How much does an LLC cost in Nebraska? (details)
Forming a Nebraska LLC entails more than just paying the first filing fee; it doesn't have to be extremely expensive.
We outline all up-front and continuing costs for a Nebraska LLC and advise how to successfully cut these out of the budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Nebraska?
There is a $100 filing fee for the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State when forming an LLC in Nebraska.
This is important in creating your LLC's legal standing, allowing it to function under Nebraska regulations if approved.
Apart from the LLC filing fee mentioned above, additional expenses are associated with establishing a Nebraska LLC (Limited Liability Company).
Costs of Forming a Nebraska LLC
Forming an LLC includes a one-time state filing fee of $100.
There are also ongoing fees (like a $13 Annual Report fee and potential business license fees), which we discuss below.
LLC Costs in Nebraska
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Certificate of Organization | $100 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free to the IRS) |
| Publication Requirement | $50 - $250 |
| Annual Report | $13 (every 2 years) |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
The filing fee for a Nebraska LLC Certificate of Organization is $100
In Nebraska, forming an LLC requires paying the Secretary of State a $100 filing fee for the Certificate of Organization. This paper creates your LLC legally if it is accepted.
After formation, you only need to pay the $100 one-time charge; after that, you won't need to pay any more monthly or yearly fees to keep your Nebraska LLC active.
✎ Note:
LLCs represent the predominant business structure in Nebraska, chosen for their robust liability protection afforded to owners, making them highly favored among business entities.
The form used to establish an LLC can vary by state; it may be referred to as the Certificate of Organization.
In Nebraska, it is specifically known as the Certificate of Organization. Despite these variations in naming, they all serve the same purpose to legally create your LLC.
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Nebraska LLC Notice of Organization publishing cost (varies)
Nebraska mandates that you publish a Notice of Organization in a legal newspaper. This publication requirement applies to all LLCs formed in the state.
The cost of publishing the Notice varies, as each newspaper sets its own fees. Typically, the cost ranges from $40 to $250, depending on the newspaper you choose.
Despite the varying fees, the Nebraska LLC publication requirement is mandatory for all LLCs.
Nebraska LLC Proof of Publication filing ($27)
After your Notice of Organization is published in a legal newspaper, you must submit the Proof of Publication to the Secretary of State. Youâll receive the Proof of Publication from the newspaper, and then you can either mail or upload it to the Secretary of State.
- If you mail your Proof of Publication, the fee is $30.
- If you upload your Proof of Publication online, the fee is $27.
Reserving a business name in Nebraska entails a fee of $0
The creation of your Nebraska LLC Name Reservation is completed simultaneously if you want to file online. An additional $0 filing fee is required for an online name reservation when filing online.
If you want to file by mail, remember to include the Name Reservation with your application.
But before forming your LLC, you have to wait for the Name Reservation to be approved. Even though filing by mail can save you a few bucks, it can take longer to form your LLC.
How much does a DBA cost? ($100)
In Nebraska, a DBA is filed with the town clerk rather than the Secretary of State. Therefore, the cost of a DBA will vary depending on the town where your LLC is doing business.
✎ Note:
A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Business Name, refers to the same concept.
â Tip:
Obtaining a DBA for your LLC is optional and not a requirement.
Nebraska Registered Agent Fee ($0 to $125/ annually)
Under Nebraska law, every LLC formation requires the appointment of a Registered Agent.
Your Nebraska Registered Agent acts as the liaison for legal documents and state notifications on behalf of your LLC, necessitating a physical address within the state and availability during regular business hours.
You can appoint yourself, a trusted associate, or a family member as your Registered Agent without incurring additional expenses.
Alternatively, hiring a Registered Agent service costs between $100 and $300 per year. These services offer additional business support and safeguard your privacy.
Hiring a Registered Agent service is a good idea if:
- You lack a physical address in the state (Nebraska law mandates Registered Agents to have an address within the state).
- You prefer to keep your address private (some companies allow you to use their address for confidentiality).
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LLC Operating Agreement Fee ($0)
A Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement functions as a written contract among the LLC's members. It outlines specific details regarding ownership, how the LLC is managed, and the distribution of profits.
Both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs should create an Operating Agreement, maintain it within their business records, and provide each member with a copy.
Online services generally charge between $50 to $200 for crafting an LLC Operating Agreement.
LLC EIN Number Fee ($0)
An EIN, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number or FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), is essential for handling tax filings, setting up an LLC bank account, and potentially facilitating employee hiring.
While some platforms may charge a fee, you can obtain an EIN for your LLC free of charge directly from the IRS. The process to apply online is simple and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.
Nebraska LLC Biennial Report Fee ($13 every 2 years)
Nebraska requires you to keep your LLC's information up to date by filing a Biennial Report every two years.
This keeps your Nebraska LLC in good standing and in compliance with state law so it can continue operating. You simply confirm the information on the Biennial Report, file it with the Nebraska Secretary of State, and pay the Biennial Report fee.
The Nebraska LLC Biennial Report costs $13. This fee is paid every two years for the duration of your LLCâs existence.
✎ Note:
Other business entities may file different reports, but LLCs only need to file the Periodic Report each year.
Nebraska Business License and Permit Fees
The locations and industry sectors in which your LLC operates in Nebraska may require you to apply for additional business licenses or permits. For your LLC's specific operating area, for example, it may be necessary to obtain a city business permit.
Location and industry specifics can affect the cost of these licenses or permits. These costs are usually fair. Local governments such as towns, cities, or counties are responsible for administering some licenses and permits, while the state issues others.
LLC Taxes
Nebraska LLC owners face a range of tax obligations, leading to varying annual costs.
Some of the taxes LLC owners pay include:
- Federal taxes
- State income tax
- Local income tax
- Business taxes
- Self-employment taxes
- Sales and use tax
- Payroll tax (if you have employees)
- Property tax (if the LLC owns property)
The Taxes of Your Nebraska LLC taxes are affected by your industry and business activities, making it difficult to predict. Every business is different, and the taxes your LLC owes depend on your specific situation.
✎ Note:
Typically, a Single-Member LLC is taxed similarly to a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed similarly to a Partnership.
Hiring an Accountant
Accounting fees can vary, but in general, expect to pay about $300 a year for basic tax returns and up to $900 for more comprehensive filings.
The best person to help you determine your small business tax liability in Nebraska is a certified accountant.
While accounting costs can vary, you should generally budget $300 for simple tax returns and up to $900 for more complicated filings annually.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
✎ Note:
Accounting fees can vary, but in general, expect to pay about $300 a year for basic tax returns and up to $900 for more comprehensive filings. We recommend speaking with a few Nebraska accountants to make sure they can help you with all of your local, state, and federal tax needs. For more advice, see our comprehensive guide on how to find an accountant.
Nebraska Secretary of State
If you're curious about the expenses involved in starting a Nebraska LLC, feel free to contact the Nebraska Secretary of State for detailed information.
Nebraska LLC Costs FAQs
How much does it cost to open an LLC in Nebraska?
It costs $100 to start a Nebraska LLC. This is a one-time filing fee for the LLC Certificate of Organization when filed online. If you file the Certificate of Organization by mail instead, it costs a little more: $110.
Some LLCs may need a business license in Nebraska. This depends on your industry and where your LLC is located. The cost of local business permits varies. Depending on what your LLC does, you may need to obtain business insurance.
How much does an LLC in Nebraska cost per year?
If you hire a Registered Agent service, youâll have an annual subscription fee to pay each year. This is usually about $125 per year.
Some LLCs may need a business license in Nebraska. This depends on your industry and where your LLC is located. Youâll need to check with your municipality to see if there are any annual renewal fees for the business permit.
All Nebraska LLCs need to pay $13 every other year for the Nebraska Biennial Report fee. These state fees are paid to the Secretary of State. And this is the only state-required fee, which you pay every 2 years. You have to pay this to keep your LLC in good standing.
Should I hire an LLC formation service?
You arenât required to hire a professional service company to form your Nebraska LLC. Youâre allowed to complete the LLC formation process yourself if youâd like â you can form your own LLC.
Do I need to hire an attorney to form an LLC?
No, you arenât required to hire an attorney to form your LLC in Nebraska. Youâre allowed to form your LLC yourself if youâd like.
However, some people may want to hire an attorney if their LLC has a complex ownership or management structure, has investors, or requires industry-specific documentation.
A business attorney usually charges between $800 and $2,500 to form an LLC.
How do I start an LLC in Nebraska?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Nebraska:
- Choose an LLC business name and make sure itâs available
- Choose who will be your Nebraska Registered Agent
- File the Nebraska Certificate of Organization
- Publish a Notice of Organization in the newspaper, and submit a Proof of Publication
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Nebraska
Whatâs the cheapest way to start an LLC?
You can get an LLC cheaply by filing your formation documents yourself. Youâll also save money by being your Registered Agent and using our free LLC Operating Agreement template.
By forming your LLC yourself, being your Registered Agent, and using our Operating Agreement template you can save over $400.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Nebraska?
How long it takes to get an LLC in Nebraska depends on how you file your Certificate of Organization.
You can get an LLC in Nebraska approved in 2-3 business days if you file online. On the other hand, filing by mail takes about 2-3 business days (plus mail time).
How much does a Nebraska business bank account cost?
It varies. Some banks charge monthly fees ($10 to $20 per month), but these can sometimes be avoided by meeting certain requirements. For example, if you make a certain number of direct deposits or maintain a specified minimum balance, then theyâll waive the monthly fees.
And you might be able to find a bank that doesnât charge any monthly fees.
Before you open your LLC business bank account, we recommend calling and asking if there are ways to avoid the monthly maintenance fees.
How much is a Foreign LLC in Nebraska?
A Foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another state that must register (aka Foreign Qualify) in Nebraska. This is because the LLC is doing business in both states.
The Nebraska Foreign LLC cost is $120. This is the fee to register your LLC in Nebraska after it was formed in another state.
If you form an LLC in Nebraska, it is called a âDomestic LLCâ. If you formed your LLC in another state, it would be a Foreign LLC once you register it in Nebraska.
Is Nebraska a good state for an LLC?
Yes, Nebraska is a great state to start a business. Nebraska doesnât charge a state business license fee, has quick approval times and helpful representatives at the Secretary of State if you have questions.
However, the most important factors in deciding where to start a business are where you live and where youâre doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in Nebraska, then you should start your business in Nebraska. While many websites talk about tax rates and the advantage of certain states, none of that applies if itâs not the state where you live and do business. And just because a certain state has cheaper LLC fees doesnât mean itâs a good idea to form your LLC there.
For example, if you form an LLC in Wyoming, but live in and conduct business in Nebraska, youâll also need to register your Wyoming LLC in Nebraska (and pay fees). And youâll end up paying Nebraska taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you are a Nebraska resident, then yes, Nebraska is the best state to form an LLC. If you donât live in and do business in Nebraska, then no, Nebraska probably isnât a good state to start an LLC.