How to Start an LLC in Nevada for Free
You can't avoid the $425 LLC filing fees in Nevada. But you can spend less with these cost-saving strategies.
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Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Get step-by-step guidance to form your LLC
- Check business name availability
- LLC formation processing within 14 business days
- Business coaching program (tax, compliance, marketing)
- Invoicing and bookkeeping (30-day trial)
Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees
- 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
- File your Articles of Organization
- Check your business name
- Digital welcome packet
- Initial phone consultations on business insurance and taxes
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- 1 year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/year)
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
No, but you can reduce startup and annual costs by doing the following:
It costs at least $425[1][2] to form an LLC in Nevada, even if you do everything yourself. That's pretty expensive, so it's understandable that you're looking for ways to make it happen without draining your wallet.
However, after scouring Nevada's rules and every offer on the web, it seems like there's no way to start an LLC in Nevada for free.
But don't worry. You can still form an LLC in Nevada as affordably as possible and even avoid costly mistakes. Read on for tips on ways to cut costs, starting with using the best free LLC services in Nevada.
Free LLC Services in Nevada
Taking advantage of free LLC services in Nevada is a great idea because they can help you avoid costly mistakes. You won't have to do everything yourself, yet you don't have to pay for expert help.
Below, check out some of the best free LLC services in Nevada.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is a Nevada-based LLC formation company that helps you start an LLC for free. While you still need to pay the state filing fees, they will prepare and file your Articles of Organization at no extra cost. This is especially helpful if you have never filed an LLC application and appreciate expert help.
To help you save more, Inc Authority also provides one year of free registered agent services. All Nevada LLCs are legally required to have one, so this helps you comply with the rules without shelling out money.
And if you don't have an EIN yet, Inc Authority will get you one at no additional cost. This lets you open a business bank account, hire employees, and file certain tax returns.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness's free LLC formation package comes with a 100% accuracy guarantee. If they make a mistake when preparing and filing your LLC application, they'll fix it at no cost to you.
But what makes ZenBusiness's free LLC package stand out is the included one year of Worry-Free Compliance. They'll handle your annual report (Annual List) filing for the first year, making sure you stay compliant with state rules.
This is especially helpful in Nevada, where LLCs must file their Annual List by the end of their anniversary month.[3] Missing the deadline means additional costs to your LLC, like a $75 late fee.[1]
Worry-Free Compliance also comes with two free amendments. Whether it's changing your LLC's name, updating your business address, or revising contact information, you've got room to make those early-stage adjustments without extra cost.
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- 1 year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/year)
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
No, ZenBusiness doesn't have hidden fees. However, you must take note of the free trials and when they end. You'll be charged regular fees after the free period.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is an ideal option for combining LLC formation with business branding services. But even with their free LLC package, you're already getting a lot of value.
After preparing and filing your LLC application, they can also give you a free custom business plan. It includes marketing strategies to grow your customer base, a checklist of annual requirements to avoid costly penalties, and tips on creating a strong brand identity so you don't waste money on rebranding later.
With Tailor Brands, you don't just get help with filing your LLC application. You're also given a personalized roadmap that many entrepreneurs typically pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for.
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Get step-by-step guidance to form your LLC
- Check business name availability
- LLC formation processing within 14 business days
- Business coaching program (tax, compliance, marketing)
- Invoicing and bookkeeping (30-day trial)
Tailor Brands usually forwards all LLC applications to the state within 14 business days (2 business days with expedited processing). However, the actual time it'll take to form your LLC will still depend on Nevada's current processing time.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is another reputable online formation service that helps you form an LLC in Nevada at no additional cost beyond the state filing fee.
Before filing your LLC documents, they'll make sure they meet the state's requirements and that the business name you want is available for use. This way, you can avoid paying for another set of state filing fees.
You'll also get complementary tax consultation services from 1-800Accountant.[4] Getting expert advice early on means you're less likely to miss deductions, choose the wrong tax structure, or overlook filing requirements—all of which can lead to paying more tax than necessary or racking up penalties.
Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees
- 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
- File your Articles of Organization
- Check your business name
- Digital welcome packet
- Initial phone consultations on business insurance and taxes
Do It Yourself
Another way to save on costs is to consider doing everything yourself. Just be aware that handling the paperwork on your own can backfire if you miss a step or file incorrectly.
Mistakes can lead to rejected applications, extra filing fees, or even compliance issues down the line.
But if you're confident with paperwork and willing to put in a bit of time, forming your Nevada LLC manually can help you avoid service fees entirely.
That said, here are some of the LLC formation expenses you still need to pay:
| Nevada LLC Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $75 |
| Initial list of managers or members | $150 |
| Business name reservation | $25 |
| State business license | $200 |
| Business permits and licenses | At least $200 |
| Minimum budget | $650 |
How to Form an LLC in Nevada
Starting an LLC in Nevada is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:
- Choose a name
Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Nevada. It must also have LLC, Ltd., or similar at the end.Make sure your LLC name is still available for use. Otherwise, the state will reject your application, and you will need to pay for another round of review.
- Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.You can save money by being your own registered agent or choosing an LLC service with free registered agent services.
- File the Articles of Organization
Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Secretary of State. This form includes details like the business name, registered agent's details, and the LLC's management structure
.
An initial list of managers or members must be attached to the Articles of Organization. It contains the name, address, and position of the LLC's managers or members.
- Get business permits and licenses
All businesses in Nevada are required to have a state business license, which grants the privilege to do business in the state. It must be filed with the Articles of Organization and the initial list of managers or members. Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. - Create an operating agreement
An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.Most LLC services offer free operating agreement templates. You can customize them based on your LLC's specific rules.
- Get an EIN
Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.
You can get this for free through the IRS, or select an LLC provider with complementary EIN services.
You can also use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your minimum startup expenses.
Optional Add-ons That Affect Cost
Some LLC formation services offer extras and upgrades that aren't required but might be marketed as helpful or convenient. The most common ones include:
- Registered agent service
- Operating agreement
- Expedited filing
- Annual report reminders
- Tax consultation or reminders
- Business website/domain/email packages
These affect how much you end up spending, even if you're technically forming your LLC for "free." Before accepting any extras, see if it's something you can handle yourself without paying someone else to do it.
Curious to know how much it costs to maintain an LLC in Nevada? Use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Nevada LLCs
Saving money sounds great—but not so much when you're making costly mistakes. If you're trying to cut corners without knowing the rules, you could end up spending more in the long run.
Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when forming an LLC in Nevada:
Using your home address for business registration
One of the benefits of paying for an LLC service is that they often let you use their office address in your Articles of Organization.
Otherwise, especially for home-based businesses, your personal address becomes part of the public record—something you might not want for privacy or security reasons.
Not having a business plan
Not having a business plan can lead to several financial consequences that may hurt your LLC in both the short and long term. For example, you might overlook recurring expenses and end up draining your savings.
If you're not sure where to start, some free LLC formation packages, like the one from Tailor Brands, include a custom business plan with basic financial planning features to help you get organized early on.
Missing important deadlines
Nevada has strict filing deadlines. So if you miss them, you could face late fees, loss of good standing, or in worst cases, administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Some LLC services offer free lifetime alerts to help you stay on top of filings like your annual report or business license renewal, so you don't risk unnecessary penalties or closure.
Not drafting an operating agreement
Nevada doesn't require an operating agreement. However, skipping it means your LLC will automatically follow the state's default rules, which might not align with how you want to run your business.
You don't have to write one from scratch; plenty of templates are available online. Some LLC services also include a customized version in their packages. For example, Northwest Registered Agent's $39 + state fees package already comes with an operating agreement.
LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
- Files all paperwork with the state
- 1 year registered agent included
- Free LLC Operating Agreement
- Never sells your data. Ever.
Underestimating tax responsibilities
Say you start selling online, make a few thousand dollars, and assume it's too small to worry about taxes. Then tax season hits, and suddenly you're scrambling to figure out sales tax, self-employment tax, or income reporting.
Misunderstanding your obligations can lead to missed payments, penalties, or audits. Some services, like ZenBusiness, include a free tax consultation with their free LLC formation package, which can help you get ahead of potential issues before they snowball.
You might be able to get a business grant and use the money to form an LLC. Check out well-known platforms like the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance, where you can find federal and state grants and matching programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to start an LLC in Nevada?
It costs a minimum of $425 to start an LLC in Nevada.[1][5] This includes the $75 filing fee for the Articles of Organization, $150 for the initial list of managers or members, and $200 for the state business license.
Additional costs may apply depending on your business needs, such as local permits or expedited processing.
- Can I open an LLC in Nevada without living there?
Yes, you can form an LLC in Nevada even if you don't live there. However, you must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Nevada to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. Many LLC services offer this as part of their packages.
- How fast can I get an LLC in Nevada?
The Nevada Secretary of State typically takes three to six weeks to process and approve the Articles of Organization filed by mail.[6] You can pay for expedited services to process your LLC application quickly.
- What is required for an LLC in Nevada?
To form an LLC in Nevada, you'll need a unique business name that complies with state naming rules, a registered agent with a Nevada address, and the completed Articles of Organization. You'll also need to file an initial list of managers or members and obtain a state business license.
- Do I need a business license in Nevada?
Yes, nearly all LLCs in Nevada are required to obtain a state business license, which costs $200.[5] Depending on your location and industry, you may also need local or special licenses. Skipping this step can result in penalties and put your LLC in bad standing with the state.
Bottom line
You can't start an LLC in Nevada completely free, but you can keep costs low by choosing a free formation service, skipping avoidable paid services, and staying on top of state requirements.
Whether you file everything yourself or use a trusted provider, the key is knowing where to save—and where it's smarter to spend.
References
- ^ Nevada Secretary of State. Limited-Liability Company Fee Schedule, Retrieved 07/08/2025
- ^ Nevada Secretry of State. State Business License - FAQ, Retrieved 07/08/2025
- ^ Nevada Legislature. Chapter 86 - Limited-Liability Companies, Retrieved 07/14/2025
- ^ LegalZoom. Start your LLC with confidence, Retrieved 09/10/2025
- ^ Nevada Secretary of State. State Business License - FAQ, Retrieved 07/08/2025
- ^ Nevada Secretary of State. Processing Dates, Retrieved 07/14/2025
Nicole King is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Nicole King at nicole.king@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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