Start an LLC in Nevada
Start a Nevada LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State for a minimum of $425. Use our free tool to do it yourself, or hire us and have your LLC filed with Privacy by Default® for $39. This includes a free domain name, web hosting, email address, phone line, brand protection, and a year of registered agent service.
Fill Out Nevada Articles of Organization
Use our free tool to fill out your Nevada Articles of Organization right here. We’ll walk you through it.
How to Start an LLC in Nevada
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a permanent public record. Starting one requires sharing personal information with the government, banks, landlords, vendors, and of course, customers. We provide a free business identity to anyone who needs it—that’s a domain name, website, phone line, email address, and brand protection on day one. This helps protect your privacy and keep you in control of your intellectual property.
1. Name Your LLC
You’ll need to choose your business name before you do anything else. A good LLC name will be an effective way to brand your business while also complying with state laws regarding business names.
By law, your LLC name should not be too similar to any other names already registered in Nevada. Here’s some tips for avoiding confusion:
- Perform a Nevada business name search to see if your name is available.
- Search available domain names for one that matches or pairs well with your business name.
- Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure nothing too similar is already being used at the federal level.
Can I reserve a business name in Nevada?
Yes. You can reserve your name for 90 days by submitting a Name Reservation Request to the Nevada Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25.
What’s the difference between my LLC’s name and a fictitious name?
The business name you put on your LLC formation documents is its official name. Any other name your business uses is a fictitious name (also called a doing business as name or DBA).
To use a DBA in Nevada, you must file a Fictitious Firm Name (FFN) certificate with the county clerk where your business is located. The filing fee changes depending on the county, but most are between $20 and $25.
Want us to file your Nevada DBA for you? For just $125 + state fees, we’ll file your DBA when you hire us to form your company or be your registered agent.
2. Register Your Domain
Your domain name opens up a world of options. From launching a website, building social media profiles, setting up email communications, and printing business cards, there’s a whole lot of new-business stuff you can’t do until you choose a domain name.
When you choose your business domain, consider:
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Does your domain work well with your business name?
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Is your domain easy to remember and spell?
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Is your domain available wherever else you want it, like social platforms, trademarks, or business name registries?
Once you have a domain you’re happy with, it’s time to claim it. When you order your domain through Northwest, you’ll also get a professional website, hosted and secured through us. We’ve been doing this for more than 25 years, so our services are built on trust.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
Your Nevada registered agent is responsible for accepting legal mail on behalf of your LLC. Every LLC operating in Nevada is required to have one. You can be your own registered agent, appoint another individual, or hire a registered agent service.
No matter who your registered agent is, they must adhere to certain rules. Most importantly, your registered agent needs to be available during regular business hours at a Nevada street address where they can accept service of process on your LLC’s behalf.
The registered agent you use is a key part of your business identity.
What’s a business identity?
A business identity is the way you present yourself to the world, including potential customers and clients. You start building a business identity as soon as you form a business, and at Northwest, our registered agent service can help strengthen that identity.
Can I be my own registered agent for my LLC in Nevada?
Yes. As long as you don’t mind your address’s presence on the public record and can maintain in-person business hours year-round, you can be your own registered agent in Nevada. For peace of mind, many business owners hire a registered agent service like Northwest.
At Northwest, our LLCs are formed by real people. Our Corporate Guides® stay available to answer questions throughout the life of your business, not just at signup.
Can I change my Nevada registered agent after I start my LLC?
Yes. You can change your registered agent in Nevada by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Secretary of State and paying a $60 filing fee.
To make any other changes to your Articles of Organization, you’ll need to file to amend your Articles of Organization and pay $175.
4. File LLC Articles of Organization
To start your LLC in Nevada, you’ll need to submit Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State alongside an Initial List and State Business License Application. You can submit your Articles and supporting documents online, by mail, or in person. Already running a Nevada corporation? Rather than starting from scratch, you can convert your corporation to an LLC.
Below is the information you’ll need to file your Articles:
Company Name
Make sure it includes limited liability company, LLC, or a variation.
Registered Agent Name and Street Address
In addition, you must specify if they’re a commercial registered agent (like Northwest), noncommercial (an individual), or if they hold a position at your company. If they have a different mailing address, such as a P.O. Box, provide that, too.
Registered Agent Signature
Your registered agent must sign to confirm they agree to the appointment. If they’re unable to sign, a Certificate of Acceptance of Appointment needs to be attached.
Management Structure
Check a box indicating whether your LLC is managed by members or managers.
Manager Info
The names and addresses (P.O. Box or street) of the people who will manage your LLC. These may or may not be LLC members.
Dissolution Date (Optional)
Most LLCs don’t have a dedicated end-date. But if yours does, put it here. If you decide to close your business down the road, you’ll need to formally dissolve your Nevada LLC with the Secretary of State.
Series LLC and Restricted LLC (Optional)
Relevant only if you have a Series or Restricted LLC. A Nevada Series LLC is nestled under a parent LLC and maintains its own assets, liability, and interests. Restricted LLCs are unique to Nevada and are used solely for estate planning. Licensed professionals, such as doctors, attorneys, and accountants, may need to form a Nevada PLLC (professional limited liability company) instead of a standard LLC.
Organizer
The name, address, and signature of whoever completes your Articles. Hire Northwest to form your company and our info will go here.
Additional documents
- Initial List and State Business License Application: You need to provide a list of the names and addresses of everyone who manages your LLC. This form also serves as the Nevada State Business License Application.
- Certificate of Acceptance of Appointment by Registered Agent: This form only needs to be filled out if your registered agent is unable to sign your Articles of Organization.
If you’re filing online, Nevada’s business portal will guide you toward the appropriate state form.
5. Create an Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is an internal document that puts your company’s rules and processes into writing. Your operating agreement is where you establish guidelines and standards for things like voting, dispute resolution, and initial investments. It’s also the place to set out the process for adding members to your Nevada LLC as your business grows.
While Nevada doesn’t require LLCs to adopt operating agreements, having one is more than just good practice. Not only does an operating agreement help your business run smoothly, it can help your LLC maintain its limited liability status in the face of a lawsuit.
6. Get an EIN
To keep your Nevada company functional, you need to keep your business finances organized and secure. The first step is getting an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, the number assigned to your business by the IRS for tax purposes.
Having an EIN also makes it easier to open a business bank account. This is an essential element of maintaining your LLC’s limited liability and keeping the business separate from its owners. If you mix personal and business finances, a court could revoke your limited liability protection.
7. File Your Annual Report
To ensure your LLC is on good terms with both the state and federal government, you’ll need to stay on top of these tax and reporting requirements:
- Annual List and Business License: Nevada LLCs must file an Annual List and State Business License Application with the Secretary of State, due by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month. Also called an annual report, it updates the state on your business’s ownership and contact information while renewing your business license. The total cost is $350. If your address changes between filings, here’s how to change your business address in Nevada. Worried you’ll forget? Let us file your Nevada Annual Report for you.
- Taxes: LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. This means profits pass to members, who account for them on their personal tax returns. Nevada doesn’t collect personal income tax, which is good news for those looking to start an LLC in the state.
What taxes do LLCs pay in Nevada?
There are a few tax obligations Nevada business owners need to be aware of:
- All Nevada LLCs collect the 6.85% state sales tax, as well as any additional county sales tax. To collect and pay Nevada sales tax, register with the Department of Taxation by submitting the Nevada Business Registration form.
- LLCs with employees file a Nevada Modified Business Tax Return, which is a 1.17% quarterly tax on wages. This tax kicks in after the first $50,000 in wages each quarter.
- LLCs making over $4 million in gross revenue pay a commerce tax, which varies by industry.
Maintaining accurate financial records is crucial for staying compliant with tax obligations as a Nevada LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of starting a Nevada LLC is a minimum of $425, which includes the $75 Articles of Organization, $150 Initial List, and $200 Business License. If you file online or pay with a card, you’ll owe $436 after the 2.5% processing fee.
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