Set the stage to raise capital, attract investors, and unlock growth opportunities with a Nevada C corp. Starts at $0 plus NV state fees.
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Starts at $0 + NV state fee and only takes 5-10 minutes
Are you planning to form a Nevada corporation? Nevada corporations are businesses with separate legal identities from their owners, who are referred to as shareholders.
Creating a corporation in Nevada is similar to other states, and we can help show you how to register your new company. Simply follow our steps below to establish your Nevada corporation. We’ll also walk you through the nuances of forming a professional corporation (PC), a special kind of corporation organized by licensed professionals like physicians, attorneys, or accountants.
To start a Nevada corporation, you must file the Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State along with some other important paperwork and pay the necessary fees. However, there are additional steps to take both before and after this.
To simplify the process of forming a corporation in the state of Nevada, we’ve put together the following steps to form your business:
Choosing your company’s name is exciting, and it should be because it will be the foundation of your brand. But the process of naming your business may involve more paperwork than you think.
According to Nevada law, a corporation name “must be distinguishable” from others filed with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office. The first step is to perform a business name search to check for existing business names, trademarks, fictitious firm names, service marks, business licenses, and reserved names registered in the state of Nevada.
Most states require a corporation to have a “designator” in its name. A designator is a word or abbreviation that indicates it’s a corporation, such as “Inc.” Nevada only requires this when “a name appearing to be that of a natural person and containing a given name or initials” serves as a corporation name. In other words, a corporation called “John Doe” is required to have an additional word like “Incorporated,” “Limited,” “Inc.,” “Ltd.,” “Company,” “Co.,” “Corporation,” “Corp.,” etc. to indicate that it isn’t a person.
You need approval from the state of Nevada if you use certain words indicating a licensed profession in your business name. Examples include “architect,” “engineer,” “registered interior designer,” “accountant,” “auditor,” “community association,” and “homeowners’ association.” See NRS 78.045 or the restricted word list for more details.
If you’re not ready to file your Articles of Incorporation but want to ensure your business name is available, you can choose to reserve it. To do so, you can file online or by mail for a fee. This will hold your name for 90 days.
Nevada has some specific rules for the name of a professional corporation, starting with the designator you include. Your name must have the words “professional corporation” (or its abbreviation “Prof. Corp.” or “P.C.” or “PC”). You could also use “Chartered” or “Limited” (abbreviated as “Chtd.” and “Ltd.” respectively). Nevada also requires every professional corporation to include the name of one or more of its shareholders (past or present).
Beyond that, you should double-check with your licensing authority to see if they have any naming requirements specific to your industry. These vary from one industry to the next, so a little research is essential here.
If you intend to do business under a name other than your corporation’s legal name in Nevada, you’re required to apply for an assumed or fictitious name, known in some states as a “doing business as” (DBA) name. You’ll need to file your Nevada DBA name with the county clerk in each county where you conduct business. The forms and fees will vary by county.
Trademarks are another factor to consider when deciding on your corporation’s name. Even if you don’t want to seek your own trademark, you’ll still want to make sure no one else has trademarked your desired name.
People can hold trademarks at both the state and federal levels. The business search mentioned above will also search for trademarked business names in Nevada. You can also look into getting a state trademark of your own. A state trademark like this applies only within the borders of a state, but it’s generally easier and less expensive than seeking a federal trademark. A trademark search with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can alert you as to any federal trademarks on your desired name.
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Directors and officers run corporations. The board of directors makes major business and policy decisions, while the officers supervise the company’s day-to-day activities. Shareholders are people who own shares in the company. During incorporation, one person can be a shareholder, director, and an officer at the same time.
The state requires at least one initial director for incorporation. A director has to be a natural person, not a company, who’s at least 18 years of age and, unless specified in the Articles of Incorporation, does not have to be a shareholder.
Professional corporations have an extra requirement for their directors: all the directors must be licensed in the corporation’s listed profession.
The initial director is named in the Articles of Incorporation or appointed at the organizational meeting. An incorporator’s statement is prepared and filed with the corporate records to put this action in motion. The appointed directors will then hold a meeting to elect officers, decide on stock structures, and wrap up the requirements for filing.
A corporation is required to designate a registered agent to receive legal documents, such as service of process. It’s required that all registered agents be a resident of Nevada or part of a business authorized to operate in Nevada.
This person must have a physical address in Nevada; a P.O. box is not sufficient. The corporation’s owners can also act as their own registered agent. In Nevada, your registered agent has to sign and submit an acceptance form with your Articles of Incorporation when you file.
Choosing a registered agent is an important decision, as the consequences of missing or mismanaged corporate documents can be dire. That’s why it’s recommended to hire a professional service so you can get back to running your business.
A corporation is officially formed when the Articles of Incorporation are filed with the Secretary of State. They refer to the contract between the state, the corporation, and its shareholders. Both standard profit corporations and professional corporations file this form.
The Articles of Incorporation must include the following:
The form also asks you about the type of corporation you wish to form. This article is primarily devoted to starting a for-profit domestic (in-state) corporation (NRS 78), but this same form is also used for foreign (out-of-state) corporations (NRS 80), professional corporations (NRS 89), and close corporations (NRS 78A).
Corporations issue shares to raise capital. A business cannot be a corporation without issuing at least one share of stock to one shareholder. Public companies trade their shares on the stock exchange. Private corporations are typically owned by a small number of people; the company issues shares to a limited number of shareholders who may or may not participate in the management of the corporation.
You can file the Articles of Incorporation online with a fee determined by the total number of authorized shares stated in the document. You will pay at least $75. The full fee structure is listed on the form.
Along with the fee and form for the Articles of Incorporation, you’ll also be submitting the Initial List and State Business License Application, which has its own fees. The initial list is $150, and the business license fee is $500. There’s also a $60 fee for the statement appointing the registered agent. All fees are subject to change.
If you’d rather file by mail, you may send your Articles of Incorporation and the other documents to:
Secretary of State New Filings Division 202 North Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701-4201
To ensure a timely, accurate, and error-free filing, partner with ZenBusiness for your incorporation needs. We have different formation plans that can be personalized to your business needs.
The bylaws are somewhat of an extension of the Articles of Incorporation tailored to the business’s management. The incorporators or the initial directors may prepare the company bylaws. It’s an official company document that will be signed by the founders and filed into the corporate record.
Bylaws may include the:
Company bylaws are not filed with the state of Nevada and are not legally required by the state. However, having bylaws is strongly recommended because it helps the business function internally with ease. For professional corporations, bylaws must follow regulations specific to the profession and ensure compliance with state laws governing professional services.
The shareholder agreement contains the rights and responsibilities of all stockholders. Some things you may want to include in the agreement are:
The shareholder agreement can be created from a template. But as it is an official corporate document, it is recommended you get assistance from experienced professionals who can help you draft an agreement suited to your business.
Corporations are required to issue shares of stock. However, a lot of considerations must be made before a company can issue shares of stock. Some of the things you should know include:
Besides the fact that issuing shares of stock has a huge financial impact on your business, it is also regulated by the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
To protect investors, these departments require that a business provide:
These requirements will vary based on whether you are offering shares privately or publicly.
Professional corporations can’t really issue shares to the general public. That’s because all of the shareholders must be licensed in the corporation’s stated profession; no unlicensed individuals can hold shares. If, for some reason, a shareholder’s license becomes invalid (due to non-compliance, death, retirement, etc.), then their shares must be transferred to a qualified shareholder in a timely fashion.
If you’re going to launch a Nevada corporation, you must have a state business license, which costs $500 annually. This can be filed through the state’s online portal, by mail, fax, or in person at the Carson City or Las Vegas office. As stated above, you’ll submit your business license application along with your Articles of Incorporation.
The business license must be renewed for $500 every year on the last day of the anniversary month in which your license was originally filed.
Check applicable local business licenses you might need on the state’s Department of Business and Industry website.
Applying for necessary business permits or licenses requires time and diligence because requirements for businesses vary depending on the industry and location. You’ll need to conduct research to determine what federal, state, and local licensing your company needs. This step is especially important for professional corporations, which need to take extra care to ensure that all their shareholders, directors, and employees who offer the professional service maintain licensure in the company’s profession.
To start a corporation in Nevada, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for an EIN by mail, fax, or online. The EIN is the number the IRS uses to identify businesses for tax purposes. It also enables the business to hire employees, open business accounts, or apply for loans.
Although your corporation will be responsible for federal taxes, Nevada has neither a corporate nor personal state income tax. However, all Nevada employers must pay a modified business tax. In addition, if your business earns more than $4 million in gross revenue per year, you’ll be subject to a commerce tax.
There are other various taxes imposed on businesses operating in Nevada, such as a live entertainment tax, sales and use tax, and excise tax. Professional corporations in Nevada may have additional tax obligations depending on the services provided. Consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance.
Nevada requires corporations to file an annual report or, as Nevada calls it, an “annual list.” It should include the:
This can be done online, by fax, in person, or through the mail by filling out a downloadable form and sending it to the Secretary of State. To avoid penalties, submissions should be received by the last day of the company’s anniversary month.
Businesses looking to form a Nevada corporation will pay $500 for the state business license, $150 for the initial list, $60 for the statement appointing the registered agent, and at least $75 for the Articles of Incorporation filing fee. These are subject to change, so check the latest fee schedule for the current fees.
The registration fee also increases if more than $75,000 in stock is authorized. Businesses may also need to pay licensing fees in the cities and counties where they’re based and where they’ll operate.
The cost can quickly add up during this process because of bureaucracy and red tape, which are general disadvantages of forming a corporation. Amendments or corrections to any documents will also cost you money.
ZenBusiness is the best partner for small businesses in Nevada. For help in dealing with the red tape, let us assist you in this process and reduce your stress and worry while saving time.
Nevada draws a large number of companies because it’s known to offer more favorable regulations and tax conditions, including:
C corporations are the default form of corporation. On the federal level, they’re taxed as a separate entity from their shareholders. This results in “double taxation,” meaning that the corporation’s profits are taxed twice, first at the corporate level and again when they’re distributed to the shareholders.
Nevada has no state corporate or personal income tax, so C corporations get a break on both fronts there.
An S corporation is an eligible, incorporated business that elected the federal S corporation status through the Subchapter S of the IRS code. In this structure, the company’s profits aren’t taxed at the business level, just on the individual level when they’re distributed to shareholders.
Businesses in Nevada, regardless of structure, are subject to:
Navigating the incorporation process can be daunting, but you’re not alone. While we don’t currently offer start-up services for professional corporations, we can help you with our standard business incorporation service. We’ve also got a variety of other services, all here to guide you every step of the way, helping you form your Nevada corporation starting at just $0 plus state fees. Let us simplify the journey for you!
Yes, because an incorporated business, in general, has to comply with government requirements that usually involve extensive record-keeping.
A corporation and limited liability company (LLC) offer owners the same protection against personal liability. Differences arise in how they’re taxed, how they raise capital, and the ease and cost of formation.
To change your corporation’s name, you will need to file a Certificate of Modified Name form with the Secretary of State.
It takes just one person (at least 18 years of age) to form a Nevada corporation as the incorporator.
Yes. A majority of paperwork can be filed through SilverFlume, Nevada’s online business portal.
To dissolve your corporation, you will need to file a Certificate of Dissolution/Withdrawal and pay a filing fee.
Yes, foreign corporations can file in Nevada. To register as a foreign corporation in Nevada, you would use the same Articles of Incorporation form as a domestic corporation. This form can be found on the Secretary of State’s website and can be filed by mail, fax, or email. Foreign corporations have to pay a fee and be accepted by the Nevada Secretary of State.
Other than a professional corporation, Nevada offers a professional limited liability company (PLLC), which is also a professional entity.
Nevada law requires PCs to be formed for the purpose of rendering one specific type of professional service. However, professionals in the same industry with different specialties can form a PC together. For example, a PC providing architectural services can include a professional architect and a professional interior designer as members of the PC.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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