How to Form an LLC in Nevada (2025 Guide) | Benefits, Costs & Steps

Nevada remains one of the most popular states for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. If you're wondering how to form an LLC in Nevada, you're not alone. Over 99.3% of all businesses in the Silver State are small businesses¹, proving that it fosters a friendly environment for new and existing entrepreneurs.

This guide will explain the steps, requirements, benefits, and costs involved in starting an LLC in Nevada. If you're in an international company or a company outside of Nevada, try Wise Business. It allow yours growing business to hold, send, and receive money internationally.

Do you send and receive global payments?

Try Wise Business >>

Wise Trustpilot Score: Excellent 4.3 out of 5 stars
No minimum balance requirement and no monthly fees
Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, and more

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

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Nevada LLC

Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from other businesses on record with the Nevada Secretary of State. It must also include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or approved abbreviations like "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "Ltd."

Before moving forward, search the Nevada business name database² to ensure your desired name is available. You can reserve your name for 90 days by filing a name reservation request.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

Nevada requires every LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical street address in the state (no P.O. boxes). The registered agent accepts legal and government documents on behalf of your company.

You can appoint:

• Yourself, if you live in Nevada.
• A hired registered agent service.
• A business entity authorized to operate in Nevada.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary

To officially create your LLC, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State³. Information required includes:

• Your LLC name
• Your registered agent's information
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Names and addresses of LLC members or managers

You can file online or by mail; the current filing fee is $75.

Step 4: File the Initial List and State Business License Application

Within 30 days of filing your Articles of Organization, you must submit:

• An Initial List of Managers or Managing Members ($150 fee)
• A State Business License Application ($200 fee)

Both documents can be filed together with the Articles to save time.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Although not required by Nevada law, it’s essential to have an operating agreement. This document outlines ownership percentages, voting rights, member responsibilities, and distribution of profits and losses. It helps establish clear rules among LLC members and protects your limited liability status.

Step 6: Obtain an EIN from the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is necessary if your LLC will hire employees, open a business bank account, or file certain federal taxes. You can apply for an EIN online directly with the IRS⁴ at no cost.

Step 7: Register for State Business Taxes

Depending on your industry, you may need to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation. Businesses engaged in selling goods or services may require a sales tax permit. LLCs with gross revenue exceeding $4 million annually must also pay the Nevada Commerce Tax.

Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account

You must open a dedicated business bank account to separate your personal and company finances. Most banks require your EIN, a copy of the Articles of Organization, and a copy of your operating agreement to open the account.

What are the Business Requirements for a Nevada LLC?

Before you move forward with forming your LLC, it’s important to know what Nevada requires to stay compliant:

• Articles of Organization: File with the Nevada Secretary
• Registered Agent: Must have a Nevada-based physical street address
• Operating Agreement: Strongly recommended to clarify LLC members' duties
• State Business License: Mandatory for all Nevada LLCs
• Initial List of Managers/Members: Required within 30 days of formation
• State Business Taxes Registration: Depending on your business activity
• Annual Reports: Submit the Annual List and renew the State Business License yearly

Skipping any of these steps could affect your LLC’s ability to operate legally in Nevada.

What are the Benefits of Starting an LLC in Nevada?

Nevada’s reputation for business friendliness is well earned. Here’s why many entrepreneurs research how to form an LLC in Nevada:

• No State Income Tax: Neither personal nor corporate income taxes apply
• Privacy: Nevada does not require LLC owners' names to be publicly disclosed
• Strong Asset Protection: LLC members and managers enjoy strong protections against personal liability
• Business-Friendly Courts: Nevada has a specialized business court system that resolves disputes quickly
• No Requirement for Physical Presence: Foreign entities and non-residents can form LLCs without living in the state

Nevada’s tax structure and legal protections create an attractive environment for small businesses and startups.

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Nevada?

To form an LLC in Nevada, you must pay several required fees, listed in the table below.

Service	Fee
Articles of Organization	$75
Initial List of Managers/Members	$150
State Business License Application	$200
Registered Agent Service (optional)	$100–$300 per year
Name Reservation (optional)	$25

Note: Ongoing costs include an annual $200 state business license renewal fee and a $150 annual list filing fee. Failure to maintain these filings could lead to penalties or administrative dissolution.

Can I Open an LLC in Nevada Without Living There?

You do not need to live in Nevada to form or manage a Nevada LLC, but your business must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Nevada and meet annual filing and tax requirements.

This setup is ideal for business owners who want to take advantage of Nevada’s tax benefits without relocating. Many entrepreneurs use a registered agent service to meet these requirements and keep their LLC compliant from out of state.

Can a Nonresident Open a Company in Nevada?

Non-U.S. residents can also form an LLC in Nevada. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. However:

• You must still appoint a Nevada-based registered agent.
• You’ll need the IRS's Employee Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes.
• Opening a U.S. business bank account may require additional documentation, such as a U.S. address or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Non-residents should consult with a U.S. business attorney or CPA to ensure full compliance with IRS and state regulations.

Comparison with Other States

Wondering how to form an LLC in Nevada is better than in other states? Here’s how Nevada compares:

Feature	Nevada	Delaware	Wyoming	Florida
Formation Fee	$75	$90	$100	$125
State Income Tax	None	None	None	None (for individuals)
Annual Report Fee	$350 ($200 license + $150 list)	$300	$60	$138.75
Privacy for Owners	Strong	Strong	Strong	Moderate
Business-Friendly Courts	Yes (business courts)	Yes (Court of Chancery)	Limited	Yes (but slower)
Commerce Tax Threshold	$4M gross revenue	N/A	N/A	N/A

Nevada offers strong privacy protections by not requiring the disclosure of LLC members' names in public records, and it imposes no state income tax. However, businesses with gross revenues over $4 million are subject to the Commerce Tax.

Delaware is known for its business-friendly legal system and Court of Chancery, which provides a strong framework for resolving business disputes. Delaware also offers privacy by not requiring the public disclosure of LLC members' identities.

Wyoming stands out for its low formation and maintenance costs, strong privacy protections, and the absence of state income and franchise taxes, making it an attractive option for small businesses and startups.

While lacking the same level of privacy protections, Florida benefits from no state income tax for individuals and a straightforward LLC formation process, appealing to businesses operating primarily within the state.​

FAQs About Nevada LLCs

Are There Privacy Protections for Nevada LLCs

Nevada is known for its strong privacy protections for LLC owners. The state does not require the disclosure of members' names in the Articles of Organization or annual reports, allowing for a higher level of anonymity. This makes Nevada an attractive option for business owners seeking confidentiality.

Why Do People Use Nevada for LLCs?

Business owners choose Nevada for LLC formation due to its favorable tax environment, strong privacy protections, and business-friendly legal system. The absence of state income tax and the state's commitment to protecting business owners' identities make it a popular choice for entrepreneurs nationwide.​

Is Nevada LLC Tax-Free?

LLCs in Nevada are not entirely tax-free. Nevada does not impose a state income tax on LLCs or their members, but the LLCs are still subject to federal income tax. Businesses with gross revenues exceeding $4 million are subject to the Nevada Commerce Tax.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Nevada LLC?

Despite its benefits, forming an LLC in Nevada has some drawbacks:​

• Higher Annual Fees: Nevada's annual fees, including the business license and initial list of managers, are higher compared to other states.​
• Commerce Tax: Businesses with gross revenues over $4 million are subject to the Nevada Commerce Tax.​
• Foreign Qualification: If your business operates primarily outside Nevada, you may need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, leading to additional costs and compliance requirements.​

Final Thoughts: Should You Form an LLC in Nevada?

Between strong privacy protections, no state income tax, and robust asset protection laws, Nevada offers one of the most favorable environments for entrepreneurs in 2025.

It’s important to stay compliant by maintaining a registered agent, filing documentation such as the annual list and state business application on time, and keeping your business bank account separate from personal finances. With careful planning, your Nevada LLC can be the foundation for long-term business success.

---

Sources:

1. Small Business Profile: Nevada – SBA Office of Advocacy (2024)
2. Nevada Business Entity Search
3. Start a Nevada LLC – NV Secretary of State
4. Apply for an EIN – IRS