How to Form an Anonymous LLC in South Dakota in 2024

A confidential LLC, or limited liability company, offers individuals the ability to engage in business without disclosing personal identities. This structure is especially beneficial for those prioritizing privacy, such as real estate investors or entrepreneurs in high-risk ventures.

In South Dakota, establishing an anonymous LLC requires several crucial steps. This article will delineate the necessary actions to create an anonymous LLC in South Dakota, along with the advantages and considerations associated with this business structure.

Form an Anonymous LLC in South Dakota with Northwest Registered Agent

What is an Anonymous LLC?

An anonymous LLC in South Dakota, 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.”

One of the primary benefits of an anonymous LLC is the increased 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 used 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 South Dakota.

Form an Anonymous LLC in South Dakota with Northwest Registered Agent

Is it Possible to Create an Anonymous LLC in South Dakota?

Creating an anonymous LLC in South Dakota is technically possible, although it requires 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 South Dakota 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.

South Dakota 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 South Dakota

Outlined below is a step-by-step guide for utilizing the double LLC strategy to form an anonymous LLC in South Dakota:

Step 1 – Choose a State to Form Your Anonymous LLC

South Dakota does not explicitly permit anonymous LLCs. However, you can establish your anonymous LLC in a state that allows it, such as Delaware, New Mexico, Wyoming, or 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 South Dakota with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 3 – Form Your South Dakota LLC

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

Form Your South Dakota LLC with Northwest Registered Agent

Step 4 – Have the Anonymous LLC Own the South Dakota LLC

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

South Dakota LLC Regulations

Here are some key rules and regulations regarding Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in South Dakota:

Formation 

To form an LLC in South Dakota, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The Articles of Organization must include the name of the LLC, the purpose of the LLC, the name and address of the registered agent, and the names and addresses of the LLC members. The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $150.

Operating Agreement

While not required by South Dakota law, it is recommended that LLCs have an operating agreement in place to establish the rights and responsibilities of the members, outline how profits and losses will be allocated, and address any other important issues related to the operation of the business.

Management

LLCs in South Dakota can be managed by members or by managers appointed by the members. If the LLC is member-managed, each member has equal authority in managing the LLC. If the LLC is manager-managed, the managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the LLC.

Taxes

LLCs in South Dakota are not taxed at the entity level. Instead, income and losses are passed through to the individual members and reported on their tax returns.

Annual Reports

LLCs in South Dakota are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by the first day of the second month after the anniversary month of formation. The filing fee for the annual report is $50.

Dissolution

An LLC can be dissolved voluntarily by the members or involuntarily by court order. If an LLC is dissolved, the assets are distributed to the members according to the terms of the operating agreement or by state law.

These are just a few of the key rules and regulations related to LLCs in South Dakota. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney or accountant to ensure that your LLC is operating in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Pros and Cons of Anonymous LLCs in South Dakota

Here are the pros and cons of creating anonymous LLCs in South Dakota:

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 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 South Dakota is an effective strategy for safeguarding your privacy and assets in business. Follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure your personal information remains confidential, and your LLC fully complies with state laws.

It’s crucial to note that anonymity doesn’t provide absolute protection from legal liabilities. Seeking legal counsel before forming an LLC is always a wise choice. Additionally, maintaining accurate records and upholding the integrity of anonymity by refraining from using it for unlawful activities is essential.

Exercise necessary caution and stay mindful of the laws to enjoy the benefits of anonymity while successfully operating your business in South Dakota.

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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