It’s easy to form an LLC in Nebraska online yourself. Just follow these steps:
- Name Your LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File the NE Certificate of Organization
- Complete NE Publication Requirement
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
Or, use a professional service:
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
LegalZoom ($249 + State Fees)
Starting an LLC in Nebraska is Easy
You can get a Nebraska LLC online by registering the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. The cost to create an LLC in Nebraska is $100.
Follow our How to Start an LLC in Nebraska guide below to get started.
For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide.
Step 1: Create A Name For Your Nebraska LLC
Before you register your Nebraska LLC, you'll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.
We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide. We’ll go over the basics below.
Naming Your LLC
First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.
Next, make sure your name meets Nebraska guidelines:
- it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC, or L.L.C.
- it doesn't contain restricted words or phrases (these often include words like bank, attorney, and university) without approval
- it's distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in Nebraska
- full list of Nebraska naming guidelines
Next, do a Nebraska LLC name search with the Secretary of State to find out if your name is available in Nebraska.
If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you’ll be able to register it when you file your Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there’s a good web domain available.
We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it will be soon.
Find a Domain Now
Powered by GoDaddy.com
Once you register a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business phone system to establish credibility and enhance your customer service. Nextiva provides a plethora of useful features and a quick, easy setup. Try Nextiva.
Using a Nebraska Trade Name (DBA)
A Nebraska DBA (doing business as), also known as a trade name, is any registered name that a business operates under that isn't its legal business name. A trade name can be used by any type of business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).
Learn how to get a DBA in our Nebraska DBA guide.
Step 2: Appoint A Nebraska LLC Registered Agent
When you file your Certificate of Organization, you'll need to list a registered agent.
A registered agent's job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC. To learn more about Nebraska Registered Agents, read our guide.
Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.
Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:
- You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am - 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
- If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
- You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers
Recommended: Northwest offers a free year of registered agent services when you form your Nebraska LLC ($29 plus state fees) with them.
Step 3: File a Nebraska Certificate of Organization
It’s time to officially form your LLC by filing your Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
You will need to download the Certificate of Organization and file it either online with the Nebraska Secretary of State or by mail.
The filing fee is $100 online and $110 by mail.
Recommended: Now is a good time to decide if your LLC will be member-managed vs manager-managed.
You'll need to know the following information to create the document:
- Entity Name and Address
- Agent for Service of Process Information
- Effective Date
- The word “Organizer” and the Organizer’s signature
- Additional PLLC Information (if applicable)
For more detailed help with creating this document, visit our Nebraska Certificate of Organization guide.
Mail Your Certificate of Organization:
Send the form and payment ($110 payable to the Nebraska Secretary of State) to:
Robert B. Evnen, Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509
How long does it take to get a Nebraska LLC approved? LLC processing time is 2-3 business days.
Step 4: Complete Nebraska LLC Publication Requirements
New businesses in Nebraska are required to publish a Notice of Organization. This must run for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which your LLC operates.
The Notice of Organization must include your business name, street address, and the nature of your LLC's business.
Once you have met this requirement, the newspaper will provide an affidavit that you will file with the Secretary of State.
Next, you'll upload your affidavit of publication on the Secretary of State website.
Step 5: Create A Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement
Creating a Nebraska LLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having an operating agreement in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises.
Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.
Your operating agreement should outline the following:
- Each member’s responsibilities
- How new members will be admitted
- How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
- How profits and dividends will be distributed
You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don't conflict with Nebraska business law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.
Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.
Step 6: Get an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the state of Nebraska will use this number to track your business activity.
Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:
- Open a business bank account
- File Federal and State taxes
- Hire employees
The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in Nebraska is by using the free online application on the IRS website.
Read our Get an EIN guide for instructions.
Need Help Forming an LLC?
We’ve reviewed and ranked the Top 8 LLC formation services.
Steps After Forming an LLC in Nebraska
After forming your Nebraska LLC, it's important to:
Open A Business Bank Account
A business bank account helps separate personal expenses and company expenses, which is required to maintain your Nebraska LLC's corporate veil. A corporate veil protects your personal assets from creditors in potential lawsuits against your LLC or Business.
Learn more by reading this guide to Banking for Entrepreneurs. For a multi-member LLC, you'll also want to set up capital accounts for LLC members. We also recommend checking out our review of the best business bank accounts.
Get A Business Credit Card
A business credit card will help separate personal and business expenses while building your company's credit history. A strong credit history will be useful for raising capital in the form of venture capital, angel investment, or small business loans.
Set Up Business Accounting
Hiring a business accountant is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking advantage of LLC tax benefits; possibly saving you and your business thousands of dollars per year.
When forming an LLC in Nebraska, it’s a good idea to start a relationship with a business accountant as soon as you start your business to help set your company up for success.
Get Business Insurance
Business insurance helps manage risk. The most common forms of business insurance are general liability, professional liability, and workers' compensation.
Find out the real cost of getting insurance for your business. Get a free quote or call 855-965-3168.
Keep Your Company Compliant
Research Nebraska Business Licenses and Permits
To operate an LLC in Nebraska, you will need to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations such as health permits, building permits, and signage permits.
Business licensing and permit requirements vary from state to state. To get started, visit our How to Get a Business License in Nebraska guide. To help facilitate this process, you can also utilize a business license service.
File Your Nebraska LLC Biennial Report
Every Nebraska LLC must file a biennial report with the Secretary of State by April 1 of every odd-numbered year. The state sends out a paper form to businesses during filing years that can be completed and submitted by mail, but an online filing option is also available. The filing fee is $10.
Understand Nebraska State Tax Requirements
Nebraska businesses selling a physical product are generally required to register for a seller’s permit with the Nebraska Tax Center website. Visit our Nebraska Sales Tax guide to learn more about seller’s permits and Nebraska sales tax.
Additionally, if you have employees in Nebraska, you will need to register for unemployment insurance tax through the Nebraska Department of Labor and sign up for employee withholding tax through the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
Understand Your Nebraska LLC’s Federal Tax Requirements
Most Nebraska LLCs will need to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year using Form 1065: Partnership Return (multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 - Schedule C (single-member LLCs).
How you pay yourself will affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.
Know Your Nebraska LLC’s Federal Tax Election Options
Pass-through taxation entails a business’s profits passing through to the LLC member’s individual tax returns. Like a sole proprietorship, an LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity, also known as a disregarded entity.
Once this process is completed and after any tax-deductible expenses are taken out, the LLC members pay self-employment taxes and income tax on their portion of the business income.
Alternatively, Nebraska LLCs can choose to elect to be taxed as an S corporation (S corp) or C corporation (C corp). If S corporation tax status is elected, LLC members can be taxed as employees of the business, potentially reducing tax burden.
More LLC Resources
- Nebraska Foreign LLCs: Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. You can apply for a Nebraska foreign LLC online.
- Nebraska Certificate of Good Standing: A certificate of good standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed. To order, follow our Nebraska certificate of good standing guide.
- Dissolving a Nebraska LLC: If you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Nebraska LLC Dissolution Guide.
- LLC Legal Forms: TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms including operating agreements, LLC resolutions, and hiring documents.
Need Help Forming an LLC?
Read our Best LLC Services review to learn more about pricing and packages.
