LLC in Nevada for Non-Residents (2025 Guide): Overpriced or Necessary?
Nevada was once the privacy king. Now it is the most expensive state for small businesses. We break down the $425+ startup cost and $350+ annual fees.
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Author's Bio: The Foreign Founder Team has helped entrepreneurs save thousands in unnecessary fees. Nevada is often the first place we tell people not to go.
20 years ago, Nevada was the king of corporate privacy. It was the "offshore haven" within the US. Today? It is mostly a tourist trap for business incorporation.
Marketing agencies will sell you a "Nevada Package" for $1,000+. They will promise you bulletproof asset protection and secrecy. What they don't tell you is the annual bill.
While Wyoming costs $60/year and New Mexico costs $0, Nevada demands $350+ every single year.
Is the "Silver State" worth the gold price?
The "Fee Stacking" Trick
Nevada's Secretary of State website lists the filing fee as $75. This is a lie (by omission).
To actually operate legally, you must file two more documents immediately:
- Initial List of Managers: $150.
- State Business License: $200.
Total Startup Cost: $75 + $150 + $200 = $425.
Compare that to:
- New Mexico: $50 (Total).
- Wyoming: $100 (Total).
Why Do People Still Choose Nevada?
If it's so expensive, why do people do it?
- Asset Protection (Charging Orders): Nevada has the strongest laws protecting your business assets from your personal creditors. If you get sued personally (e.g., car accident), it is very hard for the creditor to seize your Nevada LLC.
- No Information Sharing (Myth): People used to think Nevada didn't share data with the IRS. This is false. Nevada now shares data just like everyone else.
- Marketing: Lawyers make more money selling Nevada LLCs because the fees are higher and the maintenance is complex.
Nevada vs. Wyoming: The Heavyweight Fight
| Feature | Nevada 🎰 | Wyoming 🤠|
|---|---|---|
| Startup Cost | $425 | $100 |
| Annual Fee | $350 | $60 |
| Asset Protection | Strongest | Very Strong |
| Privacy | High | High |
| Business License | Required ($200) | Not Required |
| IRS Data Sharing | Yes | Yes |
The Reality: For a typical e-commerce seller or consultant, Wyoming offers 95% of the protection for 20% of the price.
Step-by-Step: Forming a Nevada LLC (If You Must)
Step 1: Name Search
Use the SilverFlume portal.
Step 2: Registered Agent
Required. Nevada agents are expensive ($100-$200/year) because the state requires them to sign documents physically.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
Fee: $75.
Step 4: File Initial List & State Business License
Crucial Step. You must file this within 30 days of formation.
- Fee: $350 ($150 List + $200 License).
- Penalty: Late fees are huge.
Step 5: Commerce Tax
You must register for the Commerce Tax, even if you owe $0. (Most small businesses owe $0 unless revenue > $4M).
Decision Tree: Are You High Risk?
graph TD
A["Start: Are you starting a High-Risk Business?"] -- Yes, Adult/Gambling/Crypto --> B["Consider Nevada (Asset Protection)"]
A -- No, E-commerce/Consulting/SaaS --> C["Do you have $425 to waste?"]
C -- Yes --> B
C -- No --> D["Choose Wyoming ($100) or New Mexico ($50)"]
B --> E["Are you prepared for $350/year fees?"]
E -- No --> D
E -- Yes --> B
style B fill:#fecaca,stroke:#dc2626,stroke-width:4px
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Nevada tax-free?
There is no Personal Income Tax and no Corporate Income Tax. However, there is a Commerce Tax on gross revenue over $4,000,000. Most small businesses are exempt, but you must file the return.
Can I move my Nevada LLC to Wyoming?
Yes. You can "Domesticate" your Nevada LLC into Wyoming to stop paying the high fees. This costs about $100 (Wyoming fee) + legal fees, but saves you money in the long run.
Does Nevada allow anonymous ownership?
Yes, similar to Wyoming, you are not required to list members on the public Articles. However, the "Initial List of Managers" must list someone (usually your Manager).
Final Verdict
Nevada is a luxury product. It offers "Cadillac" asset protection at a Cadillac price.
For 99% of non-resident entrepreneurs, you do not need this. You are paying extra for protection against threats you don't have.
Save your money. Go to Wyoming or New Mexico.
Ready to start?
- Compare Services: Best LLC Formation Services.
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Fact Checked & Verified
This article was reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy. Strategies regarding LLC formation and credit building are based on current 2025 regulations.