Get the details you need to start a corporation in Nebraska, including an explanation of what forms you'll need, naming requirements, and more.
Ready to start your business?
updated September 1, 2023 · 4min read
Benefits of a corporation
Forming a corporation can help protect your personal assets if your business is sued or falls behind on its financial obligations. In addition, a corporation can help you avoid personal liability if someone files a lawsuit against one of your business partners or employees. There may also be tax savings and other benefits should you choose to incorporate.
Requirements for incorporating in Nebraska
Preparing your articles of incorporation
A Nebraska corporation is formed and begins its existence when you file articles of incorporation with and pay a fee to the Secretary of State. The following is the minimum information that must be included in the articles of incorporation:
Stock structure
A corporation can offer different types of stock, called classes or series. These classes can offer different rights to their shareholders, for example, some classes of stock may offer voting rights while others do not.
Regarding stock structure, the following applies:
Ready to form a corporation? GET STARTED NOW
Naming your corporation
Before submitting your incorporation papers, it is advisable to make sure the corporate name you have chosen is available for use in Nebraska. Formal name availability requests must be submitted by mail or fax to the Secretary of State, although you can perform a preliminary search of business names online. Another option is to use an online entity name check service.
A corporate name can be reserved for 120 days by filing an application with the Secretary of State.
Your corporation name must adhere to the following requirements:
Specifying incorporators
An incorporator is responsible for filing the articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. The following requirements apply when specifying incorporators:
Specifying directors
Directors oversee the corporation’s activities and set broad goals and objectives for the corporation. Directors have a fiduciary duty, which means they must exercise good business judgment and act in the best interests of the corporation.
The following guidelines apply when specifying directors for your company:
Specifying a registered agent and registered office
A registered agent receives legal documents and notices on behalf of the corporation and forwards them to the corporation. The registered office is the agent’s business address.
The following requirements apply when specifying a registered agent and registered office:
Stating a corporate purpose
All corporations formed in Nebraska have a purpose of engaging in any lawful business. You do not need to provide any additional purpose in the articles of incorporation.
Determining incorporation bylaws
Bylaws are an internal document that describes the way a corporation will operate. They may include provisions for regulating and managing the affairs of the corporation, including provisions for electing directors and conducting shareholders’ meetings. Bylaws are part of a corporation’s records and are not filed with the Secretary of State.
The following requirements apply when determining your company’s bylaws:
Costs of incorporating in Nebraska
The Nebraska Secretary of State requires a fee when filing articles of incorporation or reserving a corporation name. Corporations are also required to pay state and federal income taxes.
Ready to start a corporation in Nebraska? LegalZoom provides Nebraska corporate formation and filing services, including providing a registered agent in Nebraska.
by Jane Haskins, Esq.
Jane Haskins is a freelance writer who practiced law for 20 years. Jane has litigated a wide variety of business disp...
By knowing what other trademarks are out there, you will understand if there is room for the mark that you want to protect. It is better to find out early, so you can find a mark that will be easier to protect.
September 27, 2023 · 4min read
Want to talk to your parents or grandparents about estate planning, but feel like the topic is taboo? You're not alone. Discussions about estate planning are difficult for many families. Use our tips to broach the subject with sensitivity.
May 17, 2023 · 2min read
Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your loved ones, and it can be done in just minutes. Are you ready to get started?
May 11, 2023 · 4min read