US LLCs for Non-Residents: Maximizing State Privacy & Anonymity in 2026

In 2026, all newly formed and existing US LLCs must comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This federal law mandates reporting Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) directly to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This includes details about individuals who own or control 25% or more of the company, or who exercise substantial control.

The CTA creates a centralized, non-public database accessible to law enforcement. This means that while states can offer varying levels of public disclosure, the federal government will still have access to owner information. The goal of state-level privacy is to prevent unauthorized access to personal details through public state business registries.

Wyoming continues to be a top choice for non-residents prioritizing privacy. The state does not require owners' or managers' names to be listed on public formation documents. This means that only your registered agent's name and address appear on the public record, maintaining a layer of anonymity for the actual owners.

Wyoming's privacy provisions extend to its annual report, which only asks for the registered agent's information and does not require listing LLC members or managers. This significantly reduces the public footprint of the LLC's true owners compared to many other states. Expect annual registered agent fees to range from $100 to $150.

New Mexico stands out as the most private state for LLCs at the state level. It requires minimal information on its initial Articles of Organization: the LLC name, the registered agent's name, and the registered agent's address. There is no requirement to list members or managers, neither initially nor in ongoing filings.

Unlike most states, New Mexico does not require annual reports for LLCs. This eliminates an annual opportunity for personal information to become publicly disclosed, even inadvertently. This makes New Mexico a compelling choice for entrepreneurs seeking the highest degree of state-level anonymity. A registered agent service typically costs $99 to $120 per year in New Mexico.

Nevada offers strong privacy protections similar to Wyoming. It does not require member or manager names on public filing documents or annual reports. This keeps your personal information out of the public eye. Nevada also allows for bearer shares and offers corporate veil protection, which can be advantageous.

Beyond privacy, Nevada is known for its asset protection laws. Its state courts generally uphold charging orders as the exclusive remedy against an LLC for an owner's personal debts, providing a formidable shield for business assets. While similar to Wyoming in privacy, Nevada's overall legal framework often appeals to those who prioritize both confidentiality and strong asset safeguards. Be aware that Nevada's annual fees are higher, often around $350 for the annual list of managers and state business license.

Regardless of the state you choose, a reputable registered agent service is critical for maintaining privacy. Your registered agent's address becomes the official public address for your LLC. This keeps your personal residential address off public records, which is especially important for non-US residents. They also receive legal and state correspondence on behalf of your company.

Choosing a professional registered agent ensures compliance and provides an additional layer of privacy by acting as the public face of your business. Reputable services like Bastion Formations ensure your information is handled discreetly and securely.

While state-level privacy is important, consider the full picture. If your business involves physical presence in a state, like owning rental properties, you might face different local regulations. Choosing a state solely for privacy without considering operational needs could lead to complexities later on.

Also, understand that privacy does not equate to tax evasion. All US LLCs with non-resident owners are still subject to federal tax obligations and reporting. The goal is to minimize public disclosure while remaining fully compliant with all legal and tax requirements.

Since January 1, 2024, all new LLCs formed in the US must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN within 90 days of formation. Existing LLCs formed before this date have until January 1, 2025, to file. This federal requirement applies across all states, regardless of their individual privacy laws.

The BOI report requires identifying information for beneficial owners and company applicants. This includes legal name, date of birth, address, and a unique identifying number from a passport or other state-issued ID. Non-US residents typically use their foreign passport. While FinCEN's database is not publicly accessible, it ensures federal authorities have ownership information.