How to Form A Professional LLC in Nevada

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Starting a practice is a major milestone for any licensed professional. It’s a strategic move that will solidify your expertise and allow you to expand your client base.

But forming your own practice is not as simple as you think. Since your business will offer professional services, you may need to comply with specific legal requirements in your state. For instance, licensed professionals in Nevada must form professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) if they want to start their own practice.

This article will serve as a guide for doing so. It will discuss what a professional LLC is and explore the step-by-step process of forming a PLLC in the Silver State.

Key Takeaways

• A Professional LLC (PLLC) is required in Nevada for licensed individuals offering regulated professional services.
• In 2025, forming a Nevada PLLC involves six core steps—from verifying licensure to filing legal documents through SilverFlume.
• Only licensed professionals in fields like law, medicine, and architecture can be members of a Nevada PLLC.
• Nevada law mandates that PLLCs include specific language in their names and designate a registered agent with an in-state address.
• Drafting an operating agreement, although not required, is highly recommended for clarity among members and to prevent disputes.

What is a Professional LLC (PLLC)?

A professional LLC is designed for licensed professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, doctors, architects, and engineers, who wish to offer professional services to the public.

It’s the business entity you must form to start a practice in the following states:

• Arkansas
• Arizona
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

The states listed above prohibit certain licensed professionals from establishing standard LLCs because they don’t want them to escape liability for professional malpractice. Requiring them to form professional LLCs or corporations ensures these states can hold licensed professionals accountable for their professional conduct.

PLLCs vs. LLCs

Although PLLCs and LLCs share many similarities, such as limited liability and pass-through taxation, they have significant differences in their work.

For instance, anyone can be a member of an LLC. In contrast, specific limitations exist on who can join a PLLC. Some states only allow licensed professionals to become PLLC members, while others permit both licensed professionals and non-professionals to join as members.

PLLCs also have more restrictions regarding their management structure. In most cases, only licensed members can have ownership stakes or voting rights in the company. On the other hand, LLCs have a more flexible ownership and management structure.

Here’s a summary of the key differences between the two:

Benefits of Forming a Professional LLC

PLLCs offer the same benefits as standard LLCs do, which include:

Limited Liability

While a PLLC cannot protect you from malpractice, it can protect your assets from debts and other liabilities the business incurs. If your practice defaults on a loan, creditors cannot go after your assets for repayment.

PLLCs also help shield you from the wrongdoings of your other members. Your assets are generally protected from liability caused by another member’s malpractice.

Pass-through Taxation

Since PLLCs are considered pass-through entities, they do not pay income taxes. Instead, everything they earn and lose is passed through to their owners, who must report these amounts on their tax returns and pay taxes.

This setup enables them to avoid double taxation, where their profits are taxed at both the individual and corporate levels.

Enhanced Credibility

Forming a PLLC demonstrates to your clients that you’re dedicated to upholding the ethical standards of your profession and protecting their interests.

How to Form a Professional LLC in Nevada

The process for forming a professional LLC in the Silver State involves the following steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

According to NRS 89.040, all PLLC members must be professionally licensed in the service their business will provide.

NRS 89.050 also states that professionals who want to offer the services listed below are eligible to form PLLCs:

• Architectural services.
• Engineering services.
• Chiropractic treatment.
• Homeopathy.
• Landscaping.
• Law practice.
• Medical treatment.
• Mental health services.
• Social work.

Step 2: Choose a Unique Business Name

Nevada requires PLLCs to have a name that is not similar to any existing business name registered in the state. You can use the state’s Business Search Tool to check if your target name is available.

A PLLC name should also include either “Professional Limited Liability Company,” “Chartered,” or an abbreviation of its equivalent, like “PLLC” or “Chtd.”

Step 3: Designate a Registered Agent

Like standard LLCs, Nevada PLLCs are required to have a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company assigned to receive legal correspondence on behalf of a PLLC.

Please note that your designated registered agent must be at least 18 years of age and have a physical street address within the state. They should also be available to receive legal correspondence during regular business hours.

Step 4: File Your Formation Documents

To form a PLLC in the Silver State, you must submit three primary documents: your articles of organization, an initial list of members/managers, and a business license application.

These formation documents can be downloaded from the SilverFlume website, Nevada’s official business portal. Once you complete your formation documents, you must file them and pay a filing fee of $425, which includes the fees for all three documents.

Step 5: Obtain Your Licenses & Permits

Depending on the professional services you want to offer, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits to start your operations.

Step 6: Write an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the rules and regulations governing an LLC. Although Nevada does not require PLLCs to have operating agreements, creating one is highly recommended. These documents will help establish clear expectations among members and prevent potential disputes.

The content of an operating agreement varies depending on the needs of a professional LLC. But generally, these elements may include the following:

• Management structure.
• Division of profits and losses among members.
• Each member’s voting rights.
• Each member’s rights and responsibilities.

Step 7: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is required for:

• Filing federal taxes
• Hiring employees
• Opening a business bank account

You can obtain one here. Even if you’re a single-member PLLC, it’s smart to get an EIN to separate your personal and business finances.

Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a dedicated business bank account can retain your PLLC’s legal and financial integrity.

Why it matters:

• Helps preserve your liability protection by keeping finances separate
• Improves credibility with clients and vendors
• Simplifies tax filing and accounting

Bring your EIN, approved articles, and operating agreement when opening your account.

Step 9: Maintain Annual Compliance

Nevada PLLCs must file annually:

• Annual List of Managers or Members
• Renewed State Business License

These are due by the end of the month in which your PLLC was formed. Failure to comply can result in late fees or administrative dissolution. Also, make sure your professional license is renewed and in good standing with your Nevada licensing board.

Expert Tips from NCH

1. Use a professional registered agent to maintain privacy and avoid missed legal notices.
2. Always check for new 2025 regulations from your Nevada licensing board before filing.
3. Create a detailed operating agreement, even if you’re a solo professional.
4. File formation documents online for faster processing and real-time tracking.
5. Consider adding professional liability insurance to further protect yourself.

Form Your Professional LLC Today

Starting a professional LLC in Nevada requires careful planning and adherence to its professional entity laws. However, you must ensure it is formed properly. That way, you can maximize the benefits of these entities and enjoy the state’s business-friendly environment.

Thankfully, our team at NCH is here to help. We are dedicated to helping people establish legally sound, professional LLCs in pro-business states like Nevada. Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer or an experienced engineer, our business formation experts will provide you with personalized support based on your needs and goals.

Visit our website here or call us at 1-800-508-1729 to schedule a free consultation! 

DISCLAIMER: The above material has been prepared for informational purposes only, containing opinions of the provider and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consider consulting tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.