Nebraska Foreign Qualification
Any business that wishes to operate in Nebraska has to take steps to foreign qualify first in order to remain fully compliant with all regulations. A foreign business is one that is located outside of the state, and foreign qualification allows them to operate legally.
What is Foreign Qualification?
Foreign qualification is the process of registering a business so that it may operate legally in Nebraska. Any business based elsewhere that wishes to have any kind of physical presence within Nebraska must foreign qualify first. The process is similar to the one that was taken when a business was initially formed, but some things may be different due to the nature of the process.
Why Does A Company Need Foreign Qualification?
Why You Need To Do It – Businesses must foreign qualify in order to stay fully compliant with all laws. If your business has any kind of physical presence in Nebraska, from a store to an office to just a couple of representatives working within the state, you’ll have to foreign qualify.
When Should You Do It? – Your business will need to foreign qualify as soon as it can. Once you decide to branch out into Nebraska, starting the process as soon as possible will help you avoid potential delays. Generally, you will need to receive Nebraska foreign qualification if your company falls under any of the following criteria:
- Has a physical presence in Nebraska
- Buying a property there
- Have remote employees
- Accepts orders in Nebraska
- Owns a bank account in Nebraska
What Happens If Your Entity Does Not Foreign Qualify?
If a business fails to foreign qualify, then it will face various penalties, fees, and fines from the government. It may also face potential tax related fines and penalties. And it will be unable to bring forth a lawsuit within the state until it registered properly.
Steps To Obtain Foreign Qualification
There are a few basic steps that a business must take in order to obtain Nebraska foreign qualification. These include the following.
1. Obtain Certificates – Nebraska requires that you file a Certificate of Authority when you wish to register an LLC or an Application for a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business for corporations. This form can be found on the Secretary of State website and downloaded for free. You will also need to submit a Certificate of Existence, which is something you can get from your company’s home state.
2. Collect And Submit Information – The forms will request a variety of information regarding your business.
LLC
- LLC name
- An alternate name if you cannot use the original
- Name and address of registered agent in Nebraska
- The street and mailing addresses of your LLC
- Name of the home state
- Nature of the business you will conduct in Nebraska
- The effective date of the application
- An authorized signature
Corporation
- Corporation name
- A fictitious name if the original is unavailable
- Name of the home state
- Date of incorporation
- Period of duration
- The principal office street address
- Name and address of registered agent in Nebraska
- The effective date of the application
- Names, titles, and addresses of officers and directors
3. Appoint Registered Agent – Your registered agent handles all of the paperwork related to your business’ filing as a foreign entity and maintaining compliance. Most businesses allow third party providers like DoMyLLC to handle the process for them in order to simplify and streamline their workload.
4. File The Application – Once you complete the forms, file them with the Secretary of State. This will include paying a $120 filing fee for LLCs and $145 for corporations.
5. Ongoing Maintenance – Nebraska requires businesses to file a biennial report every two years to maintain compliance. Foreign corporations must file between January 1 and March 1 of even numbered years and pay a $52 filing fee. LLCs must file January 1 to April 1 of odd numbered years and pay a $10 filing fee.
What Is the Difference Between Foreign Qualification And Incorporating?
With incorporation, an entirely new business entity is created and begins operations. Foreign qualification doesn’t create a new business. It only provides an existing LLC or corporation with the ability to do business in another state – Nebraska, for example.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
Running a business can be complicated and time consuming. We take the hard work off your shoulders and make it easier for you to run your business. We’ll handle the entire process of Nebraska foreign qualification for you – you just sign some forms when needed. This gives you time to focus on your business. Our team provides:
- Dedicated account managers
- Ongoing, reliable, unlimited customer support
- Name availability checks
- Full filing and registration services
If you’re ready to expand your business into Nebraska, contact us today to let us take care of the foreign qualification process for you.
Nebraska Foreign Qualification FAQs
What Paperwork Is Required?
You’ll have to file a Certificate of Existence from your home state as well as a Certificate of Authority for an LLC or an Application for a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business for corporations.
What Fees Are Needed?
Nebraska charges a filing fee of $120 for LLCs and $145 for corporations.
Who Can File For Foreign Qualification?
Any business operating in a different state that wishes to begin doing any kind of business in Nebraska.
Do You Need An Attorney For Foreign Qualification?
An attorney isn’t needed. You may need to speak to an attorney in order to ensure that you’re fully compliant and protected, however.
What Information Is Needed For The Certificate Of Authority?
The application will request a wide range of information including things like:
- Business name
- State of formation
- Date of formation
- Current physical address
- Mailing address
- Registered agent information
- Names of members and managers
What If My Name Is Not Available?
You’ll have to register your business under a fictitious name and operate under it while in Nebraska. This has no bearing on your name in any other state.
Nebraska Business Resources
Nebraska Office of Secretary of State
Phone:
(334) 242-5324
Address:
Nebraska Secretary of State
PO Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509-4608
If you’re interested in more info on foreign qualification, call 888-366-9552.