How to Start an LLC in Nevada

Step 1: Name Your Nevada LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Nevada LLC. 

This will need to comply with all Nevada naming requirements, be available, and (ideally) have a matching domain that you’ll use for your website.

1. Nevada LLC Naming Guidelines:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Your name must be distinguishable from any other Nevada limited liability company (LLC), corporation, limited liability partnership (LLP), limited partnership (LP), or limited liability limited partnership (LLLP).
• Your name cannot include certain restricted words without prior written approval from the relevant state department (e.g., Mortgage, Engineer, Realtor, Accounting, etc). 

We recommend checking out the Nevada Secretary of State’s guidelines for a complete list of all the naming rules in this state.

2. Nevada Name Availability Search

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Nevada, you can perform a Business Entity Search on the Secretary of State’s website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 90 days ($25 filing fee).

For more information, you can have a look at our Nevada LLC Name Search guide.

3. Finding the Right Domain

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to create a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Nevada LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Nevada

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Nevada registered agent. This is a necessary step when completing your Articles of Organization (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Secretary of State).

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?

A registered agent must be either a Nevada resident or a business entity that is authorized to transact business in the state. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.), use an attorney (not recommended due to the high cost), or go with a registered agent service.

Keep in mind that Nevada requires all registered agents to provide written consent in order to approve their appointment. This is included as a step in the Articles of Organization.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Nevada LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Nevada LLC, you will need to file the following forms with the Nevada Secretary of State:

• Articles of Organization
• Initial List of Managers and State Business License Application
• Certificate of Acceptance of Appointment by Registered Agent

Nevada compiles these files into one formation PDF packet, which you can file online, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person.

Before filing, make sure you have completed all the forms contained in the Articles of Organization PDF packet correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:

• The name of the LLC being registered in Nevada
• The profession your LLC will practice
• Whether you’re forming a series LLC or a restricted LLC (or neither)
• The names, addresses, and titles of all members, officers, or managers
• The name and address of your registered agent; and
• The registered agent’s authorized signature accepting appointment

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With Nevada SilverFlume

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail, by Fax, by Email, or In Person

Download Form

State Filing Cost: $425 ($75 Articles of Organization + $150 Initial List of Manager or Members + $200 Business License Application)

Filing Address:
Secretary of State
Commercial Recordings Division
202 N. Carson St.
Carson City, NV 89701-4201

Fax: (775) 684-5725

Email: [email protected]

For help with completing the form, visit our Nevada Articles of Organization guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Nevada, you will need to form a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

FAQ: Filing Nevada LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Nevada LLC Operating Agreement

A Nevada LLC is not required to have an operating agreement, but it’s a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Nevada Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Nevada Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Nevada LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Nevada LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Nevada Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service guide. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Nevada LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete several key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

1. Get a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Getting a dedicated business bank account is an essential part of operating legitimately as it keeps your personal and business assets separate, and therefore helps shield your personal limited liability. 

Skipping this step can often lead to:

• Courts determining that you haven’t been treating your LLC as a separate entity
• Your “corporate veil” being pierced, meaning that you will no longer benefit from limited liability in law. 

You can also choose to acquire a corporate credit card if you’re interested in building your credit and potentially raising capital down the line. 

2. Check If You Need an Additional Nevada Business License

In addition to the general business license included with your Articles of Organization, your LLC may need a number of other licenses in order to operate legally.

These will depend on where your business will be located and what kind of work it will perform.

• Local Licenses: You’ll need to check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements. It is not uncommon in Nevada for your business to need both a county license and one or more city licenses, especially if it operates in multiple jurisdictions.
• State-Level Licenses: You should check whether your business is subject to additional state-level licensing based on its industry (e.g., food service, construction, childcare, or cosmetology) by contacting the relevant Nevada licensing board or state agency.
• Federal Licenses: While most Nevada LLCs will not be subject to federal regulation, those involved in heavily regulated industries (such as agriculture, alcohol, and firearms) will. You can have a look at this Small Business Administration article for the relevant federal agency you’ll need to contact.

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding whether you need an additional license include:

• Will you sell taxable goods or services? Nevada requires businesses that sell tangible products or certain taxable services to register for a sales and use tax permit through the Nevada Department of Taxation.
• Will you work as a licensed professional? If your LLC will focus on regulated fields — such as medicine, law, insurance, or real estate — you’ll need to ensure that you or a member of your LLC is appropriately licensed.
• Will your LLC’s activities negatively impact the environment? If so, you might need to obtain a business license or permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

For more information, you can have a look at our Nevada Business License guide.

3. Understand Your Nevada LLC Tax Obligations

Nevada LLCs are not all taxed in the same way; this is because LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default, meaning that they are largely taxed similarly to sole proprietors — the business gets paid, the profits pass to you as the owner, and you get taxed. There is no “corporate” tax involved. 

This means that:

On a Federal Level

You’ll need to submit personal income tax returns using either Form 1040 (for single member LLCs) or Form 1065 (for multi-member LLCs). If you have employees, you will also be subject to federal income tax withholding. 

On a State Level

While Nevada does not impose a state income tax or franchise tax on LLCs, there are still several state-level taxes your business may need to pay. These include the Commerce Tax if your gross annual revenue exceeds $4 million, the Modified Business Tax (a quarterly payroll tax paid by employers based on gross wages), and sales and use tax (6.85% base rate) if your LLC sells goods or taxable services.

On a Local Level

Your LLC may be required to pay property and even sales and use taxes on a county level. Keep in mind that local surtaxes at the municipal level can raise the total sales tax rate to as high as 8.375% in some parts of Nevada. 

For more information on the Nevada-specific LLC tax obligations that may apply to you, we recommend having a look at our in-depth Nevada LLC Taxes guide. Alternatively, you can schedule a free online consultation with 1-800 accountant for all your tax-related questions.

4. Get Business Insurance for Your LLC in Nevada

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. 

This is because an LLC’s default limited liability protects your personal assets, not the business’s. Some of the most common types of business insurance include:

• General Liability Insurance: This is a broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses end up getting general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: This is a business insurance policy for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that covers employees for work-related injuries, illnesses, or deaths, and is legally required for any Nevada business with one or more employees.

5. Learn How to Properly Sign Your LLC’s Legal Documents

Improperly signing a document as yourself and not as a representative of the business can leave you open to personal liability. 

When signing legal documents on behalf of your company, you we recommend following this formula to avoid any problems:

• Formal name of your business
• Your signature
• Your name
• Your position in the business as its authorized representative

6. Submit an Annual Report for Your Nevada LLC

Nevada requires LLCs to file an annual report (also known as an Annual List) with the Nevada Secretary of State. This annual list serves to both renew your Nevada business license and keep the state updated on important information regarding your LLC, such as:

• Any changes to its entity name;
• Its current managers, members, or general partners; and
• Its business entity type (e.g., corporation, default-structure LLC, or nonprofit corporation etc.);

You’ll need to submit your annual list either online or by mail by the month of your LLC’s initial annual report. The filing fee for the Annual List is $150, and the business license renewal fee is $200. You can complete both filings at the same time through the SilverFlume portal.

Note: The report is due by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month each year. For example, if your LLC was formed on April 10, your report will be due by April 30 the following year.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

Nevada Business Resources

Business Center

Check out our business center for regular updates, vetted reviews, free downloadables, and video guides that aim to help you start and grow your business. 

Sign Up Now

Local Resources

Have a look at Nevada’s local business resources:

• Nevada Secretary of State Business Services
• Nevada Secretary of State Business Resource Center
• Nevada LLC Statutes

Related Articles

More on Nevada LLCs: