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.

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Foreign Qualification at 888-366-9552

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.

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 Number:
(334) 242-5324

Address:
Nebraska Secretary of State
PO Box 94608
Lincoln, NE 68509-4608