With low filing fees and no franchise tax, Nebraska is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. Forming as a limited liability company (LLC) provides further tax flexibility as well as personal asset protection. If you’re ready to launch your LLC in Nebraska, we’re here to help with this guide on how to register an LLC in Nebraska.
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Nebraska LLC Quick Facts
- To register an LLC in Nebraska, you must file a Certificate of Organization.
- The filing fee for starting an LLC in Nebraska is $100-$110.
- To keep your Nebraska LLC in good standing, you are required to file a biennial report.
- After registering your LLC, you must complete publication requirements.
7 Steps to Registering an LLC in Nebraska
Starting an LLC in Nebraska is as simple as these seven straightforward steps.
To register an LLC in Nebraska, follow these seven steps:
- Name Your Nebraska LLC
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- File a Certificate of Organization
- Complete Publication Requirements
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
- File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Step 1: Name Your Nebraska LLC
The first step toward starting an LLC in Nebraska is to choose a name for your business.
Nebraska business names must meet the following criteria:
- Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “LC”
- Must be distinguishable from any other business entity in the state
- Cannot be misleading about the LLC’s purpose
- Cannot insinuate government affiliation
We recommend reviewing all of Nebraska’s LLC naming guidelines before settling on a business name.
To ensure your business name is unique, you will need to complete a business name search on the Nebraska Secretary of State website.
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Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
In Nebraska, LLCs are required to appoint an initial agent, also known as a registered agent.
The registered agent can be an individual or business entity with a physical address in Nebraska who will receive important documents on behalf of your company, such as official correspondence from the state or legal notices.
It is important to note that the registered agent cannot be the LLC itself, but can be an LLC owner or an employee of the company.
Who is Eligible to be a Registered Agent in Nebraska?
A registered agent can be the LLC owner, an employee, a friend, family member, or a registered agent service. It is important to designate a reliable individual or service to fulfill this role to ensure that your LLC remains compliant with state regulations.
Step 3: File a Certificate of Organization
To register your LLC, you must file a Certificate of Organization with the state. You can complete this filing either online or by submitting these formation documents by mail or in person.
The filing fee is $100 if filed online or $110 if submitted by mail.
We recommend that you compile the following information before filing:
- Your LLC’s name and designated office
- The name and address of your initial agent
- Effective date of your LLC
Quick Note: It is important to note that if you have previously formed your business in another state, you will need to register as a Nebraska foreign LLC. This can be done online or by submitting a Certificate of Authority along with a $100 filing fee if filed online or $110 if filed by mail as well as a $10 certificate fee.
Step 4: Complete Publication Requirements
Nebraska requires all LLCs to publish a Notice of Organization in a newspaper within the county the LLC is registered for three successive weeks.
Once this requirement is completed, you will receive an affidavit of publication from the newspaper you’ve published your notice in that you will need to submit your proof of publication to the Nebraska Secretary of State.
For more information, visit the Nebraska legislature pertaining to publication requirements.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
In Nebraska, creating an operating agreement for your LLC is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. This document outlines the internal procedures and ownership details of the company, ensuring that all members are on the same page and helping to prevent future conflicts.
While you aren’t required to create an operating agreement by the state, it is important to keep an updated copy on file for your LLC.
Step 6: Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
After completing the necessary forms with the Nebraska Secretary of State and paying the associated fees, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your LLC.
This unique number is essential for tax reporting purposes, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account. You can easily apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website.
Additionally, it is important to fulfill your tax responsibilities as a business owner in Nebraska. Make sure to identify any specific tax requirements for your LLC by visiting the Nebraska Department of Revenue website.
Step 7: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
LLCs in Nebraska are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within the following time frames:
- New LLCs must file this report within 90 days of formation
- Existing LLCs must complete the filing between January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025
It is crucial to comply with this requirement to avoid a $500 per day fine. Filing can be done for free online on the FinCEN website.
Next Steps
- Open a business bank account to separate your personal assets from your business finances. This can help protect your personal assets in case of any liabilities. We recommend Lili to open a business bank account in just minutes.
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- Apply for any necessary licenses and permits required federally or by the state of Nebraska to operate your LLC legally. You can find more information about the specific licenses and permits needed on the Nebraska state government website.
- File a biennial report with the Nebraska Secretary of State to keep your LLC in good standing.
- Secure insurance coverage for your LLC to protect your business. General liability, workers’ compensation, and personal liability insurance are commonly recommended types of insurance for LLCs. For fast, affordable coverage, we recommend Next Insurance.
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Additional Tips for Success
- Build a strong network: Finding other entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and leaders in your industry can open new opportunities and provide support throughout your business’s lifecycle.
- Keep track of your compliance requirements: Nebraska has specific reporting and fee requirements you need to follow to maintain your LLC’s good standing.
- Plan for the future: Map out the goals and ambitions of your company to ensure you’re hitting important milestones.
Conclusion
When registering an LLC in Nebraska, it is important to follow the necessary steps to ensure a smooth formation process. From determining the perfect business name and matching URL to filing formation documents, each step is crucial to the smooth start of your LLC. By following these steps carefully, you can successfully register your LLC in Nebraska and set your business up for success.