How to Form an LLC in Nevada 2026: Complete Guide

Nevada is one of the most popular states for LLC formation due to no state income tax, strong privacy protections, and business-friendly laws. While Nevada has higher fees than some states, the benefits often outweigh the costs for entrepreneurs and investors seeking asset protection and tax advantages.

Why Form an LLC in Nevada?

• No State Income Tax: Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax
• Strong Privacy: Members and managers not listed in public filings
• Asset Protection: Charging order as sole remedy for creditors
• No Franchise Tax: Unlike California ($800/year minimum)
• Business-Friendly Courts: Pro-business legal environment
• Flexible Structure: One-member LLCs allowed
• No Information Sharing: Nevada doesn't share data with IRS

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name

Your Nevada LLC name must (NRS 86.171):

• Be distinguishable from existing Nevada entities
• Include "Limited-Liability Company," "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Not contain restricted words without proper licensing
• Not suggest government affiliation

Name Search: Check Nevada SilverFlume

Name Reservation:

• Reserve for 90 days
• File name reservation online
• Fee: $25

Step 2: Designate a Nevada Registered Agent

Every Nevada LLC must have a registered agent (NRS 86.231):

• Must have physical Nevada street address (no P.O. boxes)
• Available during business hours
• Can be Nevada resident OR registered agent company
• Cannot use yourself if you're not in Nevada

Registered Agent Services: $125-$300/year (required for out-of-state owners)

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Submit to Nevada Secretary of State:

Filing Options:

• Online: SilverFlume (24-48 hours) - $75
• By Mail: 7-10 business days - $75
• Expedited (24-hour): $125 additional ($200 total)
• Same Day: $500 additional ($575 total)
• 2-Hour Rush: $1,000 additional ($1,075 total)

Required Information:

• LLC name
• Nevada registered agent name and address
• Principal office address (can be out of state)
• Name and address of organizer
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)

Step 4: File Initial List of Members/Managers

Important: Nevada requires Initial List within 30 days of formation:

• Due within 30 days of formation
• Lists members (if member-managed) OR managers (if manager-managed)
• Filed online via SilverFlume
• Fee: $150
• Annual List required every year thereafter

Step 5: Obtain Business License

Nevada requires State Business License (NRS 76.100):

• Fee: $200 (initial)
• Filed online via SilverFlume
• Renewable annually ($200/year)
• Required even if not doing business in Nevada
• Can file simultaneously with Articles of Organization

Step 6: Create Operating Agreement

Not required by state, but strongly recommended:

• Defines ownership structure
• Outlines management and voting
• Profit/loss distribution
• Buy-sell provisions
• Dissolution procedures

Step 7: Obtain EIN

• Free from IRS.gov (immediate online)
• Required for multi-member LLCs
• Needed for business bank accounts
• Required if hiring employees

Complete Cost Breakdown

Annual Requirements

Annual List of Members/Managers

• Due: Last day of anniversary month
• Fee: $150
• Filed online via SilverFlume
• Lists current members or managers
• $75 late fee after deadline

State Business License Renewal

• Due: Last day of anniversary month
• Fee: $200
• Filed online
• Penalties for late filing

Commerce Tax (If Applicable)

• Only if gross revenue exceeds $4 million
• Most small LLCs pay $0
• Due August 14 each year
• Still must file even if $0 owed

Modified Business Tax (If Employees)

• Only if you have Nevada employees
• 1.475% of wages over quarterly threshold
• Many small businesses exempt

Nevada's Unique Advantages

Privacy Protection

• Member names NOT required in Articles of Organization
• Only listed in Initial/Annual List (not easily searchable)
• Manager-managed LLCs can use nominee managers
• Greater anonymity than most states

Asset Protection

• Charging order is sole remedy for creditors (NRS 86.401)
• Creditors cannot force distribution or dissolution
• Strong protection for single-member LLCs (unlike some states)
• No fraudulent transfer lookback beyond 2 years

No Information Sharing

• Nevada doesn't share information with IRS
• No state income tax means no state tax filings
• Greater financial privacy

Nevada LLC for Non-Nevada Businesses

When to Form in Nevada

Consider Nevada LLC if:

• You want strong privacy protection
• You need asset protection for investments
• You operate in multiple states
• You want to avoid state income tax on non-Nevada income

Foreign Registration Required

If you form Nevada LLC but do business in another state:

• Must register as foreign LLC in that state
• Pay foreign LLC filing fees
• Maintain registered agent in each state
• May owe taxes in states where you do business

Nevada Series LLC

Nevada allows Series LLCs (NRS 86.296):

How It Works

• One master LLC with multiple internal "series"
• Each series has separate assets and liabilities
• Liability protection between series
• Popular for real estate investors

Benefits

• One filing fee for multiple series
• Separate accounting for each series
• Asset segregation

Drawbacks

• Complex recordkeeping
• Not recognized in all states
• Limited case law
• Banking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form a Nevada LLC?

Minimum $425 first year ($75 filing + $200 business license + $150 initial list). If you hire a registered agent service, add $125-$300. Annual costs are $350 ($150 annual list + $200 business license renewal) plus registered agent fees.

Do I need to live in Nevada to form a Nevada LLC?

No. You can form a Nevada LLC from anywhere in the world. However, you must use a Nevada registered agent (typically a professional service if you're out of state). Many people form Nevada LLCs for privacy and asset protection even if they don't live there.

Does Nevada have state income tax?

No. Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax. However, you may still owe federal taxes and taxes in states where you do business or live. Nevada's tax advantage is primarily for Nevada-sourced income and privacy.

Is a Nevada LLC better than Delaware?

Nevada and Delaware both offer strong asset protection and privacy. Nevada has no state income tax but higher annual fees ($350/year). Delaware has franchise tax ($300/year minimum) but more established case law. For LLCs (not corporations), Nevada is often preferred. For corporations, Delaware remains more popular.

What is the Nevada Commerce Tax?

The Commerce Tax applies only if your Nevada gross revenue exceeds $4 million annually. Most small businesses owe $0. Even if you owe nothing, you must file an annual return. It's calculated based on revenue, not profit, and varies by industry.