Jake Lawson here. Nevada markets itself as business-friendly, but their $350 annual fee is among the highest in the nation. Here’s everything you need to know about staying compliant—and why you might want to reconsider Nevada formation if you’re not actually doing business there.
Nevada’s Expensive Annual Reality
Total annual cost: $350 per year
Breakdown: $150 (Annual List) + $200 (Business License Renewal)
Due date: Last day of your LLC’s anniversary month
Late penalty: $175 additional fee
My perspective: Nevada isn’t as “business-friendly” as they advertise when you’re paying $350/year just to exist. Compare that to Wyoming ($60/year) or most other states ($0-100/year).
Understanding Nevada’s Two-Part Annual Requirement
Annual List of Managers/Managing Members ($150)
What it is: Updates who runs your LLC
Information required: Names and addresses of managers or managing members
Purpose: Keeps state records current
State Business License Renewal ($200)
What it is: Renewal of your general business license
Requirements: Automatic renewal with fee payment
Purpose: Legal authorization to operate in Nevada
Important note: These are filed together as one combined filing, but Nevada charges for both components.
Due Dates and Timeline Management
Anniversary Month System
Your annual filing is due by the last day of the month your LLC was originally approved.
Example: LLC approved March 15, 2025? Annual filing due March 31, 2026, and every March 31st thereafter.
Early Filing Window
You can file up to 90 days before your due date. This gives you a three-month window to complete the filing.
My recommendation: File in the first month of your window (90 days early) to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Late Filing Consequences
1-30 days late: $175 penalty fee (total becomes $525)
Extended delinquency: “Default” status
Continued non-filing: “Revoked” status
5+ years revoked: “Permanently Revoked” (can’t be restored)
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Nevada Annual Requirements
Prerequisites
SilverFlume account: Nevada’s online filing system (register at nvsilverflume.gov)
LLC information: Manager/member details, anniversary date
Payment method: Credit card for $350 payment
Online Filing Process
- Log into SilverFlume
- Navigate to “Renew Your Business”
- Select “File Annual List and/or State Business License”
- Search for your LLC by name or entity number
- Review manager/member information (update if necessary)
- Complete signature section (use “Manager” or “Managing Member” as title)
- Review and submit
- Pay $350 fee via credit card
Processing time: Instant approval for online filings
Mail Filing Alternative
When to use: If you prefer paper filing or don’t want to create online account
Cost: Same $350 fee
Processing: 3-5 business days
Payment: Check or money order to “Secretary of State”
Nevada’s Reminder System (Don’t Rely on It)
Official Reminders:
- Mail reminder: Sent ~3 months before due date to registered agent
- SilverFlume email reminders: 1, 2, and 3 months before due date
Jake’s Reminder Strategy:
Don’t depend on Nevada’s reminders. Set your own system:
- Calendar alerts: 90 days, 30 days, and 5 days before due date
- Annual planning: Include in yearly business planning cycle
- Backup reminders: Phone, computer, and written notes
Why my approach: I’ve seen clients miss deadlines because they moved and didn’t update addresses, or email reminders went to spam.
Cost Analysis: Is Nevada Worth It?
Nevada Annual Costs vs. Other States
- Nevada: $350/year
- Delaware: $300/year (but has franchise tax too)
- Wyoming: $60/year
- Florida: $138.75/year
- Texas: $0/year
- Wisconsin: $25/year
When Nevada Makes Financial Sense:
- You’re actually doing significant business in Nevada
- Your business benefits from Nevada’s specific legal advantages
- The annual cost is negligible compared to your revenue
When Nevada Doesn’t Make Sense:
- You formed there for “privacy” but operate elsewhere
- You’re paying Nevada + your home state fees
- The $350/year is a significant expense for your business
Reality check: If you’re not doing business in Nevada, you’re probably paying $350/year for no real benefit.
The Default/Revoked Status Problem
Default Status (First Level)
Triggers: Late filing, missing payments
Consequences: Can’t file other documents, compliance issues
Fix: Pay outstanding fees + $175 penalty
Revoked Status (Second Level)
Triggers: Extended non-compliance
Consequences: LLC legally dissolved, no authority to operate
Fix: Reinstatement process with all back fees and penalties
Permanently Revoked (Final Level)
Triggers: 5+ years in revoked status
Consequences: Cannot be restored, LLC name becomes available
Fix: None—you’d need to form a new LLC
Client story: I had a Nevada client who ignored annual fees for 3 years while focusing on their California business. When they wanted to sell the company, the revoked Nevada LLC created major complications in the transaction. Total cost to fix: $1,400 in back fees and penalties.
Managing Multiple Nevada LLCs
Staggered Due Dates Strategy
If you have multiple Nevada LLCs formed in different months, create a master calendar tracking each entity’s anniversary date.
Bulk Filing Considerations
Nevada doesn’t offer discounts for multiple LLCs, so each entity pays the full $350 annually.
Cost Management
For portfolio managers: Budget $350 per LLC per year in your entity maintenance costs. This adds up quickly with multiple entities.
Document Management and Downloads
Free Download Window
Nevada provides free downloads of filed documents for 60 days after filing.
Critical action: Download and save copies immediately after filing. After 60 days, you’ll pay additional fees for copies.
Document Storage Strategy
- Digital copies: Save PDFs of both Annual List and Business License
- Cloud backup: Store in secure cloud storage
- Physical copies: Print one set for your corporate records
Red Flags and Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Forgetting About Multi-State Obligations
Problem: Focusing only on Nevada while missing home state requirements
Solution: Track all states where you’re registered
Cost: Penalties and compliance issues in multiple states
Mistake #2: Using Outdated Manager/Member Information
Problem: Filing with old names or addresses
Solution: Review and update before each filing
Impact: Inaccurate state records, potential service of process issues
Mistake #3: Relying Only on State Reminders
Problem: Missing deadlines due to lost mail or spam filters
Solution: Create independent reminder system
Cost: $175 penalty fee plus compliance complications
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Combined Filing
Problem: Thinking you can skip the business license portion
Solution: Understand both components are required
Impact: Incomplete filing, continued non-compliance
Strategic Considerations for Nevada LLCs
When to Maintain Nevada Registration
- Significant Nevada business operations
- Nevada-specific legal benefits (asset protection, privacy)
- Multi-state business where Nevada plays important role
When to Consider Dissolution
- No Nevada business activity
- Annual costs outweigh benefits
- Compliance burden becoming problematic
Redomestication Alternative
Some LLCs can redomesticate (move) to lower-cost states. This requires legal analysis of your specific situation.
Professional Help: When It Makes Sense
DIY Appropriate For:
- Simple LLCs with stable management
- Entrepreneurs comfortable with online systems
- Single-entity operations
Professional Help Worth Considering For:
- Multiple Nevada entities
- Complex management structures
- Entities facing compliance issues
- Strategic planning about Nevada vs. other states
Service costs: Expect $100-200 for professional annual filing assistance.
Alternative Compliance Strategies
Registered Agent Services
Many registered agent services offer annual filing assistance as part of their packages. This can be cost-effective if you’re already paying for registered agent services.
Compliance Calendars
Create annual compliance calendars tracking all your business obligations—Nevada annual fees, tax deadlines, other state requirements.
Business Entity Management Software
For multiple entities, consider software that tracks compliance obligations across all your business entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can I file Nevada annual requirements late without penalty?”
No. Nevada charges $175 late fees immediately after the deadline, unlike some states with grace periods.
“Do I need both filings if I’m not actively doing business?”
Yes. Even inactive Nevada LLCs must file both the Annual List and Business License renewal.
“Can I get refunds if I dissolve my LLC mid-year?”
No. Nevada doesn’t prorate or refund annual fees for partial years.
“What happens if I move out of Nevada?”
You still owe Nevada annual fees until you formally dissolve your Nevada LLC or redomesticate to another state.
The Bottom Line: Nevada’s Premium Price
Nevada charges premium prices for LLC maintenance—$350/year is expensive by any standard.
My strategic advice:
- If you’re doing business in Nevada: Pay the fees and stay compliant
- If you formed for “benefits” but operate elsewhere: Seriously consider whether it’s worth $350/year
- If you’re behind on filings: Get current immediately—penalties add up fast
The real question: Are you getting $350/year of value from your Nevada LLC registration?
Considering Nevada alternatives? Check out my state-by-state comparison guide and formation cost analysis. I’ve guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation—including helping them choose states that actually serve their business needs, not just marketing hype.
Jake Lawson
LLC Formation Strategist
Independent. Unbiased. No upsells. Ever.
P.S. Nevada’s $350 annual fee makes it one of the most expensive states for LLC maintenance. Make sure you’re getting real value for that premium price.