLC and transferring assets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right state is the foundation of a successful Anonymous LLC. Wyoming and New Mexico are perfect for most privacy-focused business owners, while Delaware, Nevada, and South Dakota serve specific business needs.
If privacy, protection, and flexibility matter to you, selecting one of these top 5 states to form an Anonymous LLC can help you build your business with confidence and peace of mind.
