If you are forming an LLC and have been looking for a way to grow and expand, getting a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code can be a great way of securing government contracts, grants, and loans for your business.
Our NAICS Code For LLC guide offers everything you need to know when it comes to these codes, including what they are, whether you need to get one in your state, and why they can be important when it comes to expanding your business.
Interested in getting started? More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid potential penalties.
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
NAICS Code Lookup
Get the correct NAICS code for your LLC by using our NAICS Code Lookup tool below:
What is a NAICS Code for LLC
NAICS (pronounced as “nakes”) is an industry classification system developed by the statistical agencies of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
NAICS is used to classify businesses in order to help the government properly collect, organize, and analyze information on various industries. It was first adopted in 1997 to replace the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
A NAICS code is a six-digit coding system. NAICS codes include a list of industry titles where you can look up your LLC business if it falls into one of the categories.
Why Should I Get a NAICS Code
Knowing your NAICS code categorizes your business and qualifies you for many small business-related programs. NAICS codes are attributed to NAICS code size standards listed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
While it’s very rarely required for you to obtain a NAICS code before you can register an LLC, getting one is still recommended as it enables you to properly classify your company by the size and industry group or business that you are in.
Based on a NAICS code size standard, government agencies are able to determine whether or not your business is considered a “small” business. Thus, it’s important to know if your business will be eligible for specific opportunities based on your company size.
Below are several other reasons why it’s important to know your business’ NAICS code.
1. Understand Your Niche or Industry
NAICS codes help in identifying your niche markets. By determining the NAICS codes of your key competitors and markets, you can gain a better understanding of your industry, what your customers want, and how you can stand out from the competition.
2. Identify Customers and Competitors
If you want to know your customers and competitors, you can match NAICS codes to their current customer base. You can reach out to these leads, learn about their industry and convert them as new customers.
3. Obtain Government Grants, Contracts, and Loans
If you’re a small business providing certain goods and services, government contracts and loans are a great way to develop a great source of recurring revenue. You will need to know your NAICS codes when applying for GSA schedule, SBA 8a Business Development Program certification, or application for women, veterans or minority-based organizations.
4. Get Tax Benefits
The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) uses NAICS codes to determine whether your tax returns are accurate compared to businesses in your industry. In addition, the eligibility for tax breaks may depend on the business’ NAICS code.
5. Determine Insurance Rates
Insurance companies use NAICS codes for calculating insurance rates. By categorizing your LLC under the correct NAICS code, you could save your business significant costs on its insurance premiums.
6. Ensures Business Compliance
Government agencies use NAICS codes to ensure business compliance on federal and state levels. To avoid penalties and repercussions, it’s recommended to follow your state rules and regulations when assigning a NAICS code upon registering your business.
Recommended Service
More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid potential penalties.
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Do I Need a NAICS Code
In most states, obtaining a NAICS code is not a requirement for forming an LLC. However, you may need a NAICS code if your state sets a NAICS code requirement along with your LLC formation.
You can find a list of all the states that require a NAICS code for forming an LLC below:
How Do I Find My NAICS Code
It’s best to get a NAICS code as soon as you can so your business can begin operations. However NAICS codes are self-assigned, which means that no other government agency or organization can assign you one.
Instead, you’ll need to complete all the steps outlined below in order to get one for your LLC.
Step 1: Do a NAICS Code Lookup
Figuring out the right NAICS code for you should be simple and easy. Use our NAICS Code Lookup finder on this page or visit our NAICS Code Lookup page.
Step 2: Select Your Industry
In the NAICS code lookup search bar, enter a keyword that describes your kind of business. You will find a list of industry titles containing that keyword where the corresponding NAICS Codes will appear.
For example, you can enter search phrases such as “real estate”, “insurance”, or “securities” if you’re in these industries.
Step 3: Determine Your NAICS Code
Select the NAICS industry title and code that best reflects your primary business activity. While most businesses only have one primary NAICS code, you can choose a secondary code if you conduct multiple business activities.
When forming your LLC, you need to enter the NAICS code in your formation document. Note that to get a NAICS code doesn’t require you to register with the NAICS Association.
If you’re still having trouble finding your NAICS code, you can contact the US Census Bureau for assistance via phone at (888) 756-2427 or via email at NAICS@census.gov.
Recommended: More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a specialized LLC formation service in order to save time and avoid being caught up in procedural rigmarole.
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
NAICS Code for LLC FAQ
Who assign NAICS Codes to businesses?
No one assigns you an LLC NAICS Code as they are self-assigned. This means that you must choose your company’s NAICS code according to which one best suits your business.
You can use our NAICS Code Lookup tool to find the correct NAICS code for your business.
Is there a fee or renewal cost to assign a NAICS Code?
No. Searching for and obtaining a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code from the U.S. Census Bureau can be done free of charge.
As such, there is also no renewal fee in order to maintain your NAICS code either.
Can my business have more than one NAICS Code?
Yes, a second NAICS code may be chosen if your LLC is involved in multiple business activities.
In other words, your LLC may have a secondary NAICS code (and possibly even more) if it has more than one revenue-producing line of business.
Can I change the NAICS code for my business?
National industry NAICS codes are reviewed every five years for revisions to keep up with the economic changes — this is the only time that changes to NAICS codes can be considered.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), through its Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC), will next revise NAICS codes in 2027 with a notice published in the Federal Register.
Recommended Services
Form Your Free LLC with Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)Secure Your Domain with GoDaddy ($10+)