How to Start an LLC in Nevada (Step-by-Step Guide)

Forming an LLC in Nevada requires filing Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State, along with an Initial List of Managers/Members and a State Business License, for a total of $425 in mandatory fees. Online filings through the SilverFlume portal are processed within 1 business day.

Nevada is popular for LLC formation due to its lack of state income tax and strong privacy protections. However, the higher formation and annual costs ($350/year in recurring state fees) mean that Nevada isn’t always the best choice — especially if you live and do business in another state. Here’s how to form your Nevada LLC step by step.

Follow these steps to start your Nevada LLC in 2026.

How to Start an LLC in Nevada (6 Steps)

Step 1: Name Your Nevada LLC

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other business names registered in Nevada. The name must include “Limited-Liability Company,” “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” Your name is the foundation of your brand, so take time to choose something that represents your business well.

Search the Nevada Secretary of State’s business entity search to check availability. You can also reserve a name for 90 days by filing a Name Reservation ($25 fee).

Nevada naming rules:

• Must be distinguishable from any existing business entity registered in Nevada
• Cannot include words suggesting it’s a bank, insurance company, or government entity without proper authorization
• Must include an LLC designator
• Cannot imply a purpose the LLC is not authorized to carry out

Tips for choosing your name:

• Check domain name availability for your business website
• Search the USPTO trademark database to avoid conflicts
• Keep it simple, memorable, and easy to spell
• Consider how the name will look on business cards, signage, and online

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Nevada requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in Nevada. The registered agent accepts legal documents, government notices, and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC. The agent must be available during normal business hours.

You have three options for your registered agent:

Option 1: Be your own registered agent. If you have a Nevada address, you can list yourself. This saves money but makes your address public record and requires you to be available during business hours.

Option 2: Appoint a trusted person. Any Nevada resident with a physical address can serve as your agent.

Option 3: Use a professional service. Our top recommendation is Northwest Registered Agent ($39/year), which also handles LLC formation for $39 + the $425 state fee. Professional services protect your privacy and ensure reliable document handling.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

File Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State. You can file online through the SilverFlume portal or by mail. Online filing is strongly recommended — it’s the fastest option and provides immediate confirmation.

Filing details:

• Articles of Organization fee: $75
• Initial List of Managers/Members: $150 (required at time of filing)
• State Business License: $200 (required at time of filing)
• Total formation cost: $425
• Online filing: SilverFlume at nvsilverflume.gov (recommended — fastest processing)
• Processing time: 1 business day (online), 1-2 weeks (mail)
• Expedited options: 24-hour ($125 extra), 2-hour ($500 extra), 1-hour ($1,000 extra)

Information required:

• LLC name
• Registered agent name and Nevada street address
• Names and addresses of managers or managing members
• Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
• Organizer name and address

About the three fees: Nevada is unique in requiring three separate filings (and three separate fees) during formation. The Articles of Organization creates your LLC, the Initial List identifies your members or managers, and the State Business License authorizes you to conduct business. All three must be filed to complete formation.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Nevada doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, but having one is strongly recommended. This document establishes ownership percentages, profit distribution methods, voting rights, and management procedures.

Nevada law provides strong protections for LLC operating agreements. Courts will generally uphold the terms of your agreement, giving you significant freedom to structure your LLC as you see fit.

Your operating agreement should include:

• Member ownership percentages and capital contributions
• Profit and loss distribution rules
• Voting procedures and member rights
• Rules for adding or removing members
• Management structure and responsibilities
• Dissolution procedures

Even single-member LLCs should have an operating agreement. It reinforces your liability protection and is usually required to open a business bank account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. It’s free and takes about 15 minutes online. Your EIN is your business’s tax identification number and is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.

Get your EIN even if you’re a single-member LLC with no employees. Using an EIN instead of your Social Security number on business documents helps protect your personal identity.

Step 6: Obtain and Maintain Your Nevada State Business License

All Nevada LLCs must maintain a State Business License, which is included in your initial formation filing ($200). This license must be renewed annually for $200. You must also file an Annual List of Managers or Members ($150) each year.

Annual filing details:

• Annual List fee: $150/year
• Business License renewal: $200/year
• Total annual state fees: $350/year
• Due date: Last day of the anniversary month of your LLC’s formation
• Late fees: $150 penalty for late Annual List filing

Local licenses: You may also need city or county business licenses depending on your location and industry. Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have their own licensing requirements. Check with your local government for specifics.

Nevada LLC Costs

Total first-year cost: $425-$724 (depending on whether you use a registered agent service). Nevada’s ongoing annual costs ($350/year for the Annual List and business license) are among the highest in the country. See our complete guide to LLC costs by state.

Ongoing annual costs: After formation, expect to pay at least $350/year in state fees (Annual List + Business License), plus registered agent fees if you use a service. While Nevada has no state income tax, these high annual fees can offset the tax savings for small businesses.

Nevada LLC Taxes

Nevada has no personal or corporate state income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for LLC owners on the surface. However, this advantage must be carefully weighed against higher formation and annual fees, plus the fact that you’ll still owe taxes to your home state if you live elsewhere.

• State income tax: None — Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax
• Commerce tax: 0.051% to 0.331% on gross revenue over $4 million annually (most small LLCs are exempt)
• Sales tax: 6.85% state rate, plus up to 1.53% local tax (total up to 8.375% depending on location)
• Self-employment tax: 15.3% federal (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on net self-employment income
• Federal income tax: Standard pass-through taxation — profits pass to members’ personal returns

Important tax consideration: While Nevada charges no state income tax, LLC members must still pay federal income tax and self-employment tax on their share of profits. If you live in a state with income tax (like California, New York, etc.), you’ll still owe income tax to your home state on LLC profits — forming in Nevada doesn’t eliminate that obligation.

Commerce tax note: The Nevada Commerce Tax applies only to businesses with gross revenue exceeding $4 million per year. The rate varies by industry category, ranging from 0.051% to 0.331%. Most small LLCs fall well below this threshold and owe no Commerce Tax.

Annual Requirements for Nevada LLCs

• Annual List: Due on the last day of the anniversary month each year. Filing fee is $150. Late filing incurs a $150 penalty.
• Business License renewal: Due on the last day of the anniversary month each year. Fee is $200.
• Commerce Tax return: File annually if gross revenue exceeds $4 million. Due 45 days after the end of your fiscal year.
• Sales tax: If selling taxable goods or services, register with the Nevada Department of Taxation and collect sales tax.
• Maintain a registered agent: Must have a registered agent with a Nevada physical address at all times.

Should You Form an LLC in Nevada?

Nevada is often marketed as a top state for LLC formation, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Here are the key considerations:

Nevada may be a good choice if:

• You live and do business in Nevada (you’ll benefit from no state income tax)
• Privacy is a top priority (Nevada offers strong privacy protections)
• You need strong asset protection laws

Nevada may not be the best choice if:

• You live in another state — you’ll still owe your home state’s income tax
• You do business in another state — you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC there (additional fees and paperwork)
• You’re on a tight budget — the $425 formation cost and $350/year in annual fees are among the highest in the country

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to form an LLC in Nevada?

Online filings through SilverFlume are processed within 1 business day. Mail filings take 1-2 weeks. Nevada also offers premium expedited processing: 24-hour service ($125 extra), 2-hour service ($500 extra), and 1-hour service ($1,000 extra).

Is Nevada a good state to form an LLC?

Nevada is popular for its lack of state income tax and strong privacy protections. However, the formation cost ($425) and annual fees ($350/year) are among the highest in the country. If you don’t live or do business in Nevada, you’ll pay Nevada fees plus registration fees in your home state, and you’ll still owe your home state’s income tax. For most people, forming in their home state is the more practical choice.

Can I form a Nevada LLC if I live in another state?

Yes, but think carefully about whether it makes sense. You’ll need a Nevada registered agent, and if you do business in your home state, you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC there too. You’ll also still owe income tax to your home state. This means paying fees to two states instead of one. See our how to start an LLC guide for more on choosing the right state.

Does Nevada have a franchise tax?

No. Nevada does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. However, businesses with annual gross revenue exceeding $4 million are subject to the Commerce Tax, which ranges from 0.051% to 0.331% depending on business category. Most small businesses fall below this threshold.

What are the annual costs of maintaining a Nevada LLC?

After formation, you’ll pay $150/year for the Annual List and $200/year for Business License renewal — a total of $350 annually in state fees alone. If you use a registered agent service, add that cost as well ($39-$299/year). This makes Nevada one of the most expensive states for ongoing LLC maintenance.

Does Nevada require an operating agreement?

No, Nevada doesn’t legally require an operating agreement. However, we strongly recommend creating one. Nevada law provides strong protections for operating agreements, and courts will generally uphold your agreement’s terms. It’s also usually required by banks to open a business account.

Do I need a local business license in Nevada?

In addition to the state business license ($200/year), you may need city or county business licenses. Clark County (Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), and most cities have their own licensing requirements. Check with your local government for specifics.

Start an LLC in Another State

Click your state below for a step-by-step formation guide with filing fees, requirements, and timelines.