Q: How do I form a professional LLC in Nevada?
Thank you to a customer from Nevada for that great question! A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is a type of LLC that provides state-licensed services, such as law or medicine. Forming a PLLC is a way for licensed professionals to protect themselves from liability. To form a PLLC in Nevada, you’ll need to file PLLC Articles of Organization. Here’s how you do it.
1. Make sure you are licensed in Nevada
Per NV Rev. Stat. § 89.040, all owners of a PLLC must be professionally licensed in the service the business is going to provide. So before you set up your PLLC, make sure all members have a current license with your profession’s state licensing board.
What are professional services?
A professional service is any service that requires a license, certificate, or other legal authorization. NV Rev. Stat. § 89.050 lists some professional services for which you could start a PLLC, including:
- Architecture
- Chiropractic treatment
- Engineering
- Homeopathy
- Landscaping
- Law practice
- Medicine
- Mental health services
- Social work
However, this isn’t a comprehensive list of professional services. If you’re not sure whether you need a PLLC or can simply form a traditional LLC, we recommend consulting a business attorney.
2. Hire a Nevada registered agent
Nevada PLLCs, just like regular Nevada LLCs, are legally obligated to appoint a Nevada registered agent. Your registered agent is the person (or business) that will accept service of process and other legal notices on your business’s behalf. You can serve as your own registered agent, but if you do, you’ll need to put your address on the public record and be available at this address year-round during business hours to accept legal mail in person. Many PLLCs hire a registered agent service for greater convenience and privacy protection.
3. File Nevada PLLC Articles of Organization
When you’re ready to officially form your PLLC, you’ll file PLLC Articles of Organization with the Nevada Secretary of State. Here’s the information you’ll need to include:
- PLLC name
- Registered agent name
- Whether registered agent is commercial or noncommercial
- Registered agent address (if noncommercial)
- Names and addresses of members and managers
- Whether PLLC will be member- or manager-managed
- Professional service offered
- Name, address, and signature of organizer (must be a member of the PLLC)
- Signature of registered agent
- Initial List and State Business License Application (List the names and addresses of everyone who will manage your PLLC. This is also your State Business License application.)
Are there any naming requirements for a PLLC in Nevada?
Yes. According to NV Rev. Stat. § 89.040, a PLLC name must include either “Professional Limited-Liability Company,” “Chartered,” or an abbreviation thereof, such as “PLLC” or “Chtd.”
How do I submit my PLLC Articles of Organization?
You can file your articles online, by mail, or in person.
By mail or in person:
Secretary of State
New Filings Division
202 North Carson Street
Carson City NV 89701-4201
Online: Silver Flume Nevada Business Portal
How much does it cost to form a Nevada PLLC?
Nevada charges several fees as part of the business formation process. The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $75. The fee for the Initial List and State Business Application form is $150, and the fee for the state business license itself is $200. So all together, you’ll need to pay $425 to start your PLLC.
Does a PLLC still have liability protection?
To an extent. Members of a PLLC are protected from the liability of the other members. For example, if you’re a member of a dental practice PLLC and another dentist at the PLLC is sued by a patient, you won’t be held liable. However, PLLC members still have personal liability for their own practice. So, if a client sues you for malpractice, you can still be held liable.