Cost to Start an LLC in Nebraska

If you’re thinking of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Nebraska, you’ll want to know in advance how much it’s going to cost. LLC formation fees vary by state, so it’s wise to do a bit of research and prepare yourself, and your new business, for the necessary steps. 

LLC Costs in Nebraska

Nebraska Certificate of Organization Cost

In Nebraska, you form an LLC by filing a Nebraska certificate of organization, which requires a $103 fee to file online. It’s a simple process you can do online through the Corporate Document eDelivery service provided by the Secretary of State. Or, you can file by mail for a $110 fee.

If you need a certified copy of the Certificate of Organization, there is a $10 base fee with an additional charge of $1 per page. If you need a Certificate of Good Standing, there is a $6.50 fee for online requests and a $10 fee for requests submitted by mail. If you’d like the state to hold your LLC name before you register, you can apply online here for $30 to reserve it for 120 days. 

Completed paper forms and their accompanying fee should be sent to the address below.

Nebraska Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509

Nebraska Registered Agent Cost

In Nebraska, you are required to have a Nebraska registered agent, also known as an agent of service in process.  A registered agent is a person or business authorized to accept and respond to legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business. 

In Nebraska, you can be your own registered agent, or it can be another member of the LLC. An individual who is not a member or a professional agency can also serve as the registered agent for your LLC. 

Costs for a registered agent service range from $50 a year up to $300 or more. Several online firms, such as ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, provide quality services at reasonable rates.

Nebraska Business Licenses and Permits Cost

Starting an LLC in Nebraska requires obtaining the required licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Fees for these vary, but most costs are minimal.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments to learn more. 

Business license fees depend on the type of business and the agency issuing the license or permit. On average, business licenses cost between $100 and $300+, plus renewal fees.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package ($149 + state fees). They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

Nebraska Operating Agreement Cost

In Nebraska, your LLC is not required to have an operating agreement in place. But it’s highly recommended, as an effective operating agreement can help avoid disputes and lawsuits that could threaten the stability of your LLC. 

An LLC operating agreement is an important legal document that details who owns the business and provides essential information pertaining to member duties. An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between members and the basics of the working relationships between those members and the managers who oversee daily operations. 

The operating agreement is not filed with the state, but instead remains private. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to ensure your operating agreement is thorough and legally binding. 

Creating an operating agreement is free if you just draw it up yourself (here you can find free Nebraska LLC Operating Agreement template). Alternatively, you can pay around $100 for guidance from an online business advisory.

This is an extremely important document, so it’s recommended that you use the services of a specialist or legal firm. If you choose to hire an attorney, the price will be around $500 for a single-member LLC and $2,500 for a multi-member LLC.  

Nebraska LLC Formation Service Cost (Optional)

Forming an LLC in Nebraska tends to involve a lot of red tape and paperwork, so for many entrepreneurs just starting out it’s a good idea to hire an experienced service provider. 

Some of the best services for forming an LLC in Nebraska are ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent. LLC Formation service will take care of all the key steps, keeping you updated while allowing you to focus on launching and growing your business.

The cost of professional services depends on your requirements and LLC formation plan. Most LLC service providers offer different plans/packages and there are many LLC services that offer free LLC formation. Registered agent service (mentioned above) is very often included in these plans.

Ongoing Nebraska LLC Costs

Every state has a different fee structure and timelines for LLC documents and licenses. It’s important to stay up-to-date or your business could face significant penalties. The fees and timelines for Nebraska are detailed below. 

Annual Fees

In Nebraska, you’ll need to file a Nebraska LLC biennial report to keep your LLC in good standing. In other states, this is called an annual report or statement of information. Businesses in Nebraska can file online using the Corporate Document eDelivery service by selecting their filing type at the bottom of the webpage and paying the $10 fee. 

Franchise Tax Reports

A franchise tax is not a tax on a franchise business. It is a fee that the state imposes on registered business entities for the right to operate. In Nebraska, the state charges businesses an annual franchise tax rate reflective of their yearly taxable income. 

For more information, visit the state’s Department of Revenue Business Tax FAQ page.

Business License Renewal Fees

Some business licenses and permits must be renewed periodically, which may have an associated fee. For example, businesses with food permits must be renewed with the state of Nebraska every year– but the accompanying charge varies. Food establishment permits cost an annual renewal fee of $86.19, whereas the annual fee to renew a food processing permit is $120.64. 

Renewal fees for other business licenses vary in Nebraska, so be sure to check with the state for renewal regulations and expenses regarding the licenses your business needs. It’s best to create calendar reminders to monitor when expirations are coming up to ensure you have time to apply for renewal and run your business without interruption.