How do I Obtain a Nebraska Business License?

A Federal Form SS-4 is an application for an Employer Identification Number.

Nebraska businesses must be licensed to sell goods or services by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Entrepreneurs can get business license applications online or from the city or county clerk in their locality. Some Nebraska businesses may need to apply for a trader's license or tax certificate before obtaining a Nebraska business license. However, businesses providing a service with no tangible goods may not need a license.

Things You'll Need

• Nebraska Tax Application, Form 20
• Federal Form SS-4

Instructions

Register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue

1. 

   Nebraska business licenses are required for most types of businesses.

   Determine whether your business will be a sole proprietorship, partnership, nonprofit, domestic or foreign corporation or a limited liability company. Sole proprietorships are for businesses with a single owner who does not wish to incorporate; partnerships are businesses with one or more owners; corporations are publicly-traded companies with multiple owners; and limited liability companies are those which have two or more owners who are considered members of the organization instead of partners.

2. Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) if your business will have employees. Business owners may register for an EIN even if they will not have employees. An EIN may be used in lieu of a Social Security number (SSN) on official business documents to maintain privacy.

3. Complete a Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 20. Required information includes a valid SSN or EIN, permanent and mailing addresses and tax schedules.

4. File the Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 20 with the city or county court clerk where your business will be located. All application fees are due at the time of filing. You may also mail the application to the Nebraska Department of Revenue. The address is as follows:

   Nebraska Department of Revenue

   P.O. Box 98903

   Lincoln, NE 68509-8903

   Cigarette dealers are required to include a $500 fee and a $1,000 bond with their application; those who wish to transport unstamped cigarettes must pay a $10 fee an a $1,000 bond; and those who wish to import tobacco products from another state for resale must pay a $25 fee. A bond, in this case, is simply an extra fee to guarantee the Nebraska Department of Revenue that you will not illegally import goods, and if your license is surrendered, you will receive the bond amount back.

Tips & Warnings

• Businesses that plan on constructing a new building or renovating an existing one must apply for a building permit.

• Erecting signs on a business's property may require a signage permit.

• Business owners who have installed a fire alarm or burglar alarm on their business's property may need to obtain an alarm permit.

• Some businesses, like restaurants and daycare facilities, must obtain a health permit from the city or county department of health.

• Home-based businesses may require an occupational permit.

• Incomplete or incorrect applications may result in denial of your business license.

References

• Nebraska Department of Revenue: Starting a Business
• Business.gov: Local Permits
• Nebraska Department of Revenue: Retailer's License
• BusinessLicenses.com: List of Licenses

Resources

• Nebraska Business Registration Information
• Nebraska Department of Revenue: Tax Application
• Nebraska Department of Revenue: Application for Employer Identification Number