Skip to main content

Why the Rich Are Not Using LLCs Anymore (And What They're Using Instead)

Why the Rich Are Not Using LLCs Anymore – Offshore Structures in 2025
The ultra-rich are replacing outdated LLCs with stealthier offshore foundations and trusts in 2025 for better privacy, control, and tax strategy.

Why the Rich Are Not Using LLCs Anymore (And What They're Using Instead)

In 2025, the wealthy have started walking away from traditional LLCs. While Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) were once the go-to structure for asset protection and tax planning, they're now viewed as outdated — and in some cases, risky. So why the shift?

LLCs Are No Longer “Low Profile”

Thanks to advances in AI-driven data tracking and transparency laws, LLCs—especially in the U.S.—are no longer private. Beneficial ownership registries now expose members’ identities in jurisdictions once considered “safe.” This has driven high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to explore better structures with more discretion.

What the Ultra-Rich Are Using Instead

Rather than U.S.-based LLCs, here’s what many are shifting toward:

  • Offshore Foundations – Jurisdictions like Panama or Liechtenstein allow for wealth separation from personal name and tax-friendly inheritance planning.
  • Trusts Anchored in Asset Protection Jurisdictions – Such as the Cook Islands, Dubai, and Nevis, where disclosure is minimal and control can be retained discreetly.
  • Private Interest Foundations – With no shareholders and no disclosure requirement, these beat LLCs in legacy and privacy planning.

One structure rapidly gaining popularity in 2025 is the U.S. Anonymous LLC through doola, particularly for those needing U.S. payment access without compromising privacy. But for real asset defense? HNWIs are going beyond U.S. borders.

Tax & Compliance Are Driving the Shift

LLCs are still subject to IRS scrutiny, FATCA compliance, and even local state franchise taxes. Meanwhile, properly structured offshore foundations or trusts can eliminate this exposure entirely.

What You Can Do Instead

If you're still using an LLC and want better privacy, stronger protection, and more compliant tax efficiency, consider these:

  • StartGlobal – For fast U.S. LLC setup with EIN + Stripe bank access.
  • doola Anonymous LLC – Recommended if you still need a U.S. LLC but want better shielding.
  • LegalZoom – Great for legal trust drafting if going the offshore route.

Related Reads

Stop thinking in LLCs. Start thinking in legacy-level structures.

Popular posts from this blog

How Offshore Trusts Protect Ultra-High Net Worth Assets

Understanding Offshore Trusts for Wealth Protection For individuals with ultra-high net worth, offshore trusts are no longer a secretive tactic—they are a legitimate strategy for asset protection, estate planning, and global wealth management. These legal entities, often established in jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands or the Cook Islands, provide robust layers of separation between assets and potential claimants. Why Offshore Trusts Are Effective Offshore trusts offer powerful benefits that include tax optimization, privacy, and legal insulation from litigation. They are often used to protect real estate, investment portfolios, and business holdings. A trust, once created, holds ownership of the assets, removing them from the grantor’s personal estate while maintaining structured control over how they are distributed. Key Features of an Offshore Trust Legal Separation: Assets are no longer under direct ownership of the grantor. Asset Protection: Shielded from lawsui...

Top Reasons to Open a Foreign Bank Account in 2025

Why Foreign Bank Accounts Are Gaining Popularity In 2025, individuals and businesses are increasingly turning to foreign bank accounts to protect wealth, diversify currency holdings, and access global financial services. With rising concerns over inflation, government overreach, and geopolitical instability, offshore banking offers security and strategic advantages. 1. Asset Protection from Domestic Lawsuits Placing funds in foreign jurisdictions can insulate assets from domestic court rulings or sudden account freezes. Especially when combined with structures like Asset Protection Trusts , foreign accounts provide powerful legal insulation. 2. Currency Diversification and Hedging Foreign accounts allow depositors to hold multiple currencies—shielding value from local currency devaluation or central bank policies. This is particularly useful for retirement planning, international investments, or global business operations. 3. Tax Optimization Opportunities While f...

Top 10 Free Gift Card Offers You Can Claim in the USA (No Surveys)

U.S. residents can now claim free gift cards like Amazon, Dunkin, and Apple Watch without surveys or purchases in 2025. 🎁 Get Free Gift Cards & Samples in the USA (No Purchase. No Survey.) 🔥 U.S. residents only: You can now claim free gift cards and real product samples from top brands — all they ask for is your email. No surveys. No shipping fees. No apps. Here are the current verified offers that are still active (click and enter your email to claim): 🍩 Dunkin Donuts Samples – Limited batch 🍔 Wendy's Tasting Box – U.S. only ⌚ Apple Watch Giveaway – Confirm your email 🛒 $1000 Amazon Gift Card – First 500 only 📱 iPhone 16 Pro – Early access link 🛍️ $500 Aldi Gift Card – Instant eligibility 💵 $1000 Cash App Gift Card – Claim in 30 sec 🎁 Electronics Mystery Box – Worth up to $1000 🔥 Buffalo Wild Wings Free Tasting Pack 🥤 Free Stanley Mug (2025 Special) 🚨 Important: These are limited-time offers only for U.S. users. Once a quota...