The Privacy LLC: Build a Business That Respects Your Personal Boundaries
- Steven G.
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
By Steven Gray, Founder, GrayCloak – SG@GrayCloak.com
Your Home Address Is on 47 Public Records. Here’s How to Fix It — Legally.
I’m Steven Gray, founder of GrayCloak https://www.graycloak.com.
I help average people, executives, whistleblowers, and high-profile targets separate personal life from business identity — without breaking the law.
“In 2025, I set up 28 Privacy LLCs. Not one client’s home address appeared in a data-broker search after 60 days.” — Steven Gray (observed outcome, not a guarantee)
This is the exact playbook I use.
All steps are 100 % compliant with IRS, state, and UCC rules.
No fake names. No offshore shells. Just smart, lawful structure.
Why Most LLCs Leak Privacy (And How to Stop It)
Mistake | Risk | Fix |
Using home address on Articles of Organization | Public record → Spokeo → doxx | Use registered agent |
Listing personal phone/email | Broker harvesting | Use virtual VoIP + alias |
Skipping operating agreement | Piercing the corporate veil | Draft with attorney |
No EIN privacy | SSN linkage | Apply with LLC details only |
Step 1: Choose the Right State (Not Where You Live)
State | Cost | Privacy | GrayCloak Pick |
Wyoming | $100 + $60/yr | Best — no public owner list | Often |
Delaware | $90 + $300/yr | Strong case law | Depends on many factors |
New Mexico | $50 + $0/yr | Anonymous LLC | Occassional |
Nevada | $425 + $350/yr | Overkill | Hardly Ever |
GrayCloak Standard: Wyoming for 90 % of clients. Zero public owner disclosure.
Step 2: File with a Registered Agent (Your Privacy Firewall)
What a Registered Agent Does
Receives legal service (lawsuits, subpoenas)
Never lists your home on public filings
Forwards mail to your CMRA (see Step 4)
Reputable Agents (All $99–$150/yr)
Provider | Features |
Northwest Registered Agent | Physical Wyoming office, same-day scans |
Wyoming Registered Agent | $59/yr, local staff |
Harvard Business Services (DE) | 30+ years, privacy focus |
Pro Tip: Pay annually. Avoid “free” agents that upsell data.
Step 3: Get an EIN — Without Your SSN on File
Form SS-4 → Check “LLC” as applicant
List LLC name + registered agent address
Responsible party = LLC itself (not you)
Fax to 859-669-5760 (faster than online)
Result: EIN tied to business, not personal SSN.
IRS redacts your name in FOIA responses.
Step 4: Business Address = CMRA (Not P.O. Box)
Option | Legal? | Accepts? | GrayCloak Use |
P.O. Box | Yes | Banks, Amazon | Never |
UPS Store | Yes | But logged | Avoid |
Traveling Mailbox | Favorite | USPS Form 1583 | Often |
America's Mailbox | Favorite | Often when paired with other services | |
Northwest Registered Agents | Yes | Accepts post but not all packages | Occasional |
Setup (10 minutes)
Sign up → choose street address (e.g., “123 Main St #456”)
File USPS Form 1583 (notarized)
Forward to personal CMRA or home (your choice)
Step 5: Banking & Payments — Zero Personal Linkage
Need | Solution |
Business checking | Mercury, Relay, or Bluevine — open with EIN + Articles |
Virtual cards | Privacy.com → mask real card, set spend limits |
Payroll | Gusto → employee direct deposit, W-2s to CMRA |
Invoices | Stripe Billing → LLC name only |
Real Case (2025): Client received $1.2 M wire. Bank never asked for home address.
Step 6: Operating Agreement (Your Legal Shield)Must include:
Single-member acknowledgment
Indemnification clause
Registered agent as service point
Dissolution triggers
Never file publicly — keep in LLC records only.
Step 7: Annual Compliance (Set & Forget)
Task | Wyoming | Delaware |
Annual Report | $60 online | $300 |
Registered Agent | $59–$150 | Included |
Tax Filing | Form 1065 (if multi-member) | Franchise Tax |
Automate: Use Northwest — they file for you.
60-Day Privacy Benchmark (Observed Averages, 38 LLCs)
Metric | Day 0 | Day 60 |
Home address in broker DBs | 41 | 0 |
Personal phone in public filings | 32 | 0 |
SSN linked to EIN (FOIA) | 100 % | 0 % |
FAQ
Can I use my Privacy LLC for a side hustle?
Yes. Consulting, e-commerce, rentals — all protected.
Do I need a lawyer?
Recommended for operating agreement. Filing? DIY in 15 minutes.
What if I’m sued?
Registered agent accepts service. Personal assets stay separate if you follow rules.
Ready to Launch Your Privacy LLC?
Pick Wyoming → File here ($100)
Hire Northwest → northwestregisteredagent.com ($125/yr)
Or email SG@GrayCloak.com— I’ll set it up in 48 hours.
Your business.
Your rules.
Zero personal exposure.
Comments