How to Start an LLC in Nebraska

Written by Melissa Pedigo – CPA, updated on

Looking for a straightforward guide on how to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Nebraska? You’re in the right spot.

By forming a Nebraska LLC, you’ll have a legal structure to conquer your dreams. LLCs provide excellent personal liability protection while keeping your taxes down.

You’re in good company starting a business in Nebraska. Billionaires Warren Buffet and Henry Davis operate in the state. The favorable business laws and new business support provide a unique blend of opportunity and affordability.

Let’s shift into drive and start down the road to forming an LLC in Nebraska.

Table of Contents


Step 1: Choose a business name for your new LLC

Naming is a big decision for new businesses. You want a brandable company name that reflects what you do.

Your Nebraska LLC name must also be different from other businesses. Nebraska naming requirements also say the name must end with Limited Liability Company or one of its abbreviations — L.L.C, LLC, or LC.

Use Nebraska’s Online Corporate & Business Search to see what’s available.

nebraska business name search

Name reservations

You can reserve a business name for 120 days. This optional step allows you to secure a name while preparing other formation documents.

To place a reservation, complete the Application for Reservation of LLC Name online. There’s a $30 fee.

registering LLC name in Nebraska

A name reservation stops others from registering a company under that name.

You may want to get a domain name before domain squatters or a competitor snags it. Even if you don’t want a website right away, buying it now prevents future headaches.

Trade name

Similar to sole proprietorships, LLCs can do business under a trade name. This is also known as a doing-business-as (DBA) or fictitious name.

File a registration of trade name with the Secretary of State (SOS). There’s a $100 fee for online filings and $110 to file in person.

Nebraska Application of Trade Name Usage
Nebraska Application of Trade Name Usage. Source: Nebraska Secretary of State.

You’ll also need to publish a notice of the trade name in a local newspaper. And you’ll need to do this quickly. You only have 45 days to fulfill this required publication.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

Nebraska requires every LLC to designate a registered agent. This role serves as the main contact for your LLC. It accepts legal notices, service of process, and other official correspondence.

You can appoint an individual or an entity as your registered agent in Nebraska. Every Nebraska registered agent must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a physical address in the state (not a P.O. Box)
  • Be present during regular business hours year-round

You can be your company’s registered agent. This is common with cash-strapped single-member LLCs as it reduces costs. But it comes with some negative consequences:

  • Registered agents must be around to receive legal documents
  • Your name and address will be in the public record
  • Being served with a lawsuit in front of clients
  • You’re on your own to catch all vital notices

To avoid these problems, you can hire a registered agent service. Your address stays confidential and the service handles paperwork for your LLC.

Nebraska registered agent services charge $50-$300 per year. Many experienced business owners find the benefits outweigh these costs.

Step 3: Draft and File the Nebraska LLC Articles of Organization

Time to sit up straight and pay attention. This is the most important step to starting an LLC. Filing the Articles of Organization forms an LLC in Nebraska. Once processed, your new business entity exists.

Nebraska calls this the Certificate of Organization. And there is a convenient eDelivery service for online filings.

To complete LLC formation, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your LLC name and mailing address
  • Registered agent’s name and address
  • The preferred effective date for your LLC

Create and upload your Articles of Organization as a PDF file. Nebraska doesn’t have a standard Articles of Organization form.

Your Certificate of Organization should comply with Nebraska statutes. Outline the nature of your business and company management structure. You may need to consult with an attorney to create one.

There is a $100 fee to file online and $110 by mail.

Notice of publication

Nebraska law requires a Notice of Publication for all new businesses, including LLCs. The notice must run for three straight weeks in a generally circulated newspaper in the same county.

The Notice of Publication must include:

  • LLC’s name and address
  • Date of establishment
  • The nature of your business

Publication prices vary with costs ranging from $40 to $250. After publishing the notice, a local newspaper must provide an affidavit of publication.

You can use the Nebraska eDelivery site to upload the affidavit. Or you can mail it to the SOS with a money order or check. The filing fee is $25 online and $30 by mail.

Certificate of LLC Registration

Once your LLC is approved, request a Certificate of LLC Registration from Nebraska. Use the Corporate & Business Name Search to request it. The cost is $10.

Keep the Certificate with your company records. You may need it to open a bank account or get loans.

Step 4: Create an LLC operating agreement

Next, you’ll want to create an LLC operating agreement.

An operating agreement is not a legally required document for Nebraska LLCs. But it can help you:

  • Define operating procedures
  • Plan for adding or removing a member (owner)
  • Build ​​a reputational advantage for your new company
  • Resolve legal disputes without invoking Nebraska law
  • Secure funding from lenders and investors

If you don’t have an operating agreement, any disputes will fall back to Nebraska law. Rather than deal with this uncertainty, you can form a clear set of rules.

You can create your operating agreement or use an online template. Or you can hire a corporate attorney to draft one for you.

Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement Online Template
Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement Online Template. Source: esign.com

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

Your LLC may need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). This nine-digit number acts like a Social Security number. It helps the IRS get you set up to pay federal taxes and hire employees.

EIN registration is mandatory for multi-member LLCs. But it’s optional for some single-member LLCs without employees. Many LLC owners opt to get one anyway since it may be needed to open a bank account or attract investors.

Use the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to apply for an EIN online. It’s the quickest way. And it’s free.

IRS EIN Assistant for Applying for an EIN Online
IRS EIN Assistant for Applying for an EIN Online. Source: IRS.gov.

Costs to set up an LLC in Nebraska

Filing for LLC registration in Nebraska costs $100 online or $110 by mail. And you must pay for the newspaper publication in Nebraska. This usually costs around $80 to $150 for the publication plus a $25/$30 state fee.

That brings the total cost to set up an LLC in Nebraska to $205.

Other potential expenses that a business owner may encounter include:

  • Business name reservation ($30)
  • Filing for a trade name ($100 online and $110 for in-person filing)
  • Hiring a registered agent (approximately $100-$150 per year)
  • Hiring an attorney to help draft your Certificate of Organization or operating agreement ($1,000 or more)

Business owners are also obligated to file a biennial report with the state of Nebraska every two years. This has a $25 fee.

Last steps

You’ve crossed a major milestone by setting up your Nebraska LLC. Well done! Keep the energy alive and dive into the next few tasks right away.

Business banking

You’ll want to open a business bank account right after forming your LLC. It’s useful for accounting and tax needs. But it’s also crucial to maintaining the LLC’s legal protections.

If you combine personal and business finances, courts view that as a sign that the LLC isn’t a separate entity. This means that you can be found personally liable if someone sues your LLC.

Local taxes, licenses, and permits

Federal taxes aren’t your only concern. If your Nebraska LLC needs to collect sales tax or hire employees, there are two agencies you must register with:

Every business also must get any needed licenses or permits. Check with state, city, and county agencies.

For example, the City of Omaha does not offer a general business license. But it does offer liquor licenses, building permits, and occupational licenses.

The City of Lincoln has a long list of forms and permits that may apply if your LLC operates there.

Local resources

Starting a business is full of new hurdles. Nebraska has a wide range of organizations ready to ease the burden.

The Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act offers grants. And the Nebraska SBDC can connect you with knowledgeable consultants at no cost.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is another great resource. They can help with site selection, administrative needs, and business planning.

Reading this guide to forming a Nebraska LLC marks the start of a thrilling chapter. Now it’s time to check the Nebraska database to see if your LLC name is available. Then embrace each following step to see your business dreams take flight.

Advertisement

LLC Formation Service

LLC Formation: $39 + state fees
Pricing:
Turnaround Time:
Help & Support:
Customer Satisfaction:
Ease of use:

Best LLC Service 2023

  • Formed 1,000,000+ LLCs
  • $39 formation includes registered agent service
  • Fast formation & same day filing
  • Exceptional customer reviews
Last updated: Mar 2024
Melissa Pedigo

Article by:

Melissa Pedigo

CPA

Melissa Pedigo is a US CPA with more than 20 years of experience. She’s worked at Big 4 firms, for the government, and internationally. Now a full-time writer, she enjoys translating complex financial and tax topics into plain English. When she’s not keeping current reading IRS rules or tax legislation, you’ll find her studying foreign languages or playing tennis.

Small business tips straight to your inbox

Already running a small business? Get free tips to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. We're GDPR compliant.