Whether you stay a single-member LLC or elect S Corp status, forming an LLC puts some of your business details on public record. Knowing what becomes public, which notices and solicitations you should expect, and how to handle them will help you protect your privacy and stay in good-standing.
What becomes public when you form an LLC
Entity formation is managed by different state agencies—most commonly the Secretary of State or Department of Revenue—and each state has different rules about what information becomes public. Once your LLC formation is approved, the following may be publicly available on the states’ database:
- Formation documents: Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation, including your LLC name, business/mailing address, and registered agent details
- Registered agent information: Name and address (using a personal address can lead to unwanted mail and privacy concerns)
- Member/manager details: Required in some states
- Business address: Publicly searchable if listed on formation documents
- Ongoing filings: Annual/biennial reports and amendments (less easily searchable than formation documents but available upon request)
Privacy choices and best practices
- Know your state's rules: Review disclosure requirements before filing if privacy is a priority
- Use a third-party registered agent: Keeps your personal address private and reduces solicitations (Collective uses Registered Agent Solutions Inc.)
- Consider a business address service: Verify your state accepts virtual addresses—some require physical street addresses and won't accept PMBs or PO Boxes
Official documents and notices you should expect
Keep these organized and accessible; they’re important for legal, financial, and tax compliance:
- Certificate of Formation/Articles of Organization: Proof of legal entity status
- Tax notices: Sales tax, payroll tax, income tax, and other obligations from state and federal agencies
- Annual/biennial report reminders: Required updates to maintain good standing (typically include fees)
- Franchise tax notices: Payment reminders if your state charges franchise tax
- Legal notices: Lawsuits, liens, or other legal communications (delivered to your registered agent)
- License/permit renewals: For industry-specific or local business requirements
- Regulatory communications: Industry-specific compliance updates
Why you’ll get more solicitations after filing
When you file an LLC, certain information becomes public record. Marketers collect these records and sell lists to companies targeting new businesses. Expect the highest volume in the first 1–3 months, with occasional offers continuing after.
Common types of solicitations
These solicitations are from third parties, not Collective. Collective does not sell or share your LLC information outside the scope described in our Privacy Policy.
- Business credit cards and loans
- Merchant services and payment processing
- Business insurance and benefits packages
- Accounting and payroll software
- Misleading "compliance" mailers: Often reference annual reports, certificates, or "state" deadlines using official-looking seals and urgent language—these are usually not from your state
- Business directories and advertising: Limited value; can usually be disregarded
- Corporate kits and minute books: You can prepare these yourself or find cost-effective alternatives
- Certificate services: Get Good Standing Certificates directly from your state at lower cost
- Annual report "assistance": Unnecessary—you can file yourself or through your registered agent
Tip: Official state communications come from the Secretary of State or clearly named state agencies, reference exact filing names and fees, and use .gov websites.
How to verify if something is legitimate
Most solicitations can be safely ignored. If you're unsure about any document or solicitation, message us through the Messaging Center in your Dashboard. Send a clear photo or PDF of the entire mailing (front and back), including any return envelope, website links, or QR codes. We'll help you determine what's important so you can stay compliant and maintain your privacy.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining legal, accounting, or other financial advice from an appropriate and/or licensed adviser, or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. Federal, state or local tax payments and penalties.