How to Start a Nebraska LLC

One of the more business-friendly states, Nebraska offers several business and tax incentives, provided your LLC meets certain criteria.

For example, the state's imagine program provides tax credits for wages, sales and use taxes, investment and personal property tax.

For most people who want to start a business, creating a Nebraska limited liability company (LLC) is the easiest and fastest way. An LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses because it offers the advantages and protections that larger corporations benefit from, but with simpler rules and regulations.

If an LLC isn't the right entity for the type of business you're starting, you may want to consider forming a Nebraska Corporation instead.

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, business taxes and much more. We also cover what you'll need to register and file your LLC and how you'll interact with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

To help you along the way, use our Starting a Business checklist to keep track of everything you need to do to get your business up and running.

Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete a State Business Search

You’ll need an original and distinctive name for your LLC that’s unique from any other business in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using our Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Nebraska Business Names page.

Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Nebraska. To find out whether another company in the state is using your desired business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Nebraska Secretary of State website.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address for your LLC

Every Nebraska LLC must have a designated street address, whether it’s an office building, a home (if you run the company from your residence) or any other physical location. It can be outside the state, but it can’t be a P.O. box.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

Someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and has responsibility for filing reports with the Nebraska Secretary of State is called a Registered Agent. Every LLC in Nebraska is required to have a Registered Agent.

You can fill this position, assign another manager in your business or use a Registered Agent service. If your Nebraska Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in Nebraska and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your company.

You'll appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Certificate of Organization in Nebraska to create your business.

All of Bizee’s business formation packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. You can also access a digital dashboard to view any document we've received on your behalf.

Step 4: File Your Articles of Organization with the Nebraska Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your LLC, you’ll need to file a form with the Secretary of State to create your Certificate of Organization in Nebraska. This will officially create your business.

You can file your Certificate of Organization online via the state's eDelivery system. You can also mail the form to the Office of the Secretary of State or Bizee can file it on your behalf. The Nebraska LLC filing fee is $100, plus a $5 per page filing fee.

You only need to file your Certificate of Organization in Nebraska once, but every other year after, you'll also need to file a biennial report. Bizee can remind you about this every other year, or we can do it for you if you have us handle the paperwork.

What are the fees and requirements to form a Nebraska LLC?

*includes online filing fee

Annual Report

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You'll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or Bizee can get one for you as part of the Nebraska LLC formation process.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that details how your business will be run, an LLC Operating Agreement outlines how the business is divided among members, how decisions will be made and what will happen should a member leave the company. Some states require companies to create this document. You're not legally required to have a Nebraska Operating Agreement, but it’s a good idea to have one to protect your business from any future changes and events.

Other Nebraska LLC Types

Series LLC

The state offers the option to set up a Nebraska Series LLC. This is a specialized business entity designed to allow you to manage multiple LLCs under one master LLC. It's a useful option if you want to avoid the time and expense of setting up a separate LLC for every business you run.

Foreign LLC

If your business operates in another state and you want to expand into Nebraska — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC. Learn more about Nebraska Foreign LLC registration.

Professional LLC

Some states, including Nebraska, allow certain types of businesses to form Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs). A Nebraska PLLC will typically require members to be licensed and may impose other requirements as well.

Under Nebraska law, professional services are provided by dentists, physicians, veterinarians, attorneys, real estate salespeople, etc.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Helpful Resources From the State of Nebraska

More Information in This Guide

You’ll find more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including: