How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Arkansas for 2024

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Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

An anonymous LLC, or limited liability company, allows individuals to conduct business in Arkansas while keeping their personal information private. This structure is especially useful for those who prioritize confidentiality, such as real estate investors or entrepreneurs involved in high-risk ventures.

Forming an anonymous LLC in Arkansas involves a series of key steps. This guide will walk you through the essential procedures, outlining the advantages and important considerations when choosing this business model.

Form an anonymous LLC in Arkansas with Northwest Registered Agent.

What is an Anonymous LLC?

An Arkansas anonymous LLC, also referred to as a limited liability company, maintains the secrecy of its members, managers, or owners from the public eye. Such LLCs are sometimes known as “Double LLCs” or “Blind LLCs.”

One of the principal benefits of an anonymous LLC is the enhanced privacy it provides to its members. For example, if someone intends to invest in real estate or start a business while keeping their identity hidden, an anonymous LLC can facilitate that.

Additionally, anonymous LLCs can be utilized to hold assets that individuals or groups do not want to be publicly associated with, such as patents or investments.

It is crucial to note that while anonymous LLCs are legal entities, they have occasionally been used for illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. Furthermore, they are prohibited in some countries. However, if the business activities and income are legitimate, anonymous LLCs can offer a degree of privacy and liability protection for their members.

Before establishing an anonymous LLC in Arkansas, it is critical to seek guidance from an attorney and a tax advisor to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Furthermore, confirm that it is permissible in your jurisdiction, such as Arkansas.

Form an anonymous LLC in Arkansas with Northwest Registered Agent.

Is it Possible to Create an Anonymous LLC in Arkansas?

Creating an anonymous LLC in Arkansas is technically possible, although it requires additional steps compared to forming an LLC in a state that explicitly permits anonymous LLCs.

A common approach to creating an anonymous LLC in Arkansas is to use the “double LLC” structure, where a secondary, anonymous LLC is set up as a member of the primary LLC.

Under this arrangement, the first LLC is publicly identified as the asset owner or conducts the business operations. Meanwhile, the second LLC, which remains anonymous, is listed as a member of the first LLC.

Arkansas does not explicitly allow anonymous LLC formation, and the state requires the names and addresses of all members (or “managers” for manager-managed LLCs) to be included in the articles of an organization during LLC formation. However, using a double LLC structure can help maintain some level of anonymity for the beneficial owners of an LLC.

This double LLC approach involves setting up one LLC (known as the “inner LLC”) owned by another LLC (referred to as the “outer LLC”). The members of the outer LLC are not publicly disclosed, as they do not appear in the articles of the organization. An outer LLC is an anonymous LLC formed in a state that permits anonymous LLCs.

Only the inner LLC is publicly visible, and the names of its members (which may include other LLCs or trusts) are listed in the articles of organization. In this way, the beneficial owners of the inner LLC remain undisclosed, offering a level of anonymity.

It is crucial to consult with an attorney or financial advisor to understand the legalities and the most suitable course of action for your specific situation. This is because regulations on LLCs vary among states and can have different implications based on the nature of the business and your unique circumstances.

How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Arkansas

Outlined below is a step-by-step guide to utilizing the double LLC strategy to establish an anonymous LLC in Arkansas as a holding company for private business ownership.

Step 1 – Choose a State to Establish Your Anonymous LLC

Arkansas does not have any specific laws that permit anonymous LLCs. However, if privacy is a priority, you can form your anonymous LLC in states that allow it, such as Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nevada.

Read more about the best anonymous LLC states:

Read about how to form an anonymous LLC in any US state:

Step 2 – Establish Your Anonymous LLC

To create your anonymous LLC, you need to file articles of organization with the chosen state and pay the required filing fees. You’ll also need to select a registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC. To further maintain anonymity, consider using a nominee service as your registered agent.

If privacy is important to you, consider reaching out to Northwest Registered Agent when registering your anonymous LLC.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Arkansas with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 3 – Create Your Arkansas LLC

After establishing your anonymous LLC, you can proceed to create your regular LLC in Arkansas. For this step, file articles of organization with the state of Arkansas and pay the required filing fees. You’ll also need to select a registered agent for the regular LLC.

Form Your Arkansas LLC with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 4 – Designate the Anonymous LLC as the Owner of the Arkansas LLC

Once both the anonymous LLC and the regular LLC are established, designate the anonymous LLC as the owner of the Arkansas LLC. To do this, list the anonymous LLC as the owner of the regular LLC on the regular LLC’s articles of organization.

Keep in mind that this process may vary depending on the state where you are forming your LLCs. There may also be additional requirements and steps involved. It’s always a good idea to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with state laws.

Arkansas LLC Regulations

Here are the basic rules and regulations regarding LLCs in Arkansas:

Name

The LLC name must be unique and not already in use in Arkansas. The name should include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”

Articles of Organization

You must file Articles of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State and pay the appropriate fee. The articles must include the LLC’s name, purpose, registered agent, the names and addresses of the members or managers, and whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.

Registered Agent

The LLC must have a registered agent in Arkansas, which can be an individual or a registered agent service authorized to do business in the state.

Operating Agreement

While not required by state law, an operating agreement is recommended to establish the rules and regulations of the LLC and its management.

Annual Reports

LLCs must file an annual report with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including the LLC’s name, principal place of business, registered agent information, and the names and addresses of the members or managers.

Taxes

LLCs in Arkansas are subject to state taxes, including franchise taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes.

Liability

LLCs in Arkansas provide personal liability protection for members, meaning their personal assets are protected from the LLC’s debts and liabilities.

These are the basic rules and regulations for LLCs in Arkansas, but it’s always advisable to consult with an attorney or accountant for specific guidance and advice.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Anonymous LLCs in Arkansas

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of creating anonymous LLCs in Arkansas:

Advantages

Privacy: Anonymous LLCs can provide a degree of privacy for the individuals involved in the company, as their personal information will not be publicly available in the LLC’s formation documents.
Asset protection: Anonymous LLCs can help separate personal and business assets, protecting the individuals involved in the company in case of legal action or financial liability.
Legal compliance: Anonymous LLCs can be used to comply with specific laws and regulations, such as privacy laws and regulations that apply to certain industries or businesses.
Business separation: Anonymous LLCs can help separate different business activities, allowing for a clear distinction between various businesses and their liabilities.
Limited liability for members: Anonymous LLCs provide limited liability for members, meaning that members are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the LLC.
Flexibility: Anonymous LLCs offer flexibility in management and ownership structure, as well as in tax treatment.
Estate planning: Anonymous LLCs can be used in estate planning and can help transfer ownership of the business to future generations.
Anonymity can be beneficial for certain businesses: Anonymous LLCs can be advantageous for specific types of businesses, such as those in the real estate or cryptocurrency industries, where anonymity can provide an added layer of security and protection.

Disadvantages

Lack of complete anonymity: While anonymous LLCs can provide a degree of privacy, they are not a guarantee of complete anonymity, and there may be other ways for someone to discover the identity of the members or managers of the LLC.
Cost: Setting up an anonymous LLC may require additional legal and financial costs, such as the cost of setting up a separate legal entity or hiring a registered agent.
Complexity: Anonymous LLCs can be complex to set up and maintain, requiring careful attention to legal and financial compliance.
Limited to certain businesses: Some businesses may be restricted from forming an anonymous LLC.
Viewed with suspicion: Anonymous LLCs may be viewed with suspicion by banks and other financial institutions, making it harder to open bank accounts or secure funding for the LLC.
Complexity in taxation: Anonymous LLCs can be complex to handle when it comes to taxation, as different layers of LLCs may have different tax implications.
Difficulty in obtaining financing: Anonymous LLCs may have a harder time obtaining financing, as banks and other financial institutions may be hesitant to lend money to anonymous entities.
Difficulty in building trust with customers: Anonymous LLCs may have a harder time building trust with customers, as the anonymity of the company may be viewed with suspicion.
Difficulty in finding a business partner: Anonymous LLCs may have a harder time finding a business partner, as potential partners may be hesitant to work with an anonymous entity.
Compliance with anti-money laundering laws: Anonymous LLCs may have a harder time complying with anti-money laundering laws, as the anonymity of the company may make it harder to identify the beneficial owners of the LLC.

Conclusion

Forming an anonymous LLC in Arkansas offers business owners privacy and asset protection. However, it’s important to understand potential drawbacks, such as added complexity, costs, and certain limitations for specific types of businesses.

Consulting with a lawyer or financial advisor is essential to ensure you comply with state regulations. Keeping accurate records and safeguarding your anonymity responsibly is key to avoiding any legal issues.

By following legal guidelines and seeking expert advice, you can enjoy the benefits of anonymity while running a successful business in Arkansas, ensuring both legal and financial compliance for your anonymous LLC.

For more information on anonymous businesses, explore our article on how to maintain anonymity as a business owner and how to hide business ownership.

About the author

Dr. Gabriel O'Neill, Esq.

alexandersterling@managebusiness.org | Houston, Texas

Dr. Gabriel O'Neill, Esq., a distinguished legal scholar with a business law degree and a Doctor of Juridical Science, is a leading expert in business registration and diverse business departments. Renowned for his academic excellence and practical insights, Dr. O'Neill guides businesses through legal complexities, offering invaluable expertise in compliance, corporate governance, and registration processes.

As an accomplished author, his forthcoming book is anticipated to be a comprehensive guide for navigating the dynamic intersection of law and business, providing clarity and practical wisdom for entrepreneurs and legal professionals alike. With a commitment to legal excellence, Dr. Gabriel O'Neill, Esq., is a trusted authority dedicated to empowering businesses within the ever-evolving legal landscape.