How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Illinois 2024

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

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

In Illinois, setting up an anonymous LLC requires following several key steps. This article will outline the necessary steps to form an anonymous LLC in Illinois, along with the benefits and important considerations when choosing this type of business structure.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Illinois with Northwest Registered Agent

What is an Anonymous LLC?

An Illinois anonymous LLC, also known as a limited liability company, does not publicly disclose the identities of its members, managers, or owners. Such LLCs are sometimes called “Blind LLCs” or “Double LLCs.”

A significant advantage of an anonymous LLC is the increased privacy it provides to its members. For example, if someone wants to invest in real estate or start a business while maintaining anonymity, an anonymous LLC can facilitate that.

Moreover, anonymous LLCs can be used to hold assets that an individual or group does not wish to be publicly associated with, such as investments or patents.

It is crucial to recognize that anonymous LLCs are legal entities but, in some cases, have been used for illegal activities like money laundering and tax evasion. Additionally, they are not allowed in certain countries. However, if the business activities and income are legitimate, anonymous LLCs can offer a level of privacy and liability protection for their members.

Before forming an anonymous LLC, it is essential to consult with an attorney and a tax advisor to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations. Additionally, verify that it is legal in your jurisdiction, such as Illinois.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Illinois with Northwest Registered Agent

Is it Possible to Create an Anonymous LLC in Illinois?

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

A common tactic used to establish an anonymous LLC in Illinois is the “double LLC” structure, which involves setting up a secondary, anonymous LLC as a member of the primary LLC.

In 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.

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

This double LLC approach involves creating one LLC (referred to 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 organization. An outer LLC is an anonymous LLC formed in a state that allows 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 inner LLC’s beneficial owners remain undisclosed, offering a level of anonymity.

It is essential to consult with an attorney or financial advisor to understand the legalities and the most appropriate 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 Illinois

Outlined below is a step-by-step guide for utilizing the double LLC strategy. This guide demonstrates how to use an anonymous LLC as a holding company to own a standard LLC for private business owners in Illinois.

Step 1 – Choose a State to Form Your Anonymous LLC

Illinois doesn’t have any specific laws that permit anonymous LLCs. However, if privacy is a priority, you can establish your anonymous LLC in states that allow it, such as Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nevada.

Read more about the best anonymous LLC states:

• How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Delaware 
• How to Form an Anonymous LLC in New Mexico 
• How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Wyoming 
• How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Nevada 

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

Step 2 – Form Your Anonymous LLC

To create your anonymous LLC, you must file articles of organization with the chosen state and pay the necessary filing fees. Additionally, you’ll 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 contacting Northwest Registered Agent when registering your anonymous business.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Illinois with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 3 – Form Your Illinois LLC

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

Form Your Illinois LLC with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 4 – Have the Anonymous LLC Own the Illinois LLC

Once both the anonymous LLC and the regular LLC are established, designate the anonymous LLC as the owner of the Illinois 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.

Illinois LLC Regulations

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in Illinois must adhere to a series of rules and regulations to operate within the legal framework. Here is an overview of the key rules and regulations about LLCs in Illinois:

Formation 

To establish an LLC in Illinois, you must submit Articles of Organization to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. This document should contain essential information about your LLC, such as its name, purpose, address, and the names of members or managers.

Name

Your LLC’s name must be distinctive and include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” You can search for available names on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Registered Agent

Your LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Illinois. The registered agent is responsible for receiving official communications and legal notices on behalf of the company.

Operating Agreement

Although not mandated by Illinois law, it’s advisable to create an operating agreement outlining the roles, responsibilities, and financial arrangements of the LLC’s members. This document can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If your LLC has employees or plans to file taxes separately from its members, it will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS.

State Taxes

Depending on your business activities, your LLC may need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue to collect and remit certain taxes, such as sales tax or withholding tax for employees.

Annual Report

Illinois LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This report is due within 60 days of the first day of the company’s anniversary month and includes information on the LLC’s officers, managers, members, and business activities.

Recordkeeping

Maintain accurate records of your LLC’s finances, membership, and important decisions. While Illinois law doesn’t specify recordkeeping requirements for LLCs, having organized records can help protect your limited liability status and ease tax filing.

Compliance with Local and Federal Regulations

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to comply with additional local, state, or federal regulations, such as obtaining permits, and licenses, or complying with environmental laws.

Please note that this information is a general overview and may not cover all the rules and regulations applicable to your LLC. It is essential to consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

Pros and Cons of Anonymous LLCs in Illinois

Here is a list of the pros and cons of creating anonymous LLCs in Illinois.

Pros

1. Privacy: Anonymous LLCs can provide a level of privacy for the individuals involved in the company, as their names and personal information will not be publicly available in the LLC’s formation documents.
2. 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.
3. Legal compliance: Anonymous LLCs can be used to comply with certain laws and regulations, such as privacy laws and regulations that apply to specific types of businesses or industries.
4. Business Separation: Anonymous LLCs can help in separating different business activities, allowing for a clear distinction between various businesses and their liabilities.
5. 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.
6. Flexibility: Anonymous LLCs offer flexibility in management and ownership structure, as well as in tax treatment.
7. Estate Planning: Anonymous LLCs can be used in estate planning and can help transfer ownership of the business to future generations.
8. Anonymity can be beneficial for certain businesses: Anonymous LLCs can be beneficial 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.

Cons

1. Lack of complete anonymity: While anonymous LLCs can provide a level 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.
2. 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.
3. Complexity: Anonymous LLCs can be complex to set up and maintain, requiring careful attention to legal and financial compliance.
4. Limited to certain businesses: Some businesses may be restricted from forming an anonymous LLC.
5. Can be 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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

Creating an anonymous LLC in Illinois can be a smart move to protect your privacy and assets while running your business. By following the steps outlined here, you can keep your personal details confidential and ensure your LLC meets all state regulations.

However, it’s important to remember that anonymity doesn’t shield you from every legal responsibility, so consulting with a legal expert before setting up your LLC is always a good idea. Keeping accurate records and respecting the limits of anonymity by avoiding illegal activities is also vital.

With careful planning and a clear understanding of the laws, you can benefit from the privacy and protection an anonymous LLC offers while operating successfully in Illinois.

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

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