How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Minnesota for 2024

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

Creating an anonymous LLC, or limited liability company, enables individuals to operate a business without disclosing their personal identities. This is particularly advantageous for those who value privacy, like real estate investors or entrepreneurs involved in high-risk projects.

In Minnesota, forming an anonymous LLC involves several key steps. This guide will walk you through the process, highlighting both the benefits and important factors to consider when choosing this business structure.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Minnesota with Northwest Registered Agent

What is an Anonymous LLC?

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

A key advantage of an anonymous LLC is the heightened privacy it offers to its members. For instance, if someone wants to invest in real estate or launch a business while maintaining anonymity, an anonymous LLC can facilitate that.

Furthermore, anonymous LLCs can be utilized to hold assets that an individual or group does not wish to be publicly linked with, such as investments or patents.

It is crucial to recognize that anonymous LLCs are legal entities but, in some instances, have been employed for illicit activities like money laundering and tax evasion. Moreover, they are not allowed in certain countries. However, if the business activities and income are legitimate, anonymous LLCs can deliver a degree of privacy and liability protection for their members.

Before establishing 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 Minnesota.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Minnesota with Northwest Registered Agent

Is it Possible to Create an Anonymous LLC in Minnesota?

Creating an anonymous LLC in Minnesota is technically feasible, although it necessitates additional steps compared to forming an LLC in a state that explicitly permits anonymous LLCs.

A common tactic employed to start an anonymous LLC in Minnesota 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.

Minnesota does not explicitly allow the formation of anonymous LLCs, and the state mandates 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 the 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 manner, the inner LLC’s beneficial owners remain undisclosed, offering a level of anonymity.

It is important 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 Minnesota

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 Minnesota.

Step 1 – Choose a State to Form Your Anonymous LLC

Minnesota 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 Minnesota with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 3 – Form Your Minnesota LLC

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

Form Your Minnesota LLC with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 4 – Have the Anonymous LLC Own the Minnesota LLC

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

Minnesota LLC Regulations

Here are some key rules and regulations for LLCs in Minnesota:

Formation 

To form an LLC in Minnesota, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. The form requires basic information such as the LLC name, address, registered agent, and the name and address of the organizer. You can file online or by mail, and the filing fee is currently $135.

Operating Agreement 

Although not required by law, it’s recommended to have an operating agreement that outlines the management, ownership, and operational structure of the LLC.

Name

The LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC”. It should also be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Minnesota.

Registered Agent

An LLC must appoint a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC and have a physical street address in Minnesota.

Taxation

In Minnesota, LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, which means that the profits and losses of the LLC pass through to the individual members’ personal tax returns. The LLC itself does not pay state income tax, but it may have to pay a fee based on its annual revenue.

Annual Report

LLCs in Minnesota are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by December 31st of each year. The report includes basic information about the LLC, such as the registered agent, members, and contact information.

Professional LLCs

If you’re forming an LLC for a professional service, such as a law firm or medical practice, you may need to comply with additional regulations and licensing requirements.

It’s important to note that these regulations may change over time, and this information should not be construed as legal advice. We recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or accountant for specific guidance regarding your LLC in Minnesota.

Pros and Cons of Anonymous LLCs in Minnesota

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

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 separate 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

Setting up an anonymous LLC in Minnesota is a smart strategy to safeguard your privacy and assets. By following the steps in this guide, you can maintain confidentiality while staying compliant with state laws. Keep in mind that anonymity does not exempt you from legal responsibilities, so consulting a lawyer before establishing an LLC is a good idea. 

Ensure accurate record-keeping and preserve the integrity of your anonymity by steering clear of illegal activities. With careful planning and adherence to the law, you can enjoy the benefits of anonymity while successfully running your business in Minnesota.

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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