Anonymous LLC California

What Is an LLC?

Before we cover what an anonymous LLC is it’s a good idea to understand what a limited liability company (LLC) is.

An LLC is a legal business structure that allows you to leverage pass-through taxation. It also offers protection from lawsuits and keeps your personal and business assets separate.

Many small businesses and large companies form an LLC to keep their assets secure and to enjoy the tax benefits that they offer. An LLC can be created in all 50 states, including California.

Are LLC Members Public Records in California?

Yes, LLC members are public records in California. You have 90 days to submit your State of Information to the state of California. Once you submit this information, the public can view your name, address, and contact information.

While you can still keep some things private or have a registered agent be the primary contact for the company, you will have to share information with the public in California.

What Is an Anonymous LLC?

An anonymous LLC operates like a regular limited liability company. The main difference is that the owner of the company and other employees don’t need to be listed with the company or be identified as public records.

For this reason, owners can operate the LLC anonymously without the risk of having their name exposed to the public. An anonymous LLC also allows owners and shareholders to keep their addresses private, which can add a layer of safety and privacy to owning an LLC.

An anonymous LLC does have to disclose information to some entities, though, so it’s not completely anonymous. For example, you still have to share information with banks, state governments, and the IRS. Therefore, an anonymous LLC only keeps your information private from the public.

What Are the Benefits of an Anonymous LLC?

There are many reasons to start an anonymous LLC and they can offer some unique benefits that you won’t get from traditional companies.

An anonymous California LLC keeps ownership private. What makes an anonymous LLC special is how the company shields you from the public eye and keeps your information private from anyone who’s not a bank, the state, or the IRS. That said, some additional benefits go beyond privacy. Learn more about the benefits of an anonymous LLC below.

Privacy

Of course, the most important benefit of an anonymous LLC is how privacy is handled. Since your name isn’t included with the business, people can’t find your address, contact information, or name. This privacy also protects you against people finding your online information as well because you can have a business website without including your details.

Harassment Prevention

Another benefit that ties into privacy is the prevention of harassment. Because people won’t know your name or contact information, there won’t be a way for them to harass you or your family. This can keep you safe from malicious attacks but also shield your inbox from marketing materials.

Lawsuit Prevention

Most people start LLCs to prevent lawsuits, and while an LLC provides protection, an anonymous LLC provides even more protection. This is because anonymous LLCs keep your name private, so people can’t just find your name and send you a lawsuit; this happens more often than you think.

Can You Have an Anonymous LLC in California?

Only a few states allow you to establish an anonymous LLC and California is not one of these states. In California, when you start an LLC, you have to file a Statement of Information within 90 days of opening your doors. This Statement of Information includes details about the company, its owners, contact information of the owners, and much more.

Once the state has this information, it becomes a public record, and anyone with the right tools can find information about the LLC.

What States Allow You to Form an Anonymous LLC?

Several states allow you to form an anonymous LLC if you meet the requirements. Forming an anonymous LLC in these states can help you get started and then you can move your company to California. You’ll have to follow any new regulations that California has for foreign businesses but you shouldn’t have too many issues.

States that allow you to create an anonymous LLC include:

• Wyoming
• Delaware
• New Mexico
• Nevada

Depending on your needs, each state can be a good option for your anonymous LLC. However, Wyoming is one of the better options for tax purposes.

How to Form an Anonymous LLC in California

You can’t form an anonymous LLC in California. Therefore, you need to create one in a different state like New Mexico. For this reason, the steps for creating an anonymous LLC differ from the steps to create your average California LLC. The good news is that we can help you get started on a few quick steps.

Step 1: Choose a State that Allows Anonymous LLCs

The first step is to create an LLC in a state that allows anonymous LLCs. Your options are Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and Delaware. We recommend choosing a state like New Mexico because the filing fees are low, and you’ll need to spend extra money to open an office in California.

Step 2: Name Your Anonymous LLC

Find a name that you like for your anonymous LLC. The name should be something related to your business and you need to register your name in the state where you form the business.

You’ll also have to provide the necessary paperwork to register your LLC in that state, which will include your personal information. Along with a name, you should come up with an alternate name if you plan to use one in California and register any online domains associated with your business.

Step 3: Get a Registered Agent

Registered agents function as the point of contact for your anonymous LLC. You need to appoint one in the state where you register the company as well as California. However, if you don’t have a registered agent that can reside in California you can have the California Secretary of State function as your registered agent instead.

Step 4: File the Necessary Paperwork

Every state has different requirements for the paperwork you need to file. For example, you’ll likely need some type of business license and an EIN to pay taxes. Refresh yourself with the requirements in the state that you plan on opening your business in to make sure you get everything right.

Step 5: File a Certificate of Registration

To register your foreign business in California you need to file a Certificate of Registration with the California Secretary of State. This document allows the state to approve your business operations in California, so without filing, you can’t legally operate in the state.

The fee for this process is about $70, and it shouldn’t take long to provide California with the information they need.

You’ll need to provide the following information to file a Certificate of Registration:

• The name of your business
• The state where the business was formed
• Any alternate names you want to use in California; this can provide an additional layer of protection
• A statement that proves your business can operate legally in the state where it was formed
• Sign an agreement that allows the California Secretary of State to function as the company’s registered agent if you don’t have one already
• The street address of where your business will operate
• An authorized signature

Depending on the type of company, you may also need to file for business licenses or provide additional information.

Anonymous LLC California FAQ

Have questions about an anonymous LLC that we didn’t answer in the article? Find answers to the most common questions below.

What’s the Best State to Form an Anonymous LLC?

If you want to start an anonymous LLC in a different state and then move your operation to California, you can do so in any of the four states that allow you to form one. That said, some states are better than others, depending on your plans.

Typically, New Mexico is one of the best states to create an anonymous LLC because the filing fees are low, and you can keep your name off anything related to the company. However, states like Wyoming may be better when it comes to tax rates.

Can a Non Resident Form an LLC in California?

Yes, non residents can form an LLC in California. As long as you have a resident agent in California, your company can operate in the state. California also allows you to operate a company that you establish in a different state in California. You just have to provide the right paperwork and information.

How Do I Get a Free LLC in California?

There isn’t a totally free avenue to forming an LLC. However, the cheapest way to form an LLC in California is to file the formation documents yourself. Then, you only have to pay for your business license and any fees associated with starting an LLC in the state, which are usually less than $100.

That said, we do recommend getting some affordable assistance to ensure that you form an LLC the right way in California.

Do I Need to Pay $800 for an LLC in California?

Yes, in California, you have to pay a business tax of $800, even if your LLC made no money. This is a business tax that’s associated with all LLCs in California, so it doesn’t matter if you make $100,000 or end up making $0.

For this reason, you should avoid starting an LLC and doing nothing with it.

Anonymous California LLC: Keep Ownership Private

California doesn’t allow you to keep LLC ownership private, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative.

While you can’t form an anonymous LLC in California, you can create an anonymous LLC in another state and register your business as a foreign entity. This can help you keep your information private, and you can even use a unique company name just for California to add another layer of protection.

While it’s possible to form an anonymous LLC by going this route, make sure you work with a professional to ensure that you’re providing the necessary paperwork and information.