Anyone providing document preparation services for a fee in Nevada must register with the Nevada Secretary of State and file a cash or surety bond between $25,000 and $200,000. The amount depends on whether you register as an individual or a business and how many registrants you employ. The bond protects consumers from fraud, negligence, dishonesty, or breach of contract. A surety premium typically runs 0.5% to 5% of the bond amount, starting around $125 to $200 a year for a $25,000 individual bond.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who requires it | Nevada Secretary of State |
| Governing law | NRS Chapter 240A |
| Bond amount | $25,000 to $200,000, by number of registrants |
| Premium | 0.5% to 5% of the bond amount |
| Typical cost ($25,000 bond) | About $125 to $200 per year |
| Exempt | Licensed CPAs, attorneys, IRS Enrolled Agents |
Required bond amounts
The penal sum depends on whether you register as an individual or a business, and how many registrants you employ:
- Individual or sole proprietor: $25,000
- Business with 1 registrant: $25,000
- Business with 2 to 25 registrants: $50,000
- Business with 26 to 75 registrants: $75,000
- Business with 76 to 125 registrants: $100,000
- Business with 126 to 200 registrants: $150,000
- Business with over 200 registrants: $200,000
How much does it cost?
You do not pay the full bond amount unless you choose to file a cash bond directly with the state. With a surety bond, you pay an annual premium, typically 0.5% to 5% of the bond amount.
For a $25,000 individual bond, premiums typically start between $125 and $200 per year. Your actual price depends heavily on the personal credit score of the applicant or business owner.
Who needs this bond?
Under NRS Chapter 240A, a document preparation service is anyone who charges a fee to assist clients in legal matters under the client’s direction. That specifically includes:
- Bankruptcy petition preparers
- Immigration and citizenship form assistants
- Wills and trusts preparers
- Non-exempt tax return preparers
- Independent paralegals working directly with the public
Licensed CPAs, attorneys, and IRS Enrolled Agents are completely exempt from this registration and bond requirement.
Filing process
- The bond must be issued using the mandatory templates approved by the Nevada Attorney General.
- Submit the original signed surety bond with your registration or renewal application to the Nevada Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Nevada document preparer bond?
The bond is $25,000 to $200,000 depending on your number of registrants. The premium is usually 0.5% to 5%, often $125 to $200 a year for a $25,000 individual bond.
Who has to register and get bonded?
Anyone charging a fee to help clients with legal, immigration, or tax documents under the client’s direction, including bankruptcy preparers, immigration form assistants, and independent paralegals.
Who is exempt?
Licensed CPAs, attorneys, and IRS Enrolled Agents.
How is the amount decided?
By your number of registrants. An individual or single-registrant business needs $25,000, scaling up to $200,000 for over 200 registrants.
Where do I file the bond?
With the Nevada Secretary of State, alongside your registration or renewal application, using the Attorney General’s approved template.
