We’ve put together a free step-by-step guide on how to set up an LLC in Nebraska. We want you to have a clear idea of how to set up and manage an LLC for your state. We’ve tried to make sure you have the information you need right at your fingertips. Each step has instructions and links to the sites for you to fill out the forms in the correct order. So, let’s set up your Nebraska LLC right now!
A few points to remember before setting up your LLC in Nebraska
When you set up an LLC in Nebraska you’ll need a few things before you get started. This section will help you get your checklist in order.
A Unique Business Name
Every business in the state must be unique. You’ll need to search for a Nebraska LLC name. Go to Corporate & Business Search to make sure yours is not taken.
An LLC Designator
You must have an LLC designator in your name in one of the following formats.
- LLC (most common)
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Now that you have your unique business name, it’s time to register it with the state of Nebraska. Let’s get down to business.
A Registered Agent
In most states, a registered agent is a person or a company that accepts “Service of Process” for your Nebraska LLC. A registered agent will receive any subpoenas, notices, and other legal, and tax documents sent to your business by the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
If you’re opening a business in Nebraska but you aren’t a resident, you’ll need to get a registered agent in that state. The requirements for a registered agent are as follows:
An Individual:
- Must be 18 and be a resident of the state
- Must be authorized to do business in the state.
- Must have a physical street address located in Nebraska
A Company
- Must be authorized to do business in the state
If you meet the above criteria, you can be your own registered agent. Or you can set up a friend or family member to be your registered agent.
You can also hire a commercial Registered Agent. A company that provides its name and address to receive legal documents from the state.
Hot Tip
The nice part of using a company is that their address is used instead of yours. As the business address will be public knowledge. By using a registered agent, you can protect and secure your own address.
Step 1: Register Your Business Name
To set up an LLC in Nebraska you need to reserve your business name. This way during the process no one can steal the name of your company.
You’ll need to reserve your name by mail filing (no online reservation). Download and fill out the Application for Reservation of Limited Liability Company Name form and send it to the Nebraska Secretary of State.
The filing fee for the reservation of your business name is $30 and it will be reserved for up to a 120-day period.
Step 2: File Your Certificate of Organization in Nebraska
Setting up an LLC in Nebraska is easy, especially for single-member LLCs. Just go to the Corporate Document eDelivery and upload the Certificate of Organization.
You can just directly file the Certificate of Organization even without a reservation. Easy peasy.
If you don’t want to file online, you can send your Certificate of Organization to the Secretary of State by mail or hand it in personally.
Fees: In Nebraska, the cost of setting up your LLC and filing the Certificate of Organization is $100 online and $110 by mail or walk-in.
Quick Note
The state does not provide a Certificate of Organization form. So, you can either do it yourself or ask your lawyer.
Step 3: Publish Your LLC Notice of Organization
In Nebraska, you will have to publish an LLC Notice of Organization for 3 weeks within your business location. After 3 weeks, the newspaper will send you an Affidavit of Publication as proof of your publication.
You need to upload the affidavit of publication online to the Secretary of State or send it by postal mail.
The filing fee is $10 plus $5 per page for postal mail and $12 plus $5 per page for online.
Step 4: Complete Your Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a key document used by LLCs, and partnerships. It outlines the business’ financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations, and provisions. This describes how your LLC will operate internally. For more information on operating agreements, you can check out the Small Business Administration’s article on basic operating agreements.
Hot Tip
You are not required to file an Operating Agreement with your state. But it may be vital to have it, especially if there are multiple members of your LLC.
Step 5: Get Your Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
Once your Nebraska LLC has been approved it’s time to get your Federal Tax ID Number from the IRS.
Your EIN is the social security number of your business. Keep it well protected. You’ll use this number to open bank accounts, file tax documents, apply for loans and many other uses. It also protects your social security number when doing business with other businesses like merchant accounts, 1099s received etc.
To apply for your EIN you can go to IRS EIN/Tax ID Application. Make sure you pick the correct Business Entity Type.
Quick Note
You can only file online if you have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer ID (ITIN). Otherwise, you’ll have to mail in the forms and wait for the response. If you don’t have an SSN, on Form SS-4, where it asks for your SSN, ITIN, or EIN (line 7b), write “Foreign”. Your EIN application will then be approved without the need for an SSN.
Step 6: File Your LLC Biennial Report
Your Nebraska LLC is required to file a Biennial Report with the Nebraska Secretary of State. To file your report, go to Annual/Biennial Reporting. The state preferred online filing but if you want to file by mail, you can download the form from the same site. You can check the filing fees listed on the form.
Remember that the forms will only appear on the Secretary of State’s website between January 1st to June 1st of every odd year. You cannot file your biennial report other than these scheduled dates. Failure to file after April 1st will result in a delinquent status of your LLC and eventually dissolution.
Taxes, Permits, and Licensing in Nebraska
To do business in Nebraska you will need to file tax returns, and hold permits and licenses in your county or city.
Nebraska LLC must apply for necessary business licenses and or permits. This depends a lot on the type of business and the location of your business.
Aside from business licenses and permits, all LLCs must also pay appropriate taxes and meet obligations with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
Never miss a deadline
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Putting it All Together
Now that you can set up an LLC in Nebraska online it shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to get up and running. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s website is very easy to navigate and following the six steps above will help you get your talents and ideas to market faster.
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