Start an LLC in Nebraska with Inc Authority
Inc Authority is a trusted leader in business formation services in Nebraska, having helped establish over 250k businesses. With a proven track record built over 30 years, you can be confident that your Nebraska LLC will be formed efficiently.
1 Year Registered Agent Service Free
Form your LLC in Nebraska absolutely free. No hidden service fees—you only pay the state filing fee.
Free registered agent service for one year with all the plans, receiving legal documents on your behalf.
Business compliance assistance involving reports, filings, and more to keep your LLC in good standing.
Things to Know Before Starting an LLC in Nebraska
Forming a limited liability company in Nebraska may offer several benefits. But before you take a step toward this decision, it’s crucial to understand the key rules, regulations, and fees involved.
Here’s a rundown of some essential information to equip you for a smooth Nebraska LLC formation process.
- Nebraska law mandates that newly formed LLCs in Nebraska publish a notice of organization for three consecutive weeks in a local newspaper within the county where the Nebraska limited liability company operates.
- All limited liability companies conducting business in Nebraska must file a biennial report with the Secretary of State. These business report filings occur in odd-numbered years with a deadline of April 1st.
- If you have an existing LLC registered in another state and want to conduct business in Nebraska, you must register it as a foreign LLC. This establishes your out-of-state LLC as a legal entity within Nebraska.
- You’ll need a registered agent to receive legal notices and documents for your LLC. The registered agent can be a business service provider or an individual residing in Nebraska with a physical address in the state.
It’s important to learn about the regulations and fees to avoid any potential roadblocks when starting a Nebraska LLC. Inc Authority can help with ongoing compliance needs, ensuring your LLC stays up-to-date with Nebraska regulations.
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A Step-By-Step Guide to Forming an LLC in Nebraska
The process of starting an LLC in Nebraska is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a few steps similar to forming an LLC in other states.
Here are the steps you need to follow to start your Nebraska LLC.
Decide on a Business Name
Choosing your Nebraska LLC name is an important step. Your business name should be unique, available, and include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviations, “LLC” or “L.L.C.” per the Nebraska LLC naming guidelines.
You can check if your desired name is available by searching the Nebraska Secretary of State’s business entity database. Ensure that your chosen LLC name is relevant to your business and easy to remember for your customers.
Reserve Your Business Name and Domain
After finalizing your LLC name, you can visit the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website to reserve it for 120 days with a filing fee of $15. This helps prevent others from claiming the name while you complete the LLC formation process.
In addition to reserving your business name, you can secure a domain name that matches it by purchasing it from a reputable domain registrar. This will be your website address and should be identical or very similar to your LLC name.
Appoint a Nebraska Registered Agent
Every limited liability company in Nebraska is required to have a registered agent. This can be an individual or organization that agrees to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC, such as legal notices and regular reports.
The registered agent can be a member of the LLC, a manager, or even yourself if you live in Nebraska, have a permanent physical address there, and will always be available to receive legal documents during regular business hours.
Choose a Type of LLC
Nebraska doesn’t have different LLC types, but there are some variations you can consider during formation that impact how your LLC is managed. If you’re the sole owner, you’ll establish a single-member LLC in Nebraska.
If there are multiple founders, you’ll create a multi-member LLC. The number of members you choose won’t impact the filing process, but it will influence how profits, losses, and voting rights are divided within your Nebraska LLC.
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
While not required by Nebraska law, creating an Operating Agreement for your Nebraska LLC is strongly recommended. This document acts as a rulebook for your business, outlining the rights and responsibilities of each LLC member.
You can specify details like voting rights, ownership percentage, and the process for admitting new members. Since all expectations are outlined in this document, it can help prevent conflicts and disagreements between LLC members.
File Your Nebraska Certificate of Organization
The Certificate of Organization officially establishes your LLC with the state. You must file it with the Nebraska Secretary of State to register your LLC. You can file online with $100, or by mail with a fee slightly higher at $110.
The certificate will require information about your LLC, and the name and address of your registered agent. If your LLC offers professional services, you should list the profession your members or employees are licensed for in Nebraska.
Publish a Notice of Organization
The state of Nebraska requires all LLCs to publish a notice of their launch in a local newspaper. You can find a list of approved legal newspapers on the county clerk’s website or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.
The Notice of Organization must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks. Once it’s done, the newspaper will provide you with proof of publication, which you’ll submit to the Secretary of State with a filing fee of $10.
Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number
An IRS employer identification number functions like a social security number for your business, identifying it for tax purposes. A Nebraska company needs to acquire an EIN if it has more than one member or if you plan to hire employees.
Even if your LLC is a single-member entity and you don’t have employees, an EIN is needed to open a business bank account. You can apply for it online through the IRS website or by postal mail by completing Form SS-4 with no filing fees.
Open a Bank Account for Your Nebraska LLC
It’s highly recommended to keep your personal and business finances separate. With a dedicated account, you can track business income and expenses easily and establish a professional image when dealing with vendors or clients.
Opening a business bank account typically requires your Nebraska LLC Certificate of Organization and a tax identification number. Some banks also request additional documentation, so be sure to check with your chosen bank beforehand.
Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Many counties and cities in Nebraska have licensing requirements businesses have to meet before they can conduct business within the state. These licenses and permits can vary depending on your business activity and location.
If you offer professional services, each member of your LLC involved in delivering the service may need a separate state professional license. Also, if you plan to sell goods or services within Nebraska, you’ll need a sales tax permit.
Pick Your LLC’s Tax Structure
LLCs in Nebraska are considered pass-through business entities by the IRS. This means the business’s profits or losses pass through the LLC to the individual members and are reported on their personal income tax filings.
However, there is some flexibility in how a Nebraska LLC is taxed. You can elect to be taxed as a sole proprietorship or a corporation if that better suits you. This election is made by filing Form 2553 with the Internal Revenue Service.
File for a Doing Business As
A DBA (Doing Business As) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its officially registered name. This is optional but useful if your LLC name is lengthy or complex, or if you want to brand your business under a specific name.
You’ll need to submit an application with the Nebraska Secretary of State online for $100 or by mail for $110. Next, you have to publish a legal notice announcing your DBA in a local newspaper. A DBA registration is valid for ten years.
Create a Business Website (Optional)
While this step is not mandatory for creating an LLC in Nebraska, a website can significantly benefit your Nebraska LLC. With a website, you can establish a credible online presence for your business and reach potential customers easily.
You can integrate social media links, online promotions, and even an ecommerce platform to facilitate direct sales. Use website design services that can help you create a user-friendly and optimized for your Nebraska LLC.
Stay Compliant with State’s Regulations
After forming an LLC in Nebraska,you must fulfil ongoing legal requirements you to keep your business in good standing. You’ll need to file biennial reports with the Nebraska Secretary of State by April 1st of odd-numbered years.
These reports update your business information and keep the state informed of your LLC’s status.Taxes are also an important aspect of compliance. You’ll need to file income taxes for your business, and employer taxes if you have employees.
Why Should You Outsource LLC Formation Services?
Outsourcing your LLC formation process to experts is a smart decision, especially if you’re new to the process or short on time. Between filing for your LLC, developing your product or service, securing funding, and crafting a marketing plan, there’s a lot to juggle.
Here are some benefits of outsourcing that you should consider.
Simplified Process
LLC formation involves legal documents, filing fees, and several state-specific regulations.
LLC formation service providers can handle all these complexities for you, saving you time and effort. They will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure everything is filed correctly.
Zero Errors
Even minor errors in your LLC formation documents can cause delays or even rejection by the state.
LLC formation services have the expertise to ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete the first time around. This saves you the hassle of refiling, potential setbacks, or even legal issues down the road.
Additional Support
Many LLC formation services offer additional resources beyond just filing your paperwork.
This might include help with creating an operating agreement, obtaining an EIN or other ongoing compliance and legal services. Having this professional support in place can be helpful for your business.
Benefits of Starting an LLC in Nebraska
Compared to popular business structures like sole proprietorships or partnerships, LLCs offer a compelling set of advantages for entrepreneurs. In addition to being easy to manage, LLC owners enjoy management flexibility and protection, which makes this business entity a popular choice.
Here are some significant benefits of forming an LLC in Nebraska.
Affordability
Compared to other states, Nebraska has a relatively inexpensive filing fee to register an LLC. The current cost is $100 for online filing, which can be a significant advantage when you’re starting a new business and keeping costs down.
Additionally, there are minimal ongoing fees. You’re only mandated to file a biennial report, which costs $25 for domestic and foreign LLCs and $20 for non-profits. This reduces the ongoing administrative burden and keeps your annual fees low.
Less Paperwork
Compared to corporations, forming an LLC in Nebraska involves significantly less paperwork. You’ll file a Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State, including your LLC’s name, address, and registered agent information.
There’s no requirement for formal meetings, minutes, or other documents that corporations typically need to maintain. This streamlined process saves you time and money upfront, and reduces the ongoing administrative burden.
Liability Protection for Members
One of the most significant advantages of forming an LLC in Nebraska is the liability protection it offers to business owners. Members’ personal assets, such as car or house, are shielded from being seized to recover business debts.
This protection applies to all LLC members. This is opposed to operating as a sole proprietorship or a partnership, which exposes your personal assets to risk, meaning your business debts could be settled with your personal belongings.
Business Ownership Flexibility
Nebraska LLCs offer flexibility in how you choose to structure your business ownership. Unlike corporations with a rigid ownership hierarchy, LLCs allow you to determine how ownership percentages and profits and losses are shared.
This is beneficial for businesses with unequal investments or varying levels of participation from the members. It allows you to tailor the ownership structure to reflect how the business operates and incentivize members.
Flexible Tax Structure
Another benefit of forming an LLC in Nebraska is the flexible tax structure it offers. Unlike corporations, which are subject to double taxation, Nebraska LLCs can choose how their income is taxed for federal income tax purposes.
LLCs can opt for the default tax treatment which is the pass-through taxation structure where profits and losses pass to the members. Also, they can choose to be taxed as an S-corporation if that structure better suits the business needs.
Management Flexibility
While corporations have rigid management structures, such as mandated boards of directors, LLCs have the flexibility to adapt their management style as needed. Members can decide how their LLC will be managed and run.
For instance, you can choose to run a member-managed structure where all LLC members participate in making business decisions. Alternatively, you can appoint designated managers to handle day-to-day business decisions.
Ability to Hold Assets
An LLC in Nebraska is a legal entity recognized by the state. This means the LLC can own assets and properties independent of your personal holdings. This can help shield your personal assets from business liabilities and debts.
This separation extends to the LLC’s ownership. An LLC’s holdings remain distinct from the members’ assets and are not accessible for repaying personal debts. If a member faces a lawsuit, creditors can’t seize the LLC’s assets.
Freedom to Enter into Contracts
As mentioned earlier, limited liability companies in Nebraska are distinct business entities with legal rights. Nebraska LLCs can enter into business agreements with other entities, vendors, or individuals independent of the owners.
This means that the obligations and potential liabilities arising from any business contract fall upon the limited liability company itself, not on its individual members. This can foster investor confidence, making it easier to attract funding.
Pricing for Inc Authority’s Nebraska LLC Formation Services
As a reputable business formation service provider with 30+ years of experience, Inc Authority can help you get your LLC in Nebraska up and running in no time. Its free plan covers the basics, while the paid plans offer additional features and services.
Let’s explore the key features offered in each plan.
Free
Inc Authority’s free business formation plan offers the following features to get you started:
- Name availability check: Inc Authority’s free name search tool verifies if your chosen LLC name complies with state regulations and isn’t already in use by another business. With this, you can expedite the formation process and prevent delays.
- 1-year registered agent services: The free plan includes a year of free registered agent service. An agent will receive legal documents and official notices on your LLC’s behalf ensuring your business maintains compliance and receives essential communication.
- Free Certificate of Organization filing: With the free plan, Inc Authority’s team of experts handles the preparation and filing of your LLC’s Certificate of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State, ensuring it’s completed accurately and efficiently.
- Digital storage for documents: You’ll have access to a secure online portal to organize and keep important business documents like your LLC Operating Agreement, Certificate of Organization, and financial reports for your limited liability company readily accessible.
- Tax planning consultation: Inc Authority’s free plan offers a limited tax planning consultation to get you started. This consultation will help you understand the basic tax structures for LLCs and go through the initial steps of tax planning for your Nebraska business.
- S-Corp election and filing: If you meet specific criteria, you can opt for the S-corporation status for your LLC using the assistance offered by Inc Authority with its free plan. You’ll receive guidance and assistance to complete the S-corp filing process.
- Business credit and funding analysis: With the free plan, you’ll get basic business funding analysis to assess your financing needs and explore potential funding options. This analysis can provide a starting point for your Nebraska business funding plan.
With the features available on the free plan, you can form your LLC in Nebraska in no time. However, the paid plans are preferable for premium and personalized services.
Price: Free
Starter
In addition to the basic features, the Starter plan offers the following premium features:
- LLC operating agreement: A well-crafted LLC operating agreement is important to outline the rights and responsibilities of each LLC member. Inc Authority will provide you with an LLC operating agreement template you can customize. It also offers assistance in creating a comprehensive Nebraska LLC operating agreement.
- Employer Identification Number: An EIN is essential for opening business bank accounts, hiring employees, and filing business taxes. With the Starter plan, you do not have to handle the application process yourself, which saves you a lot of time. A team of professionals handles it and streamlines the process of obtaining an EIN for your LLC.
- Corporate forms and documents package: The Starter package includes a comprehensive library of Nebraska-compliant corporate forms and documents to simplify various business tasks. This includes templates for contracts, reports, and other essential documents to maintain accurate records and ensure proper procedures are followed.
- Personalized Tax Consultation: This goes beyond the limited tax planning consultation the free plan offers. Inc Authority Starter plan includes a consultation with a qualified tax professional to discuss your specific business situation and answer your questions regarding federal and state tax filing obligations for your LLC in Nebraska.
- Compliance notifications: Inc Authority can help you stay on top of important deadlines and filing requirements with timely compliance notifications. With the Starter package, you’ll be informed about upcoming annual reports, tax filing dates, and other events to ensure your LLC remains compliant with Nebraska regulations.
- Web domain + 5 business email addresses: With this plan, you can establish a strong online presence for your Nebraska LLC. It includes a custom web domain name and access to create up to 5 professional business email addresses. This allows you to project a credible image and connect with customers through a dedicated communication channel.
Price: Custom
Fasttrack
The Fasttrack plan offers the following in addition to what you’ll get on the Starter plan:
- Customer success advisor: You’ll have access to a dedicated customer success advisor who serves as your point of contact for all your LLC formation and compliance needs. With this plan, you’ll benefit from proactive support, with your advisor anticipating your needs and keeping you informed throughout the LLC formation process.
- Private banking specialist: This plan allows you to work directly with a private banking specialist to explore business banking solutions tailored to your Nebraska LLC. You’ll also receive guidance on banking services including online banking and others to streamline your financial operations, giving your LLC a financial head start.
- Personalized business advisory: This is one of the standout features of the Fasttrack plan. You’ll benefit from consultations with business experts in different fields who understand the Nebraska business landscape. These experts and advisors can provide you with strategic guidance on business development tailored to your industry.
- Expedited preparation & filing: The Fastrack plan shortens the wait time for your LLC formation process. You’ll enjoy priority service from Inc Authority’s team of experts, ensuring expedited preparation and filing of your Nebraska LLC formation documents within the same day. With faster processing, you can launch your Nebraska LLC sooner.
The Fasttrack plan is ideal if you want to get your LLC up and running sooner and have a dedicated team by your side. Although it’s the highest-tier plan, the high-touch and dedicated services the plan offers are worth the extra pay.
Why Choose Inc Authority to Form an LLC in Nebraska
Inc Authority’s expertise and robust business formation services make it a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking reliable and professional assistance in forming their LLCs. Here are some key reasons to choose Inc Authority to form your Nebraska LLC.
100% Free Service
Inc Authority offers a completely free LLC formation service. You’ll pay no service charges, only the state filing fee to form your LLC.
Its team files all necessary paperwork with the Nebraska Secretary of State, ensuring your business is formed efficiently.
Proven Expertise
Inc Authority’s team of experts has the knowledge and experience to handle the complexities of state filings on your behalf.
They ensure your paperwork is completed accurately and filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State, reducing the risk of rejection and delays.
Streamlined Process
From the initial consultation to the final filing, Inc Authority handles every step of the process of registering your Nebraska LLC.
This allows you to focus on other important business aspects, like developing your business idea and building your customer base.
FAQ
Here is the step-by-step process you can follow to form an LLC in Nebraska:
- Choose a business name: Your LLC name must be unique from that of existing businesses, and include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” or “L.L.C.” You can check availability on the Secretary of State’s website.
- Reserve a business name and domain: After choosing your LLC name, you can reserve the chosen name with the Nebraska Secretary of State for 120 days and secure a matching domain name from a domain registrar.
- Appoint a registered agent: Every Nebraska LLC needs a registered agent to receive legal documents on its behalf. This can be an individual living in or a company located in Nebraska.
- Decide on your LLC type: Nebraska doesn’t have different LLC types, but you can decide if you’re forming a single-member LLC (one owner) or a multi-member LLC (multiple owners).
- Create an operating agreement: This document outlines ownership rights and responsibilities within your LLC. While Nebraska law doesn’t require an operating agreement to form an LLC, it’s strongly recommended.
- File your Nebraska certificate of organization: This officially establishes your LLC with the state. You can file online for $100 or by mail for $110.
- Publish a notice of organization: To complete your LLC formation, you’ll have to publish a notice of your LLC’s launch in a newspaper for three consecutive weeks and submit the proof of publication to the Nebraska Secretary of State.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website or by main. This is used for tax purposes and is needed if you have more than one member or plan to hire employees.
- Open a business bank account: Separate your business finances from personal finances by opening a dedicated business bank account.
- Obtain business licenses and permits: Certain licenses and permits may be required depending on your business activity and location. Check with your county or city for details.
- Choose your tax structure: Nebraska LLCs are considered pass-through entities by the IRS. However, you can elect for your LLC to be taxed as a corporation or sole proprietorship if it better suits your needs.
- File for a DBA (optional): You can apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) name if you want to operate under a name different from your LLC’s registered name. This involves filing with the Nebrasks Secretary of State and publishing a legal notice.
- Create a business website (optional): A website can help establish an online presence and reach potential customers.
- Stay Compliant: File biennial reports with the Nebraska Secretary of State by April 1st of odd-numbered years and comply with all tax filing requirements.
The cost of forming an LLC in Nebraska depends on a few factors, including:
- The filing fee with the Nebraska Secretary of State, which costs $100 to file online and $110 to file by mail.
- The notice of organization publication fees. You’ll need to publish a notice of your LLC formation in a newspaper. The cost includes a service charge for publishing the notice which will vary depending on the newspaper you choose and a filing fee of $10 for submitting the proof of publication to the Secretary of State.
Here are the benefits of forming an LLC in Nebraska:
- Affordability: Low filing fees and minimal ongoing costs.
- Less Paperwork: Less paperwork compared to corporations.
- Liability Protection: Protects your personal assets from business liabilities.
- Business Ownership Flexibility: Allows you to determine ownership percentages and how profits and losses will be shared.
- Flexible Tax Structure: LLCs can choose how their income is taxed.
- Management Flexibility: Offers flexibility to adapt your management style as needed.
- Ability to Hold Assets: The LLC can own assets and properties independent of your personal holdings.
- Freedom to Enter into Contracts: LLCs can enter into contractual business agreements independent of the owners.
Yes, having a registered agent is mandatory for your LLC in Nebraska. It’s a legal requirement to appoint one during the LLC formation process and maintain it throughout the LLC’s existence.
Yes, there are ongoing requirements you must adhere to keep your Nebraska LLC compliant. These include:
- Biennial report: You must file a biennial report with the Nebraska Secretary of State by April 1st of every odd-numbered year.
- Registered agent: Your LLC must maintain a registered agent throughout its existence.
- Taxes: Your LLC’s tax filing requirements will depend on how you choose to structure your business for tax purposes. You may need to file federal and state income tax returns, and if you have employees, you’ll also be responsible for employer taxes.
Ready to Start Your LLC in Nebraska?
Forming an LLC can be time-consuming especially if you’re new to the process. Inc Authority can handle the filing process, guaranteeing a smooth start.
Let Inc Authority take care of all the LLC formation and development complexities to get your business running easily.
$0 + State Filing Fees