Anonymous LLC Arkansas

What Is an Anonymous LLC in Arkansas?

An “Anonymous LLC” generally refers to forming a limited liability company without listing owners on public state records. In Arkansas, initial LLC formation documents do not require disclosure of members or managers, which can provide limited privacy at the time of filing. However, Arkansas requires LLCs to disclose ownership information later through annual filings, meaning true anonymous LLCs are not supported in practice.

LLC filings and public business records are handled through the Arkansas Secretary of State. While basic company information such as the LLC name and registered agent is public at formation, Arkansas’s annual requirements ultimately make at least one owner or manager part of the public record.

Does Arkansas Allow Anonymous LLCs?

No. Although Arkansas does not require members or managers to be listed on the initial formation documents, Arkansas LLCs must disclose at least one member or manager on the annual franchise tax report. Because of this ongoing disclosure requirement, Arkansas does not allow anonymous LLCs in practice.

Federal beneficial ownership reporting requirements also apply.

How to Form an LLC in Arkansas (Privacy-Focused)

Arkansas does not support true anonymous LLCs, but you can still reduce public exposure by following standard privacy-focused formation steps.

Step 1: File Articles of Organization in Arkansas

LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Arkansas business filing system. Filings may be submitted online or by mail. The Articles of Organization generally require:

• LLC name
• Registered agent name and address

Members or managers are not listed on this document at formation unless you choose to include them.

Step 2: Use a Registered Agent in Arkansas

A registered agent is required to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC and must maintain a physical Arkansas address. Using a registered agent helps with privacy because the agent’s address appears on the public record instead of your personal address.

Step 3: Create a Private Operating Agreement

Operating agreements are not filed with the state. Your operating agreement privately defines:

• Ownership percentages
• Member rights
• Management authority
• Profit distributions

This is typically where member identities are documented internally.

Arkansas Annual Franchise Tax Requirements

Arkansas LLCs must file an annual franchise tax report. This filing requires disclosure of at least one member or manager, and that information becomes part of the public record. Failure to file can result in loss of good standing or administrative dissolution.

This annual disclosure is the primary reason Arkansas does not support anonymous LLCs.

Federal EIN and Reporting Rules for Arkansas LLCs

To operate, an LLC must obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, federal regulations require Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These BOI filings are confidential but mandatory.

This means ownership may stay off Arkansas formation documents initially, but it must still be reported annually to the state and confidentially to federal authorities.

What Information Is Public for an Arkansas LLC?

Public Arkansas LLC records generally include:

• LLC name
• Registered agent
• File number
• Formation date
• At least one member or manager (via the annual franchise tax report)

Key Limitations of Privacy in Arkansas LLCs

While Arkansas allows limited privacy at formation, anonymity is not maintained long-term. Owner information may be required by:

• The state through annual franchise tax filings
• Banks during account setup
• The IRS for tax purposes
• FinCEN through BOI reporting
• Courts under legal orders

Arkansas LLCs focus on reducing exposure at formation, not providing ongoing anonymity.