Form a Corporation in Nevada
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Nevada. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
Want this turned into your personalized Corporation roadmap for Nevada?
Sign up free — we'll track every step, deadline, and what comes after the LLC.
How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes a required corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Corp.,' 'Inc.,' or 'Co.' Search the Nevada Secretary of State's SilverFlume portal to confirm name availability before filing.
30 minutes
Appoint a Nevada Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Nevada (P.O. boxes are not permitted) who is available during normal business hours to receive legal and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State, including the corporate name, registered agent information, number of authorized shares, and names and addresses of the incorporator(s). Filing can be completed online via SilverFlume or by mail.
1-2 hours
File Initial List of Officers and Directors
Submit the Initial List of Officers, Directors, and Registered Agent along with your Articles of Incorporation or within 30 days of formation. This list requires the names and addresses of all officers and directors and carries a $150 filing fee.
30 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Obtain a Nevada State Business License — All Nevada corporations must obtain a Nevada State Business License through the Secretary of State at the time of formation for an annual fee of $500. This is included in the initial filing package when submitted through SilverFlume.
- •Draft Corporate Bylaws and Hold Organizational Meeting — Adopt corporate bylaws governing the internal operations of the corporation and hold an initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to appoint officers, authorize share issuance, and address other foundational matters. Bylaws are not filed with the state but must be maintained at the principal office.
- •Obtain EIN and Open Corporate Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, then open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain separation between personal and business finances. Also determine if any local business licenses or permits are required.
Advantages
- ✓No state corporate income tax, no franchise tax, and no personal income tax in Nevada, making it highly tax-advantageous for shareholders and the business
- ✓Strong corporate privacy protections — Nevada does not require the names of shareholders to appear in public filings, offering significant anonymity
- ✓Nevada law provides some of the strongest liability protections in the country for directors, officers, and shareholders, including broad indemnification statutes
- ✓Nevada courts have a well-developed body of corporate case law and a specialized Business Court, providing predictability and sophistication in dispute resolution
- ✓No minimum capital requirement to form a corporation, and nominee officers and directors are permitted under Nevada law
Considerations
- •Higher formation and annual maintenance costs compared to many other states — the mandatory $500 Business License fee alone makes annual compliance more expensive
- •If the corporation does not actually operate in Nevada, it will likely need to foreign-qualify in its home state, resulting in duplicate filing fees, registered agent costs, and compliance obligations in two states
- •The perceived benefits of Nevada incorporation are often overstated for small businesses that primarily operate in another state, as the home state's laws typically govern day-to-day operations and courts may apply home-state law regardless
Annual Obligations
What OpenChamber Does
We don't file paperwork for you — we guide you through doing it yourself, which saves money and helps you understand your business from day one.
Personalized Checklist
Every task you need, organized by priority and tailored to Nevada.
Vetted Professionals
When you need help, we connect you with professionals we trust.
Progress Tracking
Never lose track of where you are or what's next.
Track Your Progress
Get a personalized checklist for forming your Corporation in Nevada — and everything that comes after.
Get Your Free Checklist