Consultants in Henderson, NV: taxes and retirement for 2026

For independent consultants and fractional executives billing clients directly in Henderson, NV. Nevada has no state income tax on wages or self-employment income. Here are the 2026 rules, a worked example and the official sources.

What's different in Henderson

Local income tax: No city income tax in Henderson.
City of Henderson Business License Fee: Anyone who conducts business in Henderson or whose business is based in Henderson must get a city business license before starting; the fee depends on which of nearly 100 license classifications applies (the city quotes it by phone at 702-267-1730, option 3).
City business license: Yes. Henderson's FAQ says any person who conducts business within the city or is based in the city must obtain a business license on or before the day the business starts. Multi-jurisdictional licenses that also cover Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County are currently available only to contractors licensed under NRS 624.
Also worth knowing: No city or county income tax (Nevada has no personal income tax). New Henderson applicants also register with the Nevada Secretary of State through SilverFlume, which requires a state business license or exemption (https://www.cityofhenderson.com/government/departments/finance/business-licensing/apply-for-a-business-license). No local gig-worker or freelancer pay ordinances were found. Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimate for July 1, 2025 (https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/datasets/2020-2025/cities/totals/sub-est2025.csv).

Nevada rules for consultants

State income tax (2026): Nevada has no state income tax on wages or self-employment income. Nevada does not tax individual income such as wages, salaries, or similar compensation.
Nevada State Business License: Anyone doing business in Nevada, including sole proprietors who file Schedule C, E, or F and single-member LLCs, must hold a State Business License from the Secretary of State. It costs $200 a year ($500 for corporations). Exempt: home-based businesses whose net earnings are no more than 66 2/3% of the state average annual wage, and people whose only business is renting 4 or fewer dwelling units.
Independent contractor presumption (NRS 608.0155): Under Nevada wage law, a worker is conclusively presumed to be an independent contractor if three things are true: they have or applied for an EIN or SSN, or filed a business or self-employment return last year; the contract requires them to hold any needed business licenses and insurance; and they meet at least 3 of 5 criteria. The criteria are control over how the work is done, control over when it is done, not being required to work for only one client, freedom to hire helpers, and a substantial capital investment. Licensed construction contractors use a separate ABC-style test.
State retirement program: Nevada Employee Savings Trust (NEST) is live. It is built around W-2 employers and does not cover 1099 contractors through the employer mandate.

Federal rules for 2026

Solo 401(k) up to $72,000

A one-person consultancy can contribute a $24,500 employee deferral plus an employer share of about 20% of net self-employment earnings, up to $72,000 in 2026, plus an $8,000 catch-up at 50 or older ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63).

The S-corp trade-off

Electing S-corp status can cut payroll tax, but the salary you pay yourself also sets your Solo 401(k) room. Run both sides before you elect.

Quarterly estimated taxes

No one withholds tax from self-employment income, so you generally pay estimates four times a year if you expect to owe $1,000 or more. For 2026 income the federal dates are April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Paying 100% of last year's tax (110% if your AGI was over $150,000) in four equal installments avoids the underpayment penalty.

Self-employment tax

On top of income tax, self-employed people pay 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit: 12.4% Social Security up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap. Half of it is deductible.

A worked example

A consultant with $150,000 of net profit in 2026
Self-employment tax (sole proprietor)	$21,194
Solo 401(k) maximum	$52,381
SEP IRA maximum	$27,881
Payroll tax saved as an S-corp on a $75,000 salary	$9,719
Solo 401(k) maximum as that S-corp	$43,250

Federal figures only, before state and local taxes. Simplified: excludes the QBI deduction and the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax. Computed from 2026 IRS limits (Notice 2025-67, Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and the SSA wage base.

Free tools

Solo 401(k) contribution calculator S-corp vs Solo 401(k) guide Quarterly tax calculator

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Questions

Is there a local income tax in Henderson?

No city income tax applies in Henderson. Nevada has no state income tax on wages or self-employment income.

What local business taxes apply to self-employed consultants in Henderson?

City of Henderson Business License Fee: Anyone who conducts business in Henderson or whose business is based in Henderson must get a city business license before starting; the fee depends on which of nearly 100 license classifications applies (the city quotes it by phone at 702-267-1730, option 3).

Do I need a business license to freelance from home in Henderson?

Yes. Henderson's FAQ says any person who conducts business within the city or is based in the city must obtain a business license on or before the day the business starts. Multi-jurisdictional licenses that also cover Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County are currently available only to contractors licensed under NRS 624.

Do consultants in Nevada pay state income tax?

Nevada has no state income tax on wages or self-employment income. Nevada does not tax individual income such as wages, salaries, or similar compensation.

Are there other Nevada taxes for self-employed consultants?

Nevada State Business License: Anyone doing business in Nevada, including sole proprietors who file Schedule C, E, or F and single-member LLCs, must hold a State Business License from the Secretary of State. It costs $200 a year ($500 for corporations). Exempt: home-based businesses whose net earnings are no more than 66 2/3% of the state average annual wage, and people whose only business is renting 4 or fewer dwelling units.

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Sources

State and local facts researched from official sources and independently re-checked; last verified October 2026, next scheduled review 2027-01-02. Educational information for 2026, not tax, legal or investment advice. Rules change; check the official sources listed and a tax professional for your situation. Gigaverse AI, Inc. is a financial technology company, not a bank, and not itself a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer.