Question 1

Why is anonymity important for LLC owners?

Accepted Answer

Anonymity matters for a wide range of legitimate reasons. Many entrepreneurs want to protect their personal safety by keeping their name disconnected from their business in public records. Public exposure can invite frivolous lawsuits from opportunistic litigants who target visible business owners. It can also give competitors insight into your business activities that you'd rather keep private. In an era where public records are easily searchable online, maintaining anonymity helps protect against identity theft and unwanted solicitation. Whether you're a freelancer, real estate investor, or e-commerce seller, keeping your name out of public records is a proactive step to safeguard your personal life while you build your business.

Question 2

How does California's Secretary of State expose my information?

Accepted Answer

When you file Articles of Organization for an LLC in California, you're required to list the names of managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed). This information is submitted to the California Secretary of State and becomes part of the public record. Anyone can access the SOS business search database online and look up your LLC — and they'll see the names you listed. This is a significant privacy concern because it directly ties your personal name to your business entity. In contrast, states like Delaware and Wyoming do not display member or manager names in their Secretary of State public records, which is why they've historically been favored by privacy-minded business owners.

Question 3

How does LLC Armor protect my identity?

Accepted Answer

We include an extra step in the LLC formation process that achieves anonymity for your filing. After we complete your formation, your personal name will not appear in the California Secretary of State's public business search results. We guarantee anonymity upon registration — if your name does appear in the SOS business search after we complete your filing, we will issue a full refund. Claims must be filed within 7 days of registration. We keep the specific details of our process confidential, but the result is clear: your name stays private.

Question 4

Why not just file in Wyoming or Delaware for privacy?

Accepted Answer

Delaware and Wyoming have long been the go-to states for entrepreneurs seeking anonymity because their Secretaries of State do not publicly display LLC member or manager names. However, if you live in California or conduct business here, you are legally required to foreign-qualify your LLC — which means registering it with the California Secretary of State anyway. This creates significant additional costs: you'll pay filing fees and franchise taxes in both states, you'll need a registered agent in the other state, and you'll have ongoing compliance obligations in multiple jurisdictions. For most California-based entrepreneurs, the out-of-state approach adds complexity and expense without delivering the privacy benefit they were looking for. Our service gives you the same anonymity benefit while keeping everything within California — simpler, cheaper, and without the multi-state headaches.

Question 5

Do you provide an operating agreement?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not provide operating agreements or any other legal documents beyond the LLC formation filing itself. An operating agreement is an important document that outlines the ownership structure, management responsibilities, and operating procedures of your LLC. Because it is a legal document, we recommend having it drafted or reviewed by a licensed attorney. If you prefer a DIY approach, operating agreements can be created through online legal services such as LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, or free templates available from registered agent providers like Northwest Registered Agent. We focus exclusively on what we do best: privacy-focused LLC formation.

Question 6

Are you a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. LLC Armor LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a specialized filing service that helps entrepreneurs form anonymous California LLCs. Our services are informational and filing-based only. For legal questions about LLC structure, tax implications, operating agreements, or any other legal matters related to your business, we strongly recommend consulting with a licensed California attorney who can provide advice tailored to your specific situation.

Question 7

How long does the LLC formation process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on the California Secretary of State's current processing times, which can vary. Standard processing by the SOS typically takes approximately 5-7 business days after submission, though this timeframe can fluctuate based on filing volume. Expedited processing options are sometimes available through the SOS for an additional state fee, which can reduce the timeline to 24 hours. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and let you know the expected timeline based on current SOS processing speeds when you begin your filing.

Question 8

What is included in the $500 filing?

Accepted Answer

Our $500 Privacy LLC Filing includes: California LLC formation filing with the Secretary of State (preparation and submission of your Articles of Organization), our extra anonymity step that ensures your personal name does not appear in the SOS business search results, assistance with your Statement of Information filing, and dedicated email support throughout the entire process. We also include our money-back anonymity guarantee. What's NOT included: operating agreements, legal advice, registered agent services, or any other legal documents. Our service is focused specifically on privacy-protected LLC formation.

Question 9

What ongoing obligations do I have after forming my LLC?

Accepted Answer

After your California LLC is formed, you have several ongoing obligations to maintain good standing. First, you must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State within 90 days of formation and then every two years thereafter. The filing fee is $20. Second, California imposes an annual minimum franchise tax of $800, payable to the Franchise Tax Board. This tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC is formed and annually thereafter. There may be additional tax obligations depending on your LLC's income. We recommend consulting with a tax professional or CPA to understand your complete tax obligations and with an attorney for any legal compliance questions.

Question 10

What is your money-back guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Our guarantee is straightforward: if your personal name appears in the California Secretary of State's public business search after we complete your LLC filing, we will refund your $500 filing fee in full. This guarantee reflects our confidence in the anonymity our service provides. To make a claim, you must notify us within 7 days of your LLC registration date. We stand behind our work because we know our process delivers the privacy our clients expect.

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