How to form an LLC in Nevada

Who should form an LLC in Nevada?

Anyone who lives in Nevada or runs their business from there. If you form in another state but operate in Nevada, you will usually have to register there as a foreign LLC anyway, paying both states' fees. See home state or another state.

How do you form an LLC in Nevada, step by step?

1. Choose and check the name

   Search the state's business records and include "LLC", "L.L.C." or "Limited Liability Company" in the name.

2. Appoint a registered agent

   A person or company with a physical street address in Nevada. See what a registered agent is.

3. File the Articles of Organization

   Online through the Nevada Secretary of State's portal, together with the Initial List and State Business License application, for $425 in total. The Articles ask for the name, registered agent, management structure and the managers or managing members.

4. Get an EIN and sign an operating agreement

   The EIN is free from the IRS. See LLC operating agreement.

5. Register for state taxes

   Sales tax and payroll as needed. Then note the first yearly filing date.

What does Nevada require every year?

An Annual List of managers or managing members ($150) and a State Business License renewal ($200), $350 a year, filed by the last day of the month in which the LLC was formed. Late filings carry a penalty, and continued failure leads to revocation.

For deadlines, fees and late penalties in detail, see Nevada LLC yearly filings.

Is Nevada worth it if you do not live there?

Usually not. Nevada's lack of state income tax helps only for income from activity in Nevada. A business run from another state still pays that state's taxes and usually registers there too, so the owner pays Nevada's $350 a year for little benefit. See which state to form your LLC in. For a side-by-side with Delaware, see Delaware vs Nevada LLC.

Should you file it yourself or use a formation service?

Filing yourself costs only the state fee, and the Nevada filing is short enough for most owners to complete. A formation service saves time, can act as your registered agent and may send reminders for yearly filings, but compare total yearly costs: low headline prices are often paired with paid add-ons such as expedited filing, operating agreements or EIN applications, which you can do yourself free. Whichever you choose, keep the approved filing, the EIN letter and your operating agreement together. See how much an LLC costs.

Can a non-resident form an LLC in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada has no residency or citizenship requirement for an LLC's members or managers. You need a registered agent with a Nevada street address and an EIN; a foreign owner without a Social Security number applies for the EIN on Form SS-4. A single-member LLC owned by a foreign person files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even with no US income. See can a non-resident own a US LLC and annual filings for foreign-owned LLCs.

What happens if you miss a required report?

The state usually charges a late fee and marks the LLC as not in good standing, which can block a certificate of good standing, a bank account or a loan. If the filing stays overdue, the state can administratively dissolve the LLC, ending its liability protection and its claim to the name. Reinstatement means filing every missing report and paying the fees owed, so put the dates in your calendar. See reinstating a dissolved LLC.

Which Nevada taxes apply to an LLC?

Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax. It does have a Commerce Tax on businesses with Nevada gross revenue above $4 million a year, a Modified Business Tax on payroll for employers, and a state sales tax with local additions.

If you sell online, see Nevada sales tax for online sellers.

Federally, a Nevada LLC is taxed like any other LLC. See how LLCs are taxed. For a side-by-side view of state costs, see how much an LLC costs.

This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.