How to Start a Corporation in Nevada

Step 1: Name Your Nevada Corporation

Choosing a business name is the first step in starting a corporation. 

1. Nevada naming guidelines:

• Must include an entity identifier (e.g. Corporation, Company, Incorporated, etc.). Applicable abbreviations (e.g., Corp, Co, Inc, etc.) can be used instead.
• Must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities registered to transact business in Nevada (e.g., domestic and foreign corporations, LLCs, etc.). 
• Cannot include words or phrases which falsely suggest that the corporation is associated with or sponsored by a government or state agency. 
• Cannot include words which suggest or state that the corporation was organized for a purpose that is contrary to its Articles of Incorporation. 
• Cannot include certain words which relate to professions without receiving prior approval (e.g., banking, architect, dentist, etc.).

Learn more about corporation naming guidelines in the Nevada state statutes NRS 78.039 and NRS 78.045.

 2. Is my corporation name available in Nevada?

Your Nevada corporation name must be unique and distinguishable from other business names in Nevada. Use the Nevada Secretary of State’s Business Search Portal to determine if your desired business name is available.

3. Is the URL available?

Before registering your Nevada corporation, you’ll need to check if a good URL is available for your business name. It’s important to secure your URL right away.

Step 2: Choose a Nevada Registered Agent

You must appoint a Nevada registered agent when registering your corporation with the Commercial Recordings Division. 

A registered agent is an individual or entity appointed to receive service of process, government correspondence, and compliance documents on behalf of a business.

Your registered agent can be an individual, business entity, or professional registered agent service. Any member of the corporation or individual can serve as your Nevada registered agent as long as the person:

• is 18 years or older
• has a physical address in the state where business activity is conducted
• is available (in person) during normal business hours

Step 3: Hold an Organizational Meeting

Before you officially file the Articles of Incorporation in Step 4, you will need to hold an organizational meeting to complete the following tasks:

• Fill out and execute the Articles of Incorporation
• Create and approve bylaws
• Select your initial director(s)
• Determine your share structure
• Execute an Incorporator’s Statement

Create and Approve Corporate Bylaws

Bylaws are the rules that determine how your organization will be governed and run. For detailed instructions on creating your bylaws, read our corporate bylaws guide.

Step 4: File the Nevada Articles of Incorporation

You will need to file the Nevada Articles of Incorporation to set up a corporation in Nevada. You can file the form online, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person with the Nevada Secretary of State. 

This document will cover the basics of your corporation, including:

• Corporate name and statement of purpose
• Corporate registered agent name and address
• The number of shares the corporation is allowed to issue
• Names and addresses of the initial corporate officers and directors
• Incorporator(s) name(s) and address(es)

The filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation is based on the number of shares authorized. The minimum initial filing fee is $150 along with a $500 business license fee.

Authorized Share Value and Corresponding Fees

• $75,000 or less - $75
• $75,001 to $200,000 - $175
• $200,001 to $500,000 - $275
• $500,001 to $1,000,000 - $375
• For each additional $500,000 or fraction thereof - $275
• Maximum fee - $35,000

Step 5: File the Nevada Initial List and State Business License Application

You must file the Nevada Initial List of Directors and Business License Application form at the same time as your Articles of Incorporation. The fee for the initial directors form is $150, and the fee for the business license application is $500.

Step 6: Get an EIN for Your Nevada Corporation

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used by the federal government to identify a business entity. It is essentially a Social Security number for the company. An EIN is needed:

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

Nevada State Corporation Tax Requirements

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax:

Nevada Sales Tax

If you’re selling a product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the  Nevada Department of Taxation's website. This allows a business to collect sales tax.

Nevada Employer Taxes

If you hire employees, you will need to register for Nevada employer taxes through the Nevada Unemployment Insurance website. This includes Employee Withholding Tax, Unemployment Insurance Tax, and Disability Insurance.

Nevada Corporation Licenses and Permits

To operate your corporation in Nevada, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

Learn more in our Nevada Business License guide.

File the Nevada Corporate Annual List

You must file the Nevada Annual List and Business License Application each year at the end of your corporation’s registration anniversary month. The fee depends on the total value of your corporation’s authorized stock. The minimum amount is $150. You can read the fee schedule for more details.

How to Get a Nevada Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your Nevada corporation was legally formed and has been properly maintained.

You can order a Certificate of Good Standing online using the Nevada SilverFlume website. After logging in, search for your corporation, select “Manage Your Business,” and then click “Order a Certificate of Good Standing.” You also may submit a Copies Order Form by mail or in person. The filing fee is $50.

How to Dissolve a Corporation in Nevada

If at any point you would like to permanently stop doing business, or close your business, it is important to officially dissolve your corporation. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities, penalties, or even legal trouble.

There are five main steps to close your Nevada corporation:

• Stop doing business
• Hold a board meeting, vote on dissolution, and record the meeting in the corporation minutes
• File the Certificate of Dissolution with the Nevada Secretary of State
• Close your federal and state business tax accounts with the IRS and Nevada Department of Taxation
• Close your business bank accounts

File Dissolution Documents

Certificate of Dissolution
You must dissolve your corporation with the Nevada Secretary of State by filing the Certificate of Dissolution. You can file the certificate in person or by mail, fax, or email. The filing fee is $100.