How to Form an Anonymous LLC in Missouri for 2024

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

An anonymous LLC, or limited liability company, lets you do business while keeping your identity under wraps. It’s a great option if privacy is a priority — perfect for real estate investors or entrepreneurs diving into riskier ventures.

If you’re looking to set up an anonymous LLC in Missouri, there are a few key steps you need to follow. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basics of getting started to the benefits and things to consider when opting for this business structure.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Missouri with Northwest Registered Agent

What is an Anonymous LLC?

An anonymous LLC is a limited liability company that does not disclose the identities of its owners, managers, or members to the public. Such LLCs are also referred to as “Blind LLCs” or “Double LLCs.”

In Missouri, an anonymous LLC can provide enhanced privacy for its members, making it an appealing option for those who wish to invest in real estate or start a business while maintaining anonymity. Additionally, anonymous LLCs can be used to hold assets, such as investments or patents, that the owner or group prefers to keep private.

However, it’s important to note that anonymous LLCs are legal entities that have been used for illegal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. Furthermore, they may not be allowed in some countries. Nevertheless, if the business activities and income generated are legitimate, anonymous LLCs can offer privacy and liability protection to their members.

Before establishing an anonymous LLC in Missouri, it’s essential to seek guidance from a lawyer and a tax advisor to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, it’s crucial to verify that this business structure is permissible in your jurisdiction.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Missouri with Northwest Registered Agent

Is it Possible to Create an Anonymous LLC in Missouri?

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

One common approach used to establish an anonymous LLC in Missouri 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 business operations. Meanwhile, the second LLC, which remains anonymous, is listed as a member of the first LLC.

Missouri does not explicitly allow 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.

The 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 crucial 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 Missouri

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

Step 1 – Choose a State to Form Your Anonymous LLC

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

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, 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 contacting Northwest Registered Agent when registering your anonymous business.

Form an Anonymous LLC in Missouri with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 3 – Form Your Missouri LLC

After forming your anonymous LLC, proceed to create your standard LLC in Missouri. File articles of organization with the state of Missouri and pay the required filing fees. You’ll also need to choose a registered agent for the regular LLC.

Form Your Missouri LLC with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 4 – Have the Anonymous LLC Own the Missouri LLC

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

Missouri LLC Regulations

Here are some of the rules and regulations concerning LLCs in Missouri:

Formation

To form an LLC in Missouri, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay a fee. The Articles must include the name of the LLC, the name and address of the registered agent, the name and address of the organizers, and the purpose of the LLC.

Operating Agreement 

An LLC operating agreement is not required by Missouri law, but it is highly recommended. This document outlines how the LLC will be managed, how profits and losses will be distributed, and the rights and responsibilities of the members.

Naming Requirements

The name of an LLC in Missouri must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC” and cannot use words that imply it is a corporation or other type of entity.

Registered Agent

An LLC in Missouri must have a registered agent, who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent must have a physical address in Missouri.

Business Licenses and Permits 

Depending on the type of business you are operating, you may need to obtain business licenses and permits at the local, state, or federal level.

Taxes 

LLCs in Missouri are not taxed at the state level. Instead, the income and losses of the LLC are passed through to the individual members, who report them on their personal tax returns. However, LLCs may be subject to other taxes, such as sales tax, if they sell products or services.

Annual Reports

LLCs in Missouri are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay a fee. The report must include the name and address of the LLC, the name and address of the registered agent, and the names and addresses of the members or managers.

These are some of the basic rules and regulations concerning LLCs in Missouri. However, the laws and regulations can be complex and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your business. It’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer or accountant to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Pros and Cons of Anonymous LLCs in Missouri

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

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 Missouri provides a layer of privacy and safeguards your assets while you run your business. By carefully following the steps laid out in this guide, you can protect your personal details and make sure your LLC meets all state requirements.

It’s important to remember that keeping your identity private doesn’t exempt you from legal responsibilities. Consulting with a lawyer before setting up your LLC is always a wise move. Also, it’s essential to keep accurate records and never use your anonymity for unlawful purposes.

By staying cautious and sticking to the legal guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of anonymity and run a thriving business in Missouri.

For more details on anonymous businesses, take a look at our article on how to maintain anonymity as a business owner and how to hide business ownership.

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