Nevada has no state income tax, which makes it attractive on paper, but it also has one of the higher filing and renewal fees of any state. This guide breaks down what a Nevada LLC actually costs in year one and every year after, and tells you honestly when Wyoming or Delaware is the smarter choice instead.
Who Nevada suits
Nevada works well if you have a real reason to be there, for example a physical presence, a bank relationship, or a business partner based in the state. It also suits founders who want the reputation of a "no income tax" state and don't mind paying more upfront for it. If your only goal is the cheapest, simplest LLC with no US ties, Nevada is usually not the best fit because of its higher yearly cost, covered below.
What it costs in year one
Nevada's LLC filing fee is $425. That is on top of your PowerLaunch plan price, since state fees are always charged at cost and never marked up.
| Plan | Plan price | Nevada filing fee | Year one total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | $295 | $425 | $720 |
| Run | $1,995 | $425 | $2,420 |
| Scale | $2,995 (or $329/mo) | $425 | $3,420 |
If you need your EIN faster than the standard timeline, the expedited EIN add-on is $295 on Launch or Run, and is already included on Scale.
What it costs every year after
Nevada requires an annual list filing and a state business license renewal, which together typically run around $350 a year. This is separate from your PowerLaunch plan fee, so your ongoing yearly cost is your plan price plus roughly $350 in state cost. Nevada's combined annual list and license fee is on the higher side compared to most states, so it is worth weighing against the alternatives below. Always check Nevada's official filing site for the current fee, since states adjust these from time to time.
Registered agent requirement
Nevada law requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. This agent receives legal and state notices on your company's behalf. A registered agent is included in every PowerLaunch plan, starting with Launch, so this requirement is handled automatically once you form through us.
Annual report and business license
Nevada combines two ongoing obligations: an annual list of managers or members, and a state business license renewal. Missing either can put your LLC out of good standing with the state. On the Run and Scale plans, PowerLaunch files your annual state report for you, so you don't have to track the deadline yourself. On Launch, this filing is your responsibility, though the AI assistant in MyCG.AI can help you keep track of when it's due.
State income tax, in general terms
Nevada does not impose a state corporate income tax or a personal income tax. This is one of the main reasons founders consider it. That said, "no income tax" does not mean "no cost." Nevada makes up for it with a higher formation fee and a higher combined annual list and license fee than many other states. Also remember that state tax treatment is separate from your federal obligations, which apply regardless of which state you form in. Tax rules can change, so check Nevada's official tax site for the current position before you file.
When Wyoming or Delaware is the better choice
Nevada is not always the right answer, even though it has no income tax. Here's a general comparison to help you think it through.
| Factor | Nevada | Wyoming | Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $425 | Lower | Lower |
| Typical yearly state cost | Around $350 | Generally lower | Franchise tax varies, check the state |
| State income tax | None | None | None for LLCs on out-of-state income, check for corporations |
| Best for | Founders with a real Nevada connection | Low-cost, simple LLCs with no state ties needed | Startups planning to raise venture funding as a C-Corp |
| Processing speed | About 1 week | 1 to 3 business days | Usually 1 to 2 weeks |
If you want the lowest-cost, no-frills LLC with no state income tax and don't need a Nevada address, Wyoming is usually cheaper to form and cheaper to maintain every year. If you're building a startup that plans to raise money from US investors as a C-Corporation, Delaware is generally the standard choice because of how investors and lawyers are used to seeing it. Nevada makes the most sense when there's a specific business reason to be there, rather than as a default pick.
Federal filings you still need to handle
State choice does not change your federal responsibilities. If your LLC is single-member and foreign-owned, you generally need to file Form 5472 along with a pro forma 1120 by April 15 each year, regardless of which state you formed in. Under the current 2026 interim FinCEN rule, US-formed companies are exempt from BOI reporting, but this is worth confirming again each year since federal rules can shift.
Step-by-step through PowerLaunch
- Pick your plan, Launch, Run, or Scale, based on how much ongoing support and bookkeeping you want.
- Choose Nevada as your formation state at checkout, and PowerLaunch files your Articles of Organization, along with the initial list and business license.
- PowerLaunch applies for your EIN with the IRS. Expect 2 to 4 weeks without an SSN, or faster with the expedited add-on.
- Once your EIN is issued, PowerLaunch can introduce you to Mercury, Wise Business, or Relay for a business bank account. Final approval is always the bank's decision.
- If you're on Run or Scale, your annual state report and federal tax filings are handled as part of your plan. On Launch, these remain your responsibility, with AI support to help you stay on track.
- If a formation error is on PowerLaunch's side, it gets corrected at no cost to you, and that portion of the fee is refunded. State fees themselves are never refundable, no matter the state.
What to do next
If Nevada fits your situation, you can start the process now at powerlaunch.solutions/signup and pick the plan that matches how much support you want. If you're still deciding between Nevada, Wyoming, or Delaware, book a free 20-minute consultation at powerlaunch.solutions/book and talk it through before you commit to a state.
