Form an LLC in Nevada

CorpNet makes it fast and easy for you to register an LLC in Nevada. You can form your Limited Liability Company online or have one of our experienced filing experts assist you.

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Many entrepreneurs across the United States choose to operate their businesses as a Limited Liability Company (LLC for short). An LLC is a business entity type that offers some of the same legal protections and tax flexibility as corporations but with less administrative complexity and fewer costs.

Should you start an LLC for your Nevada business? The state has ample small business resources, which offers a slew of articles and webinars to help you start and grow your business. The Nevada Small Business Development Center is another resource that provides education, training, and counseling for small businesses.

Let’s explore an LLC’s advantages, formation process, ongoing compliance, and frequently asked questions.

Legal and Tax Considerations When Forming an LLC

An LLC is a separate legal entity from its members. So, if the business gets sued or faces financial difficulties, the owners’ personal assets are generally not at risk of being used to settle those debts.

By default, the IRS treats a Limited Liability Company as a pass-through entity. It considers the LLC and its members as the same tax-paying entity. Profits, losses, and income tax obligations flow through to the LLC’s owners’ personal tax returns. Qualifying Limited Liability Companies may instead be taxed as an S Corporation. S Corporation tax treatment is also on a pass-through basis. However, how self-employment taxes (Medicare and Social Security) are applied differs from how they are handled with the default LLC tax treatment. Normally, all an LLC’s profits are subject to self-employment taxes. Alternatively, with the S Corporation tax election, only owners’ salaries and wages are subject to Medicare and Social Security taxes. Compensation paid as distributions to members is subject to federal income tax but not self-employment taxes.

Advantages of LLC Registration

Here are some of the reasons entrepreneurs find the LLC business structure attractive:

  • Limits the owners’ personal liability for the business’s debt and legal issues.
  • If a member leaves or dies, an LLC’s operating agreement should have provisions for handling that member’s ownership stake.
  • The business may survive beyond a member’s lifetime because an LLC is a legal entity separate from its owners.
  • Has fewer corporate formalities than a corporation – e.g., no bylaws, board of directors, shareholder meetings, etc.
  • May have an unlimited number of members.
  • LLC members do not need to be U.S. citizens or have permanent residences in the state, which offers ownership flexibility.
  • Members may choose to be taxed as either a Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, S Corporation, or C Corporation. This offers tax treatment flexibility, which is a big advantage to starting your new business as an LLC.

Comparison of the Various Types of LLCs

LLCs come in different sizes, management structures, and other variations. Here’s a comparison of some of the options entrepreneurs may choose from.

Single-Member LLC vs. Multiple-Member LLC

If a company has just one owner (or a married couple as the owner), the business is a single-member LLC. That single member has full control over the company and how it’s managed. When an LLC has two or more owners, it is a multiple-member (multi-member) LLC. Multi-member LLCs may have an unlimited number of members (unless they elect for S Corporation tax treatment, which limits ownership to 100 or fewer members). All LLC share control over their multi-member LLC, with roles, responsibilities, and profit distribution set forth in the LLC operating agreement.

Member-Managed LLC vs. Manager-Managed LLC

LLCs may choose to be member-managed or manager-managed. An LLC is member-managed when the business’s owners run the day-to-day operations and administration efforts. Rather than task the LLC owners with managing everyday details, members may identify their company as a manager-managed limited liability company. As such, they appoint someone as a manager responsible for handling daily business activities. An LLC’s manager could be someone that the company hires or one of its members.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

When an LLC has registered its Articles of Organization in a state, it goes on record as a domestic LLC there. That state is the company’s home state (a.k.a. domicile). If an LLC registers as a domestic LLC in one state and it conducts business in another state (with either physical presence or economic nexus), typically, it must file as a foreign LLC (foreign qualify) in the additional state(s).

LLC vs. PLLC

The primary difference between an LLC and a professional limited liability company (PLLC) is that only professional license holders in certain fields (attorney, physician, accountant, architect, etc.) may form the entity. Some states do not recognize the PLLC structure but have other options for licensed professionals who want to start a business. Another difference between an LLC and PLLC is that in a PLLC, each member is shielded from personal liability for other members’ malpractice. If any member conducts malpractice in a regular LLC, all owners can be held personally liable.

LLC vs. LLP

An LLP (limited liability partnership) is like a general partnership except that an LLP is considered a separate legal entity from its owners. The business structure provides personal liability protection similar to that of a PLLC, with individual members shielded from debts of the business and any malpractice by other partners. Each owner is responsible for their own malpractice or negligence, though. Some states laws only allow certain licensed professionals to form an LLP, something significant to consider if a business might expand to multiple states in the future.

 

8 Steps to Form an LLC in Nevada

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1. Select a Name for Your New LLC

After the business owners know what they’d like to call their business, they should conduct a name search to ensure no other company has already claimed the name at the state or federal level. To ensure the name of the proposed LLC is not already in use, you can do a name search online with Nevada’s Business Entity Search in SilverFlume.

States will usually deny a business from using a name that’s too similar to another company’s name within the state, especially if the two businesses provide similar services or products. Likewise, it’s important to do a trademark search to confirm the desired business name isn’t used as a trademark by another company within the United States.

Prepare to file your LLC by choosing a distinguishable business name. In Nevada, the LLC name must contain the words Limited-Liability Company, Limited Company, Limited, or the abbreviations Ltd., L.L.C., LLC, or LC.

If needed, a name reservation may be filed online at Nevada’s Secretary of State’s Name Reservation. Name reservations last for 90 days, and the fee is $25.

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2. Appoint a Registered Agent

Nevada law requires all Limited Liability Companies assign and maintain a registered agent. An LLC must designate a registered agent authorized to accept service of process (essential government documents and legal notices) on behalf of its business in the state.

Your Nevada registered agent must reside (or is located) in the state. Every registered agent must have a street address in Nevada for the service of process, and may also have a separate Nevada mailing address, such as a post office box.

A registered agent can be an individual or another business entity with a physical location in Nevada. CorpNet is authorized to provide our registered agent services in all 50 states, so we make things easy for business owners who want to grow and expand their companies.

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3. File Articles of Organization

To start a Nevada Limited Liability Company, you’ll begin your journey with the Nevada Secretary of State. You can register a domestic LLC online, by mail, or in person.

To register online, visit the Secretary of State’s business portal SilverFlume. You will be directed to create a Nevada Business Portal Profile. When completing your registration, you’ll fill out the required information, and the online system creates your Articles of Organization. The online filing fee is $75.

To register by mail or in person, download the form or draft your paper version of Articles of Organization and mail it, along with your payment, to:

Secretary of State
New Filings Division
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701-4201

Foreign entities follow a different procedure to do business in Nevada. This is often referred to as foreign qualification.

All persons and entities conducting a trade or business in Nevada must file an initial list of managers or managing members, plus obtain a state business license. You can apply online at SilverFlume or download the form and mail it in to:

Secretary of State
Status Division
202 North Carson St.
Carson City NV 89701-4201

The initial list fee is $150, and a business license is $200.

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4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

LLCs in Nevada are not required to adopt or file a written Operating Agreement, although it is highly recommended. An LLC operating agreement is the governing document that describes the roles and responsibilities of an LLC’s members and managers and how to run the business entity. 

Common elements included in an LLC operating agreement:

  • How the LLC should distribute profits among members.
  • The approval process when making business decisions such as adding or removing members, hiring employees, entering into vendor contracts, or applying for loans.
  • Whether the LLC must hold annual member meetings and record minutes (including how to approve meeting minutes).
  • Dispute resolution process.
  • What happens when a member leaves or dies.

Operating agreements are formal legal documents that can help reduce misunderstandings among members by spelling out the business’s owners’ authority and obligations. This makes this file a must-have for all LLCs, regardless of state requirements.

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5. Apply for an EIN

An EIN (employee identification number) is required for any business that hires employees. EINs are free of charge and may be ordered online from the IRS (or CorpNet can take care of ordering your EIN for you). A multi-member LLC (taxed as a partnership) must include its EIN (also known as its “federal tax ID number”) on the informational return the business must file with the IRS at tax time. Moreover, many banks require that an LLC have an EIN before they open a bank account in a business’s name. An EIN may also be required when applying for business licenses and permits or a business line of credit.

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6. Obtain the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Nevada requires a state business license. Businesses are typically required to have specific licenses and permits at the county or city level. Required licenses, fees, and permits vary by location.

It’s critical to research the business license requirements so that the LLC has the proper authority to conduct business in the jurisdictions where its located.

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7. Register for State Payroll Taxes

Businesses with employees must be set up to remit any employment-related taxes and fees to the state tax authorities.

Nevada has no state income tax, so employers are not required to register for state payroll taxes. You are still required to withhold federal income taxes and federal payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicare. Nevada employers must also pay an unemployment tax with rates ranging from 0.25% to 5.4%, on a taxable wage base of $33,400. New employers pay 2.95%.

Payroll tax registration details can become confusing, so consider relying on CorpNet’s specialists to manage the process of registering your Nevada LLC for payroll taxes.

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8. Keep Your New LLC Compliant

Besides the startup activities involved in forming an LLC, business owners must also fulfill some ongoing compliance requirements. The rules vary from state to state. Below are a few common LLC compliance obligations that entrepreneurs might expect.

  • Keep your business bank account and transactions separate from your personal finances.
  • Renew business licenses and permits.
  • File an annual report (if required by the state).
  • Hold an annual member meeting and record meeting minutes (if required by the LLC operating agreement).
  • File and pay taxes.
  • Inform the state of any significant changes to the business, such as moving to a new location or adding (or removing) members.

Nevada specific compliance includes:

  • File an annual list of members/managers, which costs $150. 
  • File an annual business license, which costs $200.

FAQs About Starting a Business in Nevada

How do I know if Nevada is the right start to start a business?

Not sure if you do enough business in Nevada to need to qualify or register? If you meet any of these criteria, you do.

  • Your business actively engages in any transaction in Nevada for the purpose of financial gain or profit.
  • Your business is organized or commercially based in Nevada. A business is commercially based in Nevada if it is the primary place from which the business is directed.
  • Your Nevada sales exceed either $500,000 (annually adjusted for inflation) or 25% of your total sales. Sales include sales made by an agent or independent contractor of the entity.
  • Your Nevada real property and tangible personal property exceeds either $50,000 (annually adjusted for inflation) or 25% of your total real property and tangible personal property.
  • Your Nevada compensation paid exceeds either $50,000 (annually adjusted for inflation) or 25% of the total compensation.
  • Any of your business’ members, managers, or other agents conduct business in Nevada on behalf of the company, regardless of where your business primarily conducts business.

So if you conduct a substantial amount of business in Nevada, it’s wise to incorporate your business here.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Nevada?

  • The fee to submit LLC formation documents in Nevada is $75.
  • The fee for filing an initial list of managers is $150, and a state business license costs $200.
  • The fee to reserve an LLC business name in Nevada is $25.
  • LLCs must file an annual or amended list of managers or members. The fee is $150.

What forms do LLCs need to complete in Nevada?

  • LLCs must complete an Articles of Organization, an initial list of managers, and a state business license either online or in paper format.
  • Nevada requires LLCs to file an annual list of members/managers and a state business license.

Can I form an LLC online in Nevada?

  • Yes, you can form an LLC through Nevada’s Secretary of State business portal SilverFlume.
  • You can also form an LLC online through CorpNet.

Will Nevada let me name my LLC anything I want?

A Nevada LLC must contain the words Limited-Liability Company, Limited Company or Limited or the abbreviations Ltd., L.L.C., LLC or LC.

The business name cannot include language stating or implying that the LLC relates to a state or federal government agency. You can find the complete list of restricted words for Nevada businesses on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website.

Will Nevada allow me to be my own registered agent?

Yes. You can name an individual (yourself or someone else) as your registered agent or a registered professional agent, such as CorpNet, if their physical address is in Nevada.

Does Nevada require an annual report?

Nevada requires LLCs to file an annual list of members/managers and a business license.

Does an LLC cost money every year in Nevada?

LLCs must file an annual managers list (filing fee $150) and state business license (filing fee $200).

How quickly can you set up an LLC in Nevada?

Processing time varies from a few days to a few weeks. Filing can be expedited for an additional $125 – $1,000 fee.

How is an LLC taxed in Nevada?

  • All Limited Liability Companies formed or registered in Nevada are required to register with the Nevada Department of Revenue.
  • Nevada has no corporate income tax or personal income tax.
  • LLCs with gross revenues exceeding $4 million are required to file the Nevada commerce tax.
  • Nevada’s commerce tax is based on gross revenue and varies by industry.

Will I need to charge sales tax in Nevada?

  • The Nevada state sales tax rate is 4.6%.
  • Municipalities might add a local tax making the total tax rate as high as 8.265%.
  • Your LLC must pay the state’s sales and use tax to the Nevada Department of Taxation.

FAQs About LLC Formation

What does LLC stand for?

LLC stands for “limited liability company.” An LLC is a business entity that is legally separate from its owners. The owners of an LLC are called “members.”

What are the advantages of setting up an LLC?

An LLC offers some legal protections to business owners, shielding their personal assets from being taken to settle debts and legal claims against the business. Another advantage is tax flexibility. LLCs are by default pass-through tax entities, with all profit and loss flowing through to the owners’ personal tax returns. However, eligible LLCs may be taxed as S Corporations to help minimize business owners’ Social Security and Medicare tax obligations

What are the disadvantages of setting up an LLC?

A potential drawback of the LLC is that pass-through taxation may create an unfavorable financial situation for some business owners. Because all profit and loss are taxed at the owners’ individual tax rates, the LLC structure could cost owners more in taxes — depending on their tax bracket. In some cases, the corporate tax rate (at the federal or state level) might be less than the individuals’ tax rates. It’s important for entrepreneurs to talk with a tax professional for advice on how setting up an LLC will affect their tax obligations.

Can anyone register an LLC?

Individuals, other LLCs, C Corporations, or foreign entities may own a Limited Liability Company. Note that some states also allow the registration of variations on the LLC, such as PLLC (Professional Liability Company), and those may come with restrictions on who may own them.

Do I need a lawyer to register an LLC?

There are no requirements to have an attorney complete LLC formation paperwork. CorpNet saves our clients money on legal costs because we can prepare and submit your LLC registration documents for less than many lawyers charge for providing those services. However, entrepreneurs can greatly benefit from consulting an attorney when deciding which business entity type will be best for their business.

Which LLC is right for me?

That will depend on several factors, such as how many owners the business has and who will manage day-to-day operations. Also, the eligibility requirements for certain types of LLCs may limit which kind of LLC entrepreneurs may form. That’s why it’s essential to ask for professional advice on the legal and tax aspects before deciding on a business structure.

How many LLCs can I own?

No restrictions exist on the number of LLCs that eligible individuals or companies may set up and operate. Know that how entrepreneurs structure their multiple LLCs has legal and financial impacts, so it’s helpful to research the options carefully before forming the entities.

Do I register a single-member or multi-member LLC?

A single-member LLC must have a sole owner or be a married couple that is collectively considered the owner. An LLC with multiple owners is considered a multi-member LLC.

How many members can an LLC have?

LLCs may have an unlimited number of members. The exception is if an LLC elects to be considered an S Corporation for tax purposes; then, it may have no more than 100 members.

Does an LLC need a Board of Directors?

No. An LLC is not required to have a board of directors. However, LLC members may choose to have one if they adopt that method of management in the LLC operating agreement.

Do I need to register an LLC in all states I operate in?

Typically, an LLC that conducts business in states beyond its home state must apply for foreign qualification in those additional states. The rules for what “conducting business” means vary depending on the state. In general, the following activities require an LLC to foreign qualify:

  • Having a physical presence, such as an office, retail store, or warehouse in the state.
  • Having a distributor or sales representative in the state who sells the LLC’s products and services there.
  • Owning property (e.g., a vehicle fleet or real estate) in the state.
  • Reaching a level of income or sales in the state that defines the LLC as having economic nexus there.

Do I need a DBA?

If an LLC will use its registered name to do business, it does not have to file that name as a DBA (doing business as). However, if the LLC’s owners want to conduct business under a different name or use another name for a particular product line or another purpose, they will have to file a DBA to get the state’s permission to use the fictitious name. For example, suppose an entrepreneur forms an LLC registered as “Josephine’s Creperie.” If Josephine wants to offer catering services under a different name, say “Josephine’s Event Catering,” she would need to file a DBA for that name.

Is Forming an LLC Right for Your Business?

Choosing a business entity type for your company has both legal and financial implications. We know there are lots of questions that come up and we’d like to provide a free resource to help you along your path to entrepreneurship.

Our free guide to forming an LLC is written by business attorneys at Corpnet.com. This guide answers the common questions for creating a Limited Liability Company for your new business.

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