Form an LLC in Nevada

Unmatched asset protection and zero taxes. But beware the hidden costs: Why Nevada is the “Ferrari” of LLCs (expensive but powerful).

🎰 The Legend vs. The Reality

Nevada has a legendary reputation in the business world. Las Vegas. No state income tax. Maximum privacy. Bulletproof asset protection. It sounds like the perfect state for your LLC.

And it is… if you can afford it.

Annual maintenance? Another $350/year ($150 Annual List + $200 License renewal).

🎯 At a Glance: Nevada LLC

💡 Who Should Choose Nevada?

Nevada makes sense if:

• ✅ You have significant assets to protect ($500K+)
• ✅ You’re in high-risk industries (real estate, medical, legal)
• ✅ You need maximum legal protection from creditors
• ✅ You operate a gambling/casino business (Nevada-specific licenses)
• ✅ Cost is NOT your primary concern

Wyoming is better if:

• 🚫 You’re starting a small online business
• 🚫 You want similar privacy for 1/6th the cost ($185/year vs $350/year)
• 🚫 You don’t need premium asset protection
• 🚫 You value simplicity (no hidden fees)

🎯 Step 1: Choose Your Nevada LLC Name

Nevada has standard naming requirements:

• Must include “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, or “Limited Liability Company”
• Cannot use restricted words like “Bank”, “Casino”, “Insurance” without approval
• Must be distinguishable from existing Nevada entities
• Cannot imply government affiliation

Check Availability: Search the Nevada SilverFlume Business Search to see if your name is available.

💡 Pro Tip: A Las Vegas or Reno address can project glamour for entertainment/hospitality businesses, but most online businesses don’t benefit from the Nevada brand.

🎭 Step 2: Get a Registered Agent (Your Public Face)

In Nevada, your registered agent is critical for privacy—but not enough on its own.

🏆 Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest has a physical office in Las Vegas, Nevada and offers privacy-enhancing services:

• ✅ $125/year – Standard registered agent service
• ✅ Their Nevada address appears on public records, not yours
• ✅ Nominee services available (additional cost for maximum privacy)
• ✅ Handles all state compliance filings ($350/year fees)
• ✅ Same-day document scanning & email forwarding

💡 Privacy Note: If you want your name completely hidden from Nevada’s public database, you’ll need to use nominee services (an additional fee). This puts a “stand-in” name on the Initial List instead of yours.

Get Your Nevada Registered Agent →

📝 Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

Nevada calls the formation document “Articles of Organization”. You file it through SilverFlume—Nevada’s online portal.

💻 The Real Cost Breakdown

Filing Options

What You’ll Need

1. LLC Name (verified as available on SilverFlume)
2. Registered Agent (with a Nevada physical address)
3. Manager/Member Information (for Initial List – filed within 30 days)
4. Business License Category (determines annual fee, most pay $200)
5. Mailing Address (can be outside Nevada)

💸 The $350/Year Hidden Costs

This is where Nevada loses most small business owners. Let’s break down the mandatory annual costs:

Annual Fees Breakdown

💰 Nevada vs. Wyoming: The Real Cost Comparison

💭 The Question: Is Nevada’s asset protection worth an extra $1,485 over 5 years? For high-net-worth individuals with significant liability exposure, yes. For a small e-commerce store, probably not.

🛡️ Step 4: Get Your EIN & Operating Agreement

After Nevada approves your LLC (usually 1-2 days), you need two documents:

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Same process as other states. Non-residents can:

• Apply by fax – Fill out Form SS-4 and fax to the IRS (4-6 weeks)
• Use a service – Northwest can get your EIN in 1-2 days

👉 Read our complete EIN guide for non-residents

2. Operating Agreement

Nevada does NOT require you to file an Operating Agreement with the state, but it’s critical for asset protection.

What to include:

• Member names and ownership percentages
• Capital contributions
• Profit/loss allocation
• Management structure
• Charging Order provisions (critical for Nevada asset protection)

💡 Nevada-Specific Note: Nevada’s charging order protection only works if your Operating Agreement is properly drafted. This is NOT a document to DIY if you’re serious about asset protection.

💸 Nevada Tax Structure

Personal Income Tax: 0% (Nevada’s Best Feature)

Nevada has NO state income tax. This is one of only 9 states with zero personal income tax.

For LLC owners: If your LLC is a pass-through entity (default), your profits flow to your personal tax return. Since Nevada has no personal income tax, you pay $0 to the state.

Commerce Tax: 0% (For Most Small Businesses)

Nevada has a “Commerce Tax” on businesses, but there’s a massive exemption:

Reality: 99% of small businesses never pay Commerce Tax. You need $4 million in Nevada-sourced revenue before this applies.

Sales Tax: 6.85% (Plus Local)

If you sell physical products to Nevada customers, you must collect and remit Nevada sales tax:

• Base state rate: 6.85%
• Clark County (Las Vegas) adds 1.525%
• Total range: 6.85% – 8.375%

🏦 Opening a US Bank Account

Nevada LLCs are well-recognized by banks, though they may scrutinize the high fees:

1. Mercury (Best for Tech/Crypto)

• ✅ 100% online application
• ✅ No minimum balance or monthly fees
• ✅ Fast approval (24-48 hours)
• ✅ Crypto-friendly policies

2. Wise Business (For International Payments)

• ✅ Multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
• ✅ Low international transfer fees
• ✅ Easy approval for Nevada LLCs

3. Relay Bank (Alternative Option)

• ✅ Built for small businesses
• ✅ Multiple checking accounts
• ✅ Good customer support

Documents banks will ask for:

1. Articles of Organization (from Nevada)
2. Initial List of Officers (filed with state)
3. State Business License (proof of compliance)
4. EIN Confirmation Letter (from IRS)
5. Operating Agreement
6. Your passport + proof of address

⚖️ Nevada vs. Wyoming vs. Delaware

*Nevada privacy requires paid nominee services (additional cost).

Choose Nevada if:

• ✅ You have significant assets to protect ($500K+ exposed to liability)
• ✅ You’re in a high-risk profession (doctor, lawyer, landlord)
• ✅ You need maximum legal protection from creditors/lawsuits
• ✅ You operate a gambling or casino business
• ✅ Cost is NOT a concern (you value protection over savings)

Choose Wyoming if:

• ✅ You want excellent privacy for 1/3 the cost
• ✅ You’re starting a small online business
• ✅ You want good asset protection without premium pricing
• ✅ You value simplicity (transparent fees, no hidden costs)

Choose Delaware if:

• ✅ You’re raising venture capital or planning an IPO
• ✅ Investors require a Delaware entity
• ✅ You need the Court of Chancery

👉 Still deciding? Compare all 50 states side-by-side

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🎰 Ready to Form Your Nevada LLC?

Nevada is the “Ferrari” of LLCs—expensive, powerful, and not for everyone:

Launch Your Nevada LLC →

🎰 Maximum Asset Protection + 0% Income Tax + Las Vegas Brand

✅ Fast 1-2 day approval | ✅ Strongest asset protection in US | ✅ Premium privacy options