How to Start Nevada LLC as a Non-Resident (Guide)
If you’re a non-resident looking to start a business in the United States, Nevada is a great state to consider. With no state income tax and strong privacy protections, a business-friendly environment welcomes entrepreneurs worldwide.
In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to start a Nevada LLC as a non-resident, including the requirements, benefits, and costs involved.
Key Highlights: Nevada LLC as a Non-Resident
Starting a Nevada LLC as a non-resident involves several crucial steps: appointing a Registered Agent, filing the Articles of Organization, submitting the Initial List and State Business License Application, drafting an Operating Agreement, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Among all the registered agent services, I found Northwest registered agent the best for this.
My favorite part about forming an LLC in Nevada is that the state offers a no state income tax and strong privacy protection.
Nevada LLC Non-resident Requirements
If you are a non-resident looking to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Nevada, there are several requirements you must meet.
I explained these requirements below:
Registered Agent
A non-resident must have a registered agent with a physical address in Nevada.
The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
You can hire a registered agent service in Nevada to fulfill this requirement.
Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is a legal document establishing your LLC in Nevada. As a non-resident, you can file the Articles of Organization online or by mail.
The online filing is currently only allowed for a Chapter 86 Limited-Liability Company. You can obtain the Articles of Organization form from the Nevada Secretary of State website.
When filing, send your completed form and the required fee to:
Nevada Secretary of State
202 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701-4201
As a foreigner, you don’t need a physical office, Nevada-based employees, a Nevada bank account, or resident status in Nevada to start your LLC. By understanding what you don’t need initially, you can focus on the essentials to successfully launch and run your Nevada LLC.
Initial List and State Business License Application
Within 30 days of filing the Articles of Organization, you must file an Initial List of Managers or Members and a State Business License Application.
The Initial List of Managers or Members lists the names and addresses of the LLC’s managers or members.
The State Business License Application registers your LLC with the Nevada Department of Taxation.
You can file both documents online or by mail. You can obtain the Initial List of Managers or Members and State Business License Application forms from the Nevada Secretary of State website.
Operating Agreement
Although an Operating Agreement is not required by law in Nevada, it is highly recommended that you have one. An Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines your LLC’s ownership and operating procedures.
An operating agreement can help prevent disputes and clarify the roles and responsibilities of the LLC’s members. You can create one yourself or hire an attorney to draft one.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to identify your LLC for tax purposes. As a non-resident, you can obtain an EIN by mail, fax, or online.
To apply for an EIN, you must provide your LLC’s legal name and address, the name and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the LLC’s responsible party, and a brief description of the LLC’s business activities. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS website.
Critical Note: Here’s What You Do Not Need Initially as a Non-resident Business Owner
Firstly, one of the most common misconceptions is that you need a physical office in Nevada to register your LLC. However, as a foreigner, you do not need a physical office in Nevada to start your LLC. You can use your home address or a registered agent service as your business address.
Secondly, another misconception is that you need Nevada-based employees to start your LLC. This is not true. As a foreigner, you can hire employees from anywhere worldwide as long as they are authorized to work in the United States.
Thirdly, you do NOT need a Nevada bank account to start your LLC. You can use your personal or bank account from any other state or country to conduct business. However, it is recommended that you open a separate bank account for your LLC to keep your personal and business finances separate.
Lastly, you do NOT need to be a resident of Nevada to start your LLC. Foreigners can start an LLC in Nevada if they have a registered agent with a physical address in Nevada.
Steps on How to Register an LLC in Nevada as a Non-resident
Step 1. Selecting Your Business Name (new or existing)
First, I would search the name on the Nevada Secretary of State’s website to ensure it’s unique and not already used by another Nevada business.
You can choose an existing business name or develop a new one, but it must be distinguishable from other registered names.
This initial name search helps confirm the availability of your desired business name, setting a solid foundation for forming your Nevada LLC.
Step 2. Appointing a Nevada Registered Agent (I use Northwest)
As a non-resident, you are required to have a registered agent in Nevada. A registered agent is a person or company that receives legal documents for your business.
I recommend using Northwest Registered Agent as your registered agent. They can help you form your LLC and act as your registered agent.
Learn why Northwest Registered Agent stands out in my review.
Besides the fact that you can start with them for as little as $39, Northwest Registered Agent stands out for its commitment to privacy and security, making it a trusted choice for LLC formation.
Step 3. Sign up For Northwest Registered Agent
To sign up for Northwest Registered Agent services, go to their website and click on the “LET’S GET YOU STARTED” button. Follow the prompts to sign up and select the services you require.
Choose your business entity as LLC and select Nevada (of course!) as your preferred state.
Step 4. Enter Your New/Existing Company Details
After signing up for Northwest Registered Agent services, you must enter your new or existing company details. This includes your business name, physical and mailing addresses, and other essential information.
If unsure about your business purpose, toggle “Use Generic Business Purpose.”
You can also use Northwest Registered Agent as your business address.
Step 5. Enter The Management For Your LLC
You’ll also need to enter the management for your LLC. This includes the members or managers who will run your business. If your business is a one-person show, just stick with one member and use your name.
Step 6. Fill in Your Contact Details
Next, you’ll need to fill in your contact details, including your email address, phone number, and other information.
You don’t need to scramble for a U.S. contact detail to create your Northwest account. Your local details will work just fine as your point of contact with Northwest.
Step 7. Setup Your Account with Northwest Registered Agent
After entering all your information, you must set up your account with Northwest Registered Agent using your email and preferred password. This will allow you to access their services and complete the following steps to form your Nevada LLC.
Step 8. Get Your Business Identity (optional)
You can toggle this on to add the Northwest Business Identity option for your LLC. It includes the following, free for 90 days: domain name registration, website hosted by Northwest, owned by you, business email address, and business phone.
Step 9. Getting Your Tax ID or EIN – optional
If you want your LLC’s tax ID (EIN), you can do so through Northwest Registered Agent. They will help you complete and submit the necessary forms to the IRS. It’s pretty easy to get this on your own, but if you’d like to include it in your order, that’s also great!
Just toggle on the “Tax ID” and select “Do NOT Have Social Security Number“.
Step 10. Checkout/Payment (Congratulations!)
Finally, you’ll need to check and make payment to complete the process of forming your Nevada LLC.
Once you’ve done this, congratulations! You can now open a bank account and start doing business in Nevada.
Enter your valid card information, then click Done!
Nevada LLC Non-resident Benefits
Forming an LLC in Nevada as a non-resident offers several benefits:
- No State Income Tax: Nevada does not impose state income tax on LLCs or individuals, allowing significant tax savings on profits earned by your LLC.
- Strong Privacy Protections: Nevada offers robust privacy protections. It allows LLC formation without disclosing member or manager names in public records, ensuring confidentiality.
- Business-Friendly Environment: Known for its business-friendly laws and regulations, Nevada offers streamlined LLC formation processes and incentives like tax breaks and grants, fostering a supportive environment for growth.
- No Requirement for Physical Presence: Non-residents can manage an LLC in Nevada without needing a physical office or residency, enabling flexible operations from anywhere globally.
Nevada’s benefits make it a prime choice for non-resident business owners forming an LLC. Whether you seek tax savings, privacy protection, or a business-friendly atmosphere, Nevada delivers on all fronts.
How Much Does it Cost in Total to Form an LLC in Nevada as a Foreigner?
The total cost of forming an LLC in Texas as a non-resident includes the state filing fee, registered agent fee, and any additional services you choose.
The state filing fee is $436, and the registered agent fee is $125 per year. If you use Northwest Registered Agent, the initial cost to form your non-resident LLC is $500(excluding an EIN/Tax ID). If you opt for an EIN, the total cost is $700, with the EIN service being a one-time fee.
Nevada LLC Taxation/Taxes for Non-US Residents – How Does it Work?
If you’re a non-US resident planning to start a Nevada LLC, it’s important to understand the taxation requirements. Nevada LLCs have pass-through tax status by default, meaning no direct federal tax on LLC income exists.
Instead, members of the LLC pay personal income tax and self-employment taxes of 15.3% on their earnings from the LLC. This means that as a non-US resident, you will only be taxed on the income you receive from the LLC.
Nevada has no personal or corporate net income tax on the state level. However, your LLC may need to pay a quarterly tax on employee wages or a commerce tax if earning more than $4 million in gross revenue. It’s important to note that local taxes at the city or county level may also apply.
As a non-US resident with a Nevada foreign LLC, you must pay all applicable Nevada taxes, including local-level city and county taxes. It’s important to comply with all tax requirements to avoid penalties or legal issues.
Your Nevada LLC must also file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This report includes information such as the names and addresses of the LLC’s members and managers and its principal office address. Failure to file the annual report can result in the LLC being dissolved.
What’s The Best Bank for Non-US-residents?
As a non-US resident, finding the right bank to manage your Nevada LLC can be daunting. However, with the right information, you can easily choose the best bank that suits your needs.
One of the best banks for non-US residents is Mercury. With over five years of experience using this bank, I can confidently say it’s the best.
Mercury is an online bank offering a wide range of features and services catering to the needs of non-US residents. It offers a free business checking account with no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or transaction fees.
Other notable mentions of the best bank for non-US residents include Wise, Relay, and BlueVine. Wise offers a non-bank account that supports over 40 currencies and is available online or through their app.
Relay is a digital bank that offers banking services to non-US residents with valid ID and address documents. BlueVine is an online bank with a free business checking account and no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident open an LLC in Nevada?
Yes, non-residents can open an LLC in Nevada. The process is the same for both residents and non-residents.
What are the steps for a non-resident to establish an LLC in Nevada?
A non-resident can establish an LLC in Nevada by selecting a name, appointing a registered agent, filing articles of organization, obtaining a business license, and paying the necessary fees.
Can I use a registered agent for my Nevada LLC registration as a non-resident?
Yes, it is recommended that non-residents use a registered agent to handle the LLC registration process. The registered agent must have a physical address in Nevada and be available during business hours to receive legal notices and other important documents.
What are the annual costs associated with maintaining a Nevada LLC for non-residents?
To start a Nevada LLC, you must file your Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State for $425. If you pay by credit card, you’ll be charged a 2.5% fee of $436.
That $436 fee includes the price you pay for your business license and for filing your initial list of members and managers. You’ll also need to factor in the $150 fee you pay yearly when filing your Nevada annual report and the $200 business license renewal fee.
Is a physical presence required in Nevada to form an LLC as a non-resident?
No, a physical presence is not required in Nevada to form an LLC as a non-resident. All the necessary paperwork can be filed online or through the mail.
What’s the best method to open a Nevada LLC non-resident bank account?
The best method to open a Nevada LLC non-resident bank account is to use an online bank like Mercury. Online banks are more flexible and have lower fees compared to traditional banks.
What are the best states to form an LLC as a non-resident?
New Mexico, Wyoming, Delaware, and Nevada are the best non-resident states for forming an LLC. These states have favorable tax laws and business-friendly regulations.
Can a non-resident Nevada LLC owner hire employees in the US?
Yes, a non-resident Nevada LLC owner can hire employees in the US. However, the LLC must comply with federal and state employment laws, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and paying payroll taxes.
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