Forming an Nebraska LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Nebraska (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Nebraska, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To form an LLC in Nebraska, you must submit a Certificate of Organization to the Nebraska Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100, and approval typically takes three days.

There are six essential steps in the process:

Choose a Name for Your LLC

Appoint a Registered Agent

Submit the Certificate of Organization

Draft an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN

Publish a Notice in a Newspaper

If you prefer to set up your LLC independently, follow our complimentary guide below.

For professional assistance, we suggest using Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC in Nebraska?

Starting an LLC requires a $100 fee, followed by a $13 fee every two years.

What do these fees cover? The $100 fee is for filing the Certificate of Organization, the official document that establishes an LLC. The $13 biennial fee is for submitting your Biennial Report, a required filing to maintain your LLC’s good standing. For more information, visit LLC Costs in Nebraska.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Nebraska?

If you submit your LLC application by mail, approval takes 2-3 business days, excluding mail time. Filing online also results in approval within 2-3 business days.

For any potential delays, refer to How long does it take to get an LLC in Nebraska.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Nebraska

1. Conduct a Name Search for Your LLC

Check the availability of your LLC name within the state. This step is crucial because no two businesses in the state can share the same name.

Start by comparing your desired business name against those already registered. Utilize the Corporate and Business Search tool provided by the Nebraska Secretary of State to ensure your chosen LLC name is distinct from others.

Additionally, understand the state’s guidelines for naming an LLC to ensure your application is approved. We’ll delve deeper into both topics here: Nebraska LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Nebraska Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Nebraska Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Nebraska Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Nebraska mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Nebraska or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit an LLC Certificate of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit a Certificate of Organization to the Nebraska Secretary of State.

The online filing fee for your Certificate of Organization is $100. This is a one-time charge to form your LLC.

If you prefer to handle this yourself, check out our detailed guide: Nebraska Certificate of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service to manage it on your behalf.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Nebraska Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Nebraska EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

6. Publish a Newspaper Notice

All Nebraska LLCs are required to publish a notice, known as a “Notice of Organization,” in a legal newspaper. The selected newspaper must be located near your LLC’s Designated Office, have a general circulation, and publish the notice for three consecutive weeks. Once this period is over, the newspaper will provide you with Proof of Publication. This proof must be submitted to the Nebraska Secretary of State. Failing to do so might result in the LLC owners facing personal liability until the notice is published. For detailed steps and additional information, visit: Nebraska LLC Newspaper Publication Requirement.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

 Once your LLC is approved, there are a few more tasks to handle.

Open an LLC business bank account

It’s important to establish a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. Additionally, it preserves your personal liability protection by keeping business and personal finances separate.

Obtain business licenses and permits

Nebraska does not require a state general business license. However, based on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For instance, starting a daycare might require a license from your city or county. For more details, check our Nebraska Business License page.

Submit your LLC Biennial Report

All Nebraska LLCs must file a Biennial Report every two years (in odd-numbered years). This report ensures your LLC remains in good standing with the state. How much does it cost? The filing fee for the Biennial Report is $13 every two years. When is it due? The report is due every two years by April 1st. When is the first report due? Your first Biennial Report is due in the first odd-numbered year following the approval of your LLC. Thereafter, it must be filed by April 1st of every odd-numbered year. How do you file it? You can file online or by mail, but we recommend online filing for ease. Use our guide: Nebraska LLC Biennial Report.

File and pay taxes

LLCs are not subject to federal income tax. Instead, LLC Members pay taxes for the LLC as part of their personal tax returns. How is your LLC taxed? The IRS taxes LLCs based on the number of owners: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you may elect for your LLC to be taxed as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, there are state and local income taxes and sales tax. Find more information on Nebraska LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Nebraska FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Nebraska?

Absolutely, you can file your LLC online in Nebraska. The Certificate of Organization costs $100. Once filed online, your LLC will be approved within 2-3 business days.

A key advantage of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. If your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets such as your home, cars, and bank accounts remain safeguarded. This protection extends to all LLC Members, whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. Unlike a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners lack personal asset protection in lawsuits, an LLC is a more preferred business structure.

Additionally, LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation. The LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes; instead, profits pass to the Members, who then pay taxes on their personal returns. Nebraska’s state income taxes align closely with federal tax treatment for LLCs. For further details, refer to How are LLCs taxed.

Deciding if Nebraska is suitable for starting an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you live or conduct business in Nebraska, it’s ideal to start your LLC there. Despite discussions about favorable tax rates in different states, these benefits don’t apply unless you reside and do business in that state.

For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and operating in Nebraska means you’ll also have to register your Delaware LLC in Nebraska and incur additional fees, ultimately paying Nebraska taxes. This results in unnecessary expenses and complications without any real benefits. So, if you live and work in Nebraska, it’s a favorable state for starting a business. Otherwise, it might not be advantageous.

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We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.

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