I'm starting a small consulting business and need to form an LLC in New York. The problem is I work from my apartment and really don't want my home address showing up on public records. Has anyone dealt with this? What are my options for keeping it private?
LLC formation
I want to form a New York LLC but don't want my home address online
You need a registered agent service. They'll use their address for the public filing. Costs maybe $100-150 a year. Just search "NY registered agent" and pick a reputable one.
I used a service for my LLC. It works but make sure they actually scan and forward your mail promptly. Some are slow.
Thanks. Is there any way to avoid the annual fee? I'm trying to keep startup costs low.
You can be your own registered agent and use a PO box, but NY requires a physical street address for the agent. So PO box alone won't cut it. Some people use a UPS store address but it's risky if they don't accept legal mail.
Actually, if you use a registered agent service, they become the agent and their address is public. Your home address won't appear. But you still need a separate business address for other filings? Not necessarily. The Articles of Organization only require the agent's address.
I formed my NY LLC last year. Used a registered agent. Cost $125/year. My home address never showed up online. Worth it for the privacy.
Also check if your county requires a business certificate filing (DBA). That might expose your address. In NYC, if you use a trade name, you file a business certificate with the county clerk. That does become public.
Good point about the DBA. But if you operate under the LLC's legal name, no DBA needed. So just don't use a trade name unless you have to.
So if I just use the LLC name and a registered agent, my home address stays private? That sounds straightforward.
Yes, that's correct. But remember your agent's address will be public. Some people use a virtual office as their business address for other purposes, but the Articles only need the agent.
One more thing: if you ever need to sue someone or get sued, your home address might come out in court documents. Privacy isn't absolute.
Also the NY Department of State will mail your filing receipt to the agent. Make sure they forward it. Otherwise you might miss important deadlines.