How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Nebraska (The Guide)
If you plan on launching an LLC in Nebraska, you should know how long the Nebraska Secretary of State takes to receive, verify and process your LLC incorporation documents.
With a law degree and master's in tax law, I've spent 7 years advising business owners on entity formation and compliance. I've personally helped over 40 clients file LLCs across 30+ states, including Nebraska, and guided them through the state's publication requirement.
If you're thinking about starting your LLC registration process but need help with filing the appropriate paperwork, here's a list of the best Nebraska LLC services you can hire to help you out.
Quick Summary
- It takes 5-7 business days total to form an LLC in Nebraska by mail and 2-3 business days if you file online.
- Expedited service is available. However, you will need to call the Secretary of State to inquire for the fees and options.
- Small businesses represent 99.1% of all businesses in Nebraska, totaling 179,509 small enterprises according to the Small Business Administration [1].
- To avoid potential delays, I always review the document to ensure the information is correct and submit all the required formation papers.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Nebraska?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Nebraska is walk-in filing at the Secretary of State's Lincoln office, which offers free same-day processing.
It’s ideal to contact the state’s office directly to determine filing fees and other expedited options.
"However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly)."
- Matt Horwitz, Founder & Educator, LLC University
LLC Processing Time in Nebraska
When starting a new LLC in Nebraska, you must register the entity with the Secretary of State and submit the Nebraska LLC Certificate of Organization [2]. The filing fee is $100 when filed online or $110 when filed by mail.
Here's a brief breakdown of the LLC processing times of each filing method the SOS offers.
1. Walk-In Filing at the Lincoln Office (Same-Day Processing)
Nebraska offers free expedited processing for walk-in filings at the Secretary of State's Lincoln office. This is the fastest option if you can travel to the capital.
Contact the Business Services Division at (402) 471-4079 for current availability and requirements before visiting.
Once I contacted the SOS Business Services Division, the staff guided me on expedited shipping and the fees to be paid for the service.
2. Nebraska LLC Processing Time by Mail (5-7 Business Days Total)
Mail filing takes approximately 2-3 business days for state processing, plus transit time in both directions. Total turnaround is typically 5-7 business days.
When I filed by mail, I was instructed to mandate a cover letter with details, including my name and phone number.
You should also include the correct filing fees in the form of checks or money orders payable to the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Here's the official mailing address:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509-4608
3. Nebraska LLC Processing Time Online (2-3 Business Days)
Online filing through the Corporate Document eDelivery platform takes 2-3 business days [3].
I was able to file online on the SOS office website under the Corporate Document eDelivery platform. If you're a frequent filer, the SOS has a subscriber account you can create and use every time you file online [4].
There's a minimum of $2 fee on every transaction completed online to cover the operating costs.
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Nebraska LLCs
Even though the state mentions an established processing timeline, there are several reasons that may delay the processing time.
These include the following:
- Volume of applications: Due to the high volume of applications, it takes a week for the Secretary of State to process the application.
- Processing errors: Equipment malfunction, network errors and other processing issues prolong the formation timeline.
- Weekends and holidays: The state’s office is closed during weekends and holidays. That's why I file early on the weekdays to prevent potential delays.
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FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Nebraska LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Nebraska LLC formation during the processing period on the transaction history link on the service homepage.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Nebraska?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Nebraska because the Secretary of State determines processing and approval times.
Do I Need a General Business License for my LLC in Nebraska?
You don’t need a general business license for your LLC in Nebraska. However, you may need to obtain certain permits or professional licenses on the federal, county or city level depending on the nature of your business.
What Do I Need After The Secretary Of State Approves My Nebraska LLC?
After the Secretary of State approves your Nebraska LLC, you need a Federal Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service, an operating agreement, and a business bank account. If selling taxable goods, register for sales tax with the Nebraska Department of Revenue to handle federal taxes properly.
References:
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-NE.pdf
- https://sos.nebraska.gov/business-services/new-business-information
- https://www.nebraska.gov/faqs/sos/edelivery/
- https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-edocs/
