How to Determine Who Owns an LLC

However, determining who owns an LLC is a critical step in both forming and researching a business. When an LLC is created, its owners called members are often listed in the company's formation documents. Whether you are concerned about your own ownership details being publicly available or you are trying to identify the owner of an LLC you want to work with, understanding how LLC ownership works is essential.

This guide explains what LLC ownership means, why ownership information can be important, how to find it, and whether it is possible or advisable to keep LLC ownership private.

What Is the Owner of an LLC Called?

The owners of an LLC are referred to as members. Depending on how the LLC is structured, members may also serve as managers of the business.

The LLC's management structure determines how authority and responsibilities are divided. These roles, titles, and duties should be clearly defined in the company's operating agreement, which outlines how the business is owned and managed.

Is an LLC Owner the Same as an LLC Member?

Yes. In an LLC, the terms owner and member mean the same thing. Every LLC must have at least one member, though many LLCs have multiple members.

Each member owns a percentage of the business, typically based on their capital contribution. This contribution may include cash, property, equipment, or other assets used to start or operate the business.

Benefits of Knowing Who Owns an LLC

Before entering into any business relationship, it is wise to research the company thoroughly. Understanding a business's ownership, history, financial standing, and legal background can help you make informed decisions.

Knowing who owns an LLC can be especially useful in situations such as:

• You are a vendor seeking to become a regular supplier
• You are a vendor who is owed money by the LLC
• You are a customer with unresolved issues related to a product or service
• You are considering legal action against the LLC

Identifying the LLC's owner can make communication easier and help resolve disputes more efficiently.

Ownership information can also influence whether or how you choose to do business with a company. Further research may reveal past legal disputes, failed ventures, or other background details that affect your level of trust or risk assessment.

Ways to Identify an LLC's Owner

Although many states require LLC ownership information to be publicly disclosed, others do not. Privacy concerns are common among business owners, which can make identifying LLC members more challenging.

Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to try to find this information.

Check the Articles of Organization Through the State Business Registry

In many states, LLC members are listed in the Articles of Organization, which are filed with the secretary of state. These documents are usually public records.

You can search for the LLC through your state's online business registry. Once you locate the business record, you may be able to view ownership details or download the formation documents.

If the articles are not available online, you can usually request a copy from the secretary of state for a fee. Requests may be submitted online or by mail, and processing times vary by state. Some states offer expedited service for faster access.

Review the Business's Website

A company's website is often a helpful source of information. Start by visiting the "About Us" page, where businesses commonly share their history, mission, and leadership details.

You can also check the "Careers" page, which may list key management personnel. Since LLC members frequently act as managers, their names may appear there.

Additionally, browse the "News," "Press," or "Media" sections for press releases or articles that reference the company's founders or owners.

Contact the Business Directly

Another option is to contact the business by phone or email. In some cases, employees or representatives may be willing to share ownership information or connect you with the owner directly.

This approach can sometimes provide quick answers, but it is not always successful. Many business owners prefer to keep their personal information private.

Use Business and Employment Profiles

Third-party business information platforms can also be helpful. Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, the Better Business Bureau, and LinkedIn often include company profiles.

These profiles may list owners, founders, or executives. Even if ownership is not explicitly stated, reviewing employee listings and leadership roles can provide useful clues. LinkedIn is particularly valuable, as many business owners maintain active profiles.

If you need more detailed information, you can hire a professional data reporting service such as Dun & Bradstreet to assist with ownership research.

Use Search Engines

A simple internet search is often the fastest place to start. Searching for terms like "[LLC name] owner" may produce results that identify the owner or lead you to articles, interviews, social media posts, or business filings that include ownership information.

Even if the owner's name is not immediately revealed, search results can point you toward additional sources worth investigating.

Can LLC Ownership Be Hidden?

Yes, LLC ownership can be kept private in certain situations, though it may require additional planning and expense.

One of the simplest options is forming an LLC in a state that allows anonymous LLCs. These states do not require member names to be publicly disclosed.

States that allow anonymous LLCs include:

• Delaware
• New Mexico
• Wyoming
• Nevada

If you do not live in one of these states, there are still alternative strategies.

Manager-Managed LLCs

In some states, a manager-managed LLC can list a third-party manager or management service instead of the actual owner. This allows the owner's personal information to remain off public records.

Using a Trust

Another option is to place LLC ownership under a trust. Trusts are legally permitted to be LLC members. By forming an anonymous trust and listing it as the LLC's member, the individual owner's identity can be kept private.

Using Multiple LLCs

The most complex and costly method involves forming two LLCs. One LLC is formed in an anonymous-LLC state using a registered agent service. That LLC then becomes the owner of a second LLC formed in your home state.

Because the parent LLC is registered in an anonymous state, your personal information remains protected in public filings.

Final Thoughts on LLC Ownership Privacy

While it is possible to hide LLC ownership, doing so can require significant effort and expense especially if you do not live in a state that supports anonymous LLCs.

Additionally, excessive secrecy may raise questions about a business's legitimacy or operations. Before taking steps to conceal ownership, it is wise to consider the potential legal, financial, and reputational implications.