How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Nebraska?

Nebraska LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost to start an LLC in Nebraska is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Organization online with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Publication Fee

Nebraska requires LLCs to publish a Notice of Organization for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which an LLC’s principal office is located. Fees vary depending on the newspaper you publish with.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Nebraska

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Nebraska, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Nebraska.

The cost for registering a Nebraska foreign LLC is $100 online or $110 by mail. You can register a foreign LLC in Nebraska by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority.

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of Limited Liability Company Name and paying the $30 filing fee.

Trade Name

File an Application for Registration of Trade Name and pay the $100 online filing fee or $110 mail-in fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Eight Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Nebraska

Step 1: Name Your Nebraska LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File a Certificate of Organization
Step 4: Complete Publication Requirement
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 6: Get an EIN
Step 7: File a Biennial Report
Step 8: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Nebraska LLC

When you name your Nebraska LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Nebraska
2. Meets Nebraska naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Nebraska guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Nebraska.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Nebraska must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Nebraska registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Nebraska
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization

The Nebraska Certificate of Organization is a document that is filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Organization is $100 online and $110 by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Organization, visit our How to File the Nebraska Certificate of Organization guide.

Step 4: Complete Publication Requirement

Nebraska requires LLCs to publish a Notice of Organization for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which an LLC’s principal office is located.

The Notice of Organization must include the name of the LLC, the street address of the designated office, and the nature of the LLC’s business.

After you have published your Notice of Organization for three consecutive weeks, you will receive an affidavit of publication from the newspaper that you can file with the Secretary of State.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is legally required for Nebraska LLCs.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Nebraska LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 6: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 7: File a Biennial Report

Nebraska requires LLCs to file a biennial report with the Secretary of State. 

During those years when these reports are due, you will receive a paper form in the mail. You can complete the mail filing or file your biennial report online along with the $10 fee.

Step 8: Keep Your Company Compliant

Maintaining the legal compliance of your Nebraska LLC involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, understanding your tax obligations, and following employment regulations. 

Key considerations include:

• Be aware of your need for business licenses and permits, which can vary based on your LLC's specific activities.
• Stay current with your Nebraska LLC taxes. Depending on your business operations, you might need to register for:
• Sales tax if you are selling physical goods.
• Employer taxes if you hire employees.
• State and federal income tax, depending on your LLC's earnings.
• If you're planning to hire employees, remember to:
• Verify their work eligibility in the US.
• Report new hires to the state.
• Provide workers' compensation insurance.
• Withhold employee taxes.
• Display compliance posters in your workplace.