In order to set up a business in Nevada you may have to file formation documents with the Nevada Secretary of State, depending on the legal structure of your business. According to the Nevada Secretary of State, sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not required to file formation documents. But they need to apply for a Nevada State Business License or a Notice of Exemption. You can apply online or you can file the application by mail, fax or in person.
If your business is set up as a limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, or limited liability company (LLC), it must be registered with the Nevada Secretary of State. This also applies to these same entities formed outside of Nevada that want to conduct business in Nevada.
Before officially forming your business entity, you can use the Business Entity Search tool on the Nevada Secretary of State website to see if the name you want to use is available. You could also file on online name reservation. The fee is $25 and the name you choose will be reserved for 90 days.
On the Nevada Secretary of State website you can find the forms for registering your partnership. The information required includes the name of the partnership, the address of the designated office, the name and address of the registered agent, the name, address and signature of each general partner, and the formation date. A dissolution date is optional. If you do not indicate one it is assumed the entity has a perpetual existence. The signature of the registered agent, accepting the appointment, is also required. You can submit your registration online.
Partnerships must also file an initial list of general partners or managing partners, and at the same time must also apply for the State Business License. The fee for the list of partners is $125 and $200 for the State Business License.
A limited liability company (LLC) must file its articles of organization. The Nevada Secretary of State provides a standard format that you can use. The information required includes the name of the LLC, the name and address of the registered agent, the name and address of each manager or managing member, the effective date, the name, address and signature of the organizer, an optional dissolution date, and a certificate of acceptance of appointment by the registered agent. This registration can also be filed online.
An LLC must also file a list of officers, directors and registered agent by the last day of the first month after filing its articles of organization. The fee for filing this initial list is $125. At the same time as the initial or annual list is due, the LLC must also apply for the State Business License. The fee for this license is $200. The list must be filed each year thereafter, and can be filed online.
Depending on the type of business you operate, you will generally need to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation, for example to collect and pay sales taxes. If you have employees you are subject to the modified business tax, which is a tax on gross wages. Or you may be subject to certain excise taxes. You can find more information on the Nevada Department of Taxation website.
Sources:
About Taxes and FAQ’s, Nevada Department of Taxation
Start a Business, Nevada Secretary of State