Forming an LLC in Nevada

Nevada charges $75 to file Articles of Organization, but initial costs total $425 when you include the required Initial List and Business License. Annual maintenance runs $350/year in state fees. Here is the full picture — every cost, every step, and how the numbers compare to other states.

The Real Cost of a Nevada LLC

Initial formation:

• Articles of Organization: $75
• Initial List of Managers/Members: $150
• Initial State Business License: $200
• Total first-year state cost: $425
• Registered agent service: $99/year (us)
• Expedited processing (optional): $125

Annual ongoing costs:

• Annual List: $150
• State Business License: $200
• Annual state fees total: $350/year
• State income tax: $0

Nevada's higher compliance fees are offset by the absence of state income tax. For profitable businesses, this tradeoff produces net savings.

Step 1: Name Your LLC

The name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from existing entities in the Secretary of State's database. Search availability at nvsos.gov before committing.

Restricted terms (bank, trust, insurance) require special authorization.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

Nevada law requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent's information goes on your Articles of Organization and becomes part of the public record.

Nevada allows self-appointment — your entity can serve as its own agent if it has a Nevada address. The downside: that address is publicly searchable and you must be present during business hours every weekday.

We serve as your registered agent for $99/year, providing a compliant Nevada address and same-day document forwarding.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Submit your Articles of Organization to the Nevada Secretary of State at nvsos.gov with the $75 filing fee. Include:

• LLC name
• Registered agent name and address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer information

Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. Expedited processing ($125) reduces turnaround to approximately 24 hours.

Step 4: File the Initial List and Business License

These are due shortly after formation — typically within 30 days. The Initial List ($150) declares your managers or members. The Business License ($200) authorizes your entity to conduct business in Nevada. Both are filed with the Secretary of State.

Step 5: Draft an Operating Agreement

Nevada does not require this document to be filed with the state, but it is essential for your LLC's internal governance. It defines ownership percentages, profit splits, management authority, and member exit procedures. Banks and courts both rely on it.

Step 6: Obtain an EIN

Apply at IRS.gov for your Employer Identification Number. It is free and issued immediately. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.

Ongoing Compliance

After formation, maintain your entity by:

• Filing the Annual List ($150) and Business License renewal ($200) each year
• Keeping a registered agent on file at all times
• Separating business and personal finances
• Meeting federal tax obligations

Failure to file triggers penalties ($75 for late Annual List, $100 for late Business License) and can result in administrative dissolution.

The Registered Agent Piece

Every Nevada LLC needs a registered agent from the moment of formation. Your options:

1. Serve as your own agent (exposes your address, requires constant availability)
2. Hire a professional service (privacy protection, guaranteed availability, same-day forwarding)

We handle option 2 for $99/year. Our address goes on your public filings, we forward documents same-day, and we remind you before your $350 annual filings come due.

Start Now — $99/yr