How to Start an LLC in Nevada: Step-By-Step Instructions

Written by Dena Standley – Paralegal, updated on

Forming an LLC in Nevada gives aspiring business owners a great start. LLCs avoid complex requirements yet still offer liability protection and tax flexibility.

Best of all, the formation process is straightforward. And this guide walks you through each step to start an LLC in Nevada. Let’s drop the legal talk so you can tackle your business goals.

Deciding to join Nevada’s robust economy is a wise idea. You’ll discover business-friendly regulations combined with a spirit of opportunity.

Get your business off the ground by following this step-by-step guide on creating an LLC in Nevada.


Table of contents


Step 1: Choose a Name Your LLC

The first task to form an LLC is choosing a name. You want a memorable name that reflects your business's nature and resonates with your audience.

All LLC names in Nevada must include Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or a similar abbreviation. Some words like realtor, master association, licensed engineer, and certified public accountant are restricted from use.

Your Nevada LLC name must be unique. You don’t want to create confusion with any existing companies. Search the Secretary of State database to ensure your preferred name is available.

You also might want to check if the website domain is available. Securing that now can prevent domain squatters from taking it to sell to you later on at a markup.

nevada business search

Name Reservation

Once you find a name for your Nevada LLC, you can use the name reservation form to secure it.

This takes off the pressure while you complete the LLC formation process. It’s optional.
Nevada allows you to reserve a name for 90 days for $25.

Fictitious Name

You may want to register a fictitious name. This allows you to conduct business under a brand name different from the business entity. It’s also known as a doing-business-as (DBA) name. Some places call it a trade name.

For example, a company named Electrics General LLC can operate as Jason's Electro Repairs.

County Clerks (not the Secretary of State) handle DBA registrations in Nevada. Costs vary from one city to another. But overall, expect to pay $20–$25 per name.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

A registered agent is a central role for any LLC. This contact accepts legal documents and service of process for your LLC. Appointing the registered agent is a crucial part of starting your Nevada LLC.

The registered agent must have an updated physical address in Nevada, not only a Nevada mailing address. Many owners prefer to use a registered service provider instead of themselves to stay out of public records.

Hiring a registered agent also lets you focus on growing the LLC without worrying about missing important documents. A Nevada registered agent service costs around $100 per year.

Do your research well before choosing a registered agent service. Ensure they are established, have a good reputation, and hold multiple offices.  And ask them to issue you a Certificate of Acceptance once you hire them.

Step 3: Draft and Submit the Certificate of Formation

Hold on tight for this exciting step. Filing your Articles of Organization establishes your Nevada LLC. Once you pass this, you are at a point of no return and own an LLC.

The Articles of Organization form requires:

  • LLC name
  • The list of managers
  • Whether it is member-managed or manager-managed
  • Each organizer's name, address, and signature
  • A list of any other members that will govern internal affairs
  • Your LLC's registered agent's name, address, and signature

You can also outline the specific operating agreements to clarify the internal structure and management procedures.

Nevada provides a simple LLC registration form to use. Complete all sections with accurate information to avoid delays or registration problems.

LLC Filing Form

The filing fees are a little expensive to start a Nevada LLC. It will cost $425 to cover three different items:

  • $75: File Articles of Organization
  • $150: File list of members or managing members
  • $200: Business license

Once Nevada processes your application, your Nevada LLC exists.

Nevada law requires that a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization be kept at the registered agent's office. Request a certified copy during the registration stage.

Step 4: Obtain a Certificate of LLC Registration from the State

After filing your Articles of Organization, your next step is getting a Certificate of LLC Registration.

This document is proof that your LLC is registered. It gives you credibility and helps with:

  • Opening bank accounts
  • Working with investors
  • Getting business permits and licenses
  • Protecting your assets
  • Filing taxes as a separate entity
You can also display your registration certificate in your place of business. And keep copies with your business records for easy access.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Having an operating agreement in Nevada acts as a roadmap for how your LLC will run. This document outlines the following functions:

  • Ownership structure and contributions
  • Member rights and responsibilities
  • Distribution of profit and losses
  • How to handle certain disputes
  • Methods for adding or removing members
  • Procedure to close the business

Nevada doesn’t require an operating agreement. But it is highly recommended or else your LLC will use the default Nevada laws. These may fail to capture all your business's specific needs. You can customize the rules for your LLC with a well-drafted operating agreement.

The Nevada Secretary of State offers a free online operating agreement tool.

Nevada LLC Digital Operating Agreement
Nevada LLC Digital Operating Agreement. Source: SilverFlume.

Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for a business. The IRS uses them for tax purposes.

All multi-member LLCs must get an EIN. It’s also essential if you plan to hire employees. And it may be necessary for banking and tax filing purposes.

Some single-member LLCs without employees and certain retirement plans can use the owner’s Social Security number instead. But it can be beneficial to get an EIN anyway for certain transactions or business needs.

The EIN application is free and easy. Go to the IRS website to get yours in minutes. You’ll need your LLC name, address, and tax filing status.

Costs to Set Up an LLC in Nevada

When starting an LLC in Nevada, you'll incur initial one-time fees of at least $425. You may have higher costs if you hire outside help during the Nevada LLC startup process.

Some costs are recurring. These include the listing fee and Nevada business license, totaling at least $350. Hired registered agents have ongoing costs too.

The following table shows the costs of setting up an LLC in Nevada.

Nevada LLC Set Up Requirement Fee 
Filing Fee$75
Initial listing fee$150
Business license fee$200
Registered Agent$60–100
Legal and professional consultation$500–2,000

These costs are higher than in other states. But many owners find them manageable once they get up and running.

You also might need to pay for permits or licenses, insurance, and income and payroll taxes.

Last Steps

Once you have established your LLC, there are a few extra steps to complete before you operate.

Open a Bank Account

Establishing a business bank account helps maintain clear financial records. It’s also crucial to protect your personal liability.

If you mix personal and business funds, you may lose some of the LLC’s legal benefits. This could result in your personal assets being at risk during a lawsuit.

When searching for a bank in Nevada, you choose one with favorable terms for your LLC. Consider factors such as transaction limits, account fees, customer support, and online banking capabilities. You also want a bank with an excellent reputation for fraud protection.

Obtain Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature and location of your business, identify the permits and licenses needed. Besides the mandatory Nevada business license, your LLC might have other hoops to jump through.

Examples include local business licenses, industry-specific licenses, health permits, and zoning permits. This list of municipalities and permits can point you in the right direction.

Getting these permits and licenses prevents legal complications.

Submit Annual Report and Tax Filing

You will need to file an annual report with the Nevada Secretary of State. It gives you a chance to report any major changes and maintains your Nevada LLC’s good standing.

Registering with the Nevada Department of Taxation is also vital for many LLCs. It is how you meet tax obligations such as sales, employment, and income taxes.

Use the Nevada Tax Center to help manage your business filings.

Local Business Community

Learning from others can help you discover the shortcut to success. Experienced entrepreneurs can share techniques and tools that you can leverage.

The Nevada SBDC is a great place to start. You can connect with a mentor to get no-cost advice. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry also keeps a calendar of small business training and events.

You’ve taken a big step forward by reading this guide to forming an LLC in Nevada. Don’t let the momentum fade. Use the Nevada Business Search tool to see if your LLC name is available. Stay proactive and navigate through the world of business ownership.

Advertisement

LLC Formation Service

LLC Formation: $39 + state fees
Pricing:
Turnaround Time:
Help & Support:
Customer Satisfaction:
Ease of use:

Best LLC Service 2023

  • Formed 1,000,000+ LLCs
  • $39 formation includes registered agent service
  • Fast formation & same day filing
  • Exceptional customer reviews
Last updated: Mar 2024

Article by:

Dena Standley

Paralegal

Dena Standley is a former paralegal, now content writer and strategist from Houston, Texas. She specializes in taking complex topics and making them engaging and digestible for all audiences.

Small business tips straight to your inbox

Already running a small business? Get free tips to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. We're GDPR compliant.