Start a Business in Nebraska

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This guide on starting your business in Nebraska provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Nebraska, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Nebraska Limited Liability Company

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  • Nebraska LLC Articles of Organization
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 20: Nebraska Tax Application
  • Formation: $100 + $5/page recording fee
  • Formation: ~1-2 business days online. ~5-7 business days by mail.

Nebraska Corporation

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  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Form 20: Nebraska Tax Application, if required
  • Incorporation: $60 + $5/page for up to $10,000 authorized stock. $100 + $5/page for $10,001 - $25,000 authorized stock.
  • Incorporation: ~1-2 business days online. ~5-7 business days by mail.

Nebraska Nonprofit

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  • Nebraska Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form 20: Nebraska Tax Application, if required
  • Form 4: Nebraska Exemption Application for Sales and Use Tax
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Incorporation: $10 + $5/page
  • Nebraska tax application: usually $0
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Incorporation: ~1-2 business days online
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Nebraska

  1. When filing formation documents with the Nebraska Secretary of State by mail, remember 1.) to include your name and address for correspondence, but not on your articles which get scanned into public record, 2.) to submit two copies, 3.) to include the filing fee.
  2. Registration with the Nebraska Department of Revenue for state tax id(s) and accounts is required if you will have employees, intend to engage in retail sales, renting/leasing tangible personal property, or will be providing services which are subject to sales tax.
  3. The fee to incorporate can be confusing. Corporations must pay $60 + $5/page for up to $10,000 authorized stock, or $100 + $5/page for $10,001 - $25,000 authorized stock. Most likely your start-up will have less than $10,000 authorized stock and thus will pay $60 + $5 per page. Authorized stock is the product of authorized shares and initial par value per share. So if you decide to begin with 2,000 authorized shares and an initial par value per share of $3, then you have authorized $6,000 of stock.
  4. If you are forming a new business in Nebraska, you will need to list a registered agent name on your filings. The registered agent must have a physical address (not a P.O. Box) in Nebraska where it receives legal documents.
  5. Corporations and LLCs must file biennially (every two years) with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Corporations also pay an occupation tax at this time.
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