Search Nebraska Business Entities
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    How To Search Nebraska Business Entities

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    On average, about 6,250 new businesses are established yearly in Nebraska. These entities typically comprise nonprofits, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office is responsible for overseeing the registration of business entities in the state. Its website serves as the best resource to search Nebraska business entity records.

    Nebraska business entity searches confirm the legitimacy and status of business entities. It ensures that businesses operating in the state can be identified and held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, business entity searches may prevent fraud by equipping the public with the true identity of a business entity.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    • Name:
      Name:

      Enter the full or partial name of the business.

    • Name Keyword Search:
      Name Keyword Search:

      Conduct entity searches matching all words or matching any word

    • Name Sounds Like:
      Name Sounds Like:

      Using this search criteria returns names that sound like the name entered into the search system

    • Name Exact Match:
      Name Exact Match:

      Use the full entity name and corporate ending to search business entity records

    • Account Number:
      Account Number:

      Enter the Secretary of State entity account number of the business entity

    Review Search Results

    After choosing your preferred search criteria, the search result displays a list or business entity record matching the search criteria. Typically, the result displays the name of the business entity, the secretary of state account number, business type, and business status.

    Access Detailed Information

    Clicking on details at the end of each business entity record entry displays detailed information about the business. Typically, you may access information such as:

    • SOS Account Number: The Secretary of State entity number assigned to all businesses at registration
    • Business Status: Whether the business is active or inactive.
    • Entity Type: The type of business entity registered.
    • Contact: The principal office address of the business.
    • Registered Agent Details: The name and office address of the registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the business.
    • Nature of Business: The type of business the organization engages in.
    • Date Filed: The date the business was incorporated.
    • Officers and Directors: Names of the company’s officers, including the president, secretary, and directors.
    • Filed Documents: A list of all filed documents filed by the entity, including tax returns and amendments.

    Further Assistance

    To further assist with the search process, contact the Nebraska Secretary of State Office.

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Nebraska?

    Online searches using public search engines may help you find information on the owners of business entities. However, this information may not be detailed, as it may not give in-depth insight into directors, executives, or public-facing entities. Therefore, it is best to utilize official websites or government databases to access business entity records to obtain information on owners of Nebraska businesses.

    The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office provides access to business entity records, which include detailed information on business entity owners. The Corporate and business search page provides access to information about owners, managers, registered agents, and directors of businesses registered in the state. Other resources that provide detailed information on business entity owners include:

    • Chambers of Commerce:
      Chambers of Commerce:

      Many Chambers of Commerce websites publish information on owners of business entities. Visit local chambers of commerce websites to access business owners’ directories online.

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB):
      Better Business Bureau (BBB):

      The Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB helps users find credible businesses in Nebraska. The website sometimes provides information on company ownership.

    • Public Records:
      Public Records:

      Public records, such as tax records, real estate records, court records, and business license records, may provide information on the owners of Nebraska business entities.

    Why Conduct a Nebraska Entity Search?

    Conducting a Nebraska entity search is essential for financial, legal, and business-related purposes. Likewise, a Nebraska entity search is a key tool for investment decisions, as business entity searches provide a clearer picture of an organization's stability and credibility. Generally, the reasons why individuals may conduct entity searches include:

    • Verifying the legitimacy of business
    • Confirming that a business is properly registered
    • Checking the entity’s status
    • Identifying the owners, members, and directors of a business
    • Avoiding scams
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

    Engaging with businesses without verifying their legitimacy may lead to financial loss. Conducting a business entity search helps ensure you are dealing with a reputable company. By checking the Nebraska Secretary of State website, you may confirm if a business is registered, active, and in good standing.

    Investor Research
    Investor Research

    Investors conduct business entity searches to identify top individuals involved, such as managers and directors, to assess the entity’s leadership credibility. Also, business entity searches reveal the filings such as annual reports and amendments. It provides investors with information about whether the company is stable enough before committing funds.

    Supplier Verification
    Supplier Verification

    Verifying vendors and suppliers for goods and services through Nebraska entity searches minimizes the risks of conducting business with companies operating illegally. Also, entity searches help you verify if suppliers' claims align with their official records.

    Fraud Prevention
    Fraud Prevention

    Conducting business searches helps identify businesses not registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State or those with inactive statuses. This helps reveal the actual status and history of the entity, ensuring that you are dealing with real and operational entities.

    Who Holds Data for Nebraska Business Entity Search?

    Several agencies in Nebraska hold data relevant to business entity searches. The following agencies may provide information on business entities:

    What Entities Can You Register in Nebraska?

    Nebraska Entities

    In Nebraska, you may register various business entities depending on the business goals, management structure, tax preferences, and liability protections. Generally, you may register the following types of entities in Nebraska:

    Corporations

    Corporations are separate legal entities from their owners. There are two types of corporations in Nebraska.

    1. C Corporations

      Operates as a separate legal entity distinct from its owners while offering limited liability protection. C corporations are subject to double taxation at the corporate and individual levels.

    2. S Corporations

      S Corporations combine the liability protection of a corporation with the tax advantage of a partnership. There is no corporate income tax for S Corporations, avoiding double taxation.

    Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

    LLCs are flexible business entities that offer the liability protection of corporations and the tax benefits of partnerships. The owners are not personally liable for the business debts and actions of the company.

    Partnerships

    A partnership is a business owned by two or more individuals or entities who manage responsibilities and share profits and losses. The partners share personal liability for debts and obligations. Partnerships do not pay income tax but include their share of the profit or losses in their tax returns.

    Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

    LLPs are partnerships where all partners enjoy limited liability. The partner’s assets are protected from the business debts and obligations. In LLPs, there are no corporation taxes as the profits and losses pass through the partner’s tax returns.

    Sole Proprietorship

    Sole proprietorships are owned and operated by a single individual. There is no legal separation between the owner and the business. The owner is liable for the business debts and obligations.

    Nonprofit Corporations

    Nonprofit corporations are formed for charitable, religious, educational, or societal purposes rather than for profit-making. Nonprofits are tax-exempt corporations.

    Professional Corporations (PCs)

    Professional corporations are specialized corporations designed for licensed professionals such as accountants, architects, doctors, and other regulated professions. They are separate legal entities from their owners that enjoy corporate tax deductions.

    Doing Business As (DBA)

    A DBA also called a trademark name in Nebraska, is a business used to operate, which is different from its officially registered name. It allows businesses to adopt alternative names for branding and marketing without the need to form a new legal entity.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Nebraska?

    Choosing the right business name is a crucial step in starting a business entity. The name chosen should represent the business identity and must adhere to state regulations. Therefore, ensuring the name is available before filing formation documents is essential before the business commences operations. Record seekers may search multiple databases to ensure their preferred business entity name is available. Generally, you may check the availability of business entity names using:

    How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Nebraska?

    Setting up a business in Nebraska involves several steps, including the right entity type, registering with the state, and fulfilling any local or federal requirements. Generally, the most common types of business entities set up in Nebraska include:

    • Nonprofit Organizations:
      Nonprofit Organizations:

      Organized to engage in charitable, scientific, educational, or religious activities without the intention of generating profits for its founders.

    • Profit Entities:
      Profit Entities:

      Formed to conduct business activities with the sole aim of generating profits for its shareholders.

    • Professional Entities:
      Professional Entities:

      Created by licensed professionals to provide regulated services, such as medical, architecture, accounting, legal, or other regulated professional services.

    • Foreign Organizations:
      Foreign Organizations:

      For businesses, whether profit or non-profit, originally incorporated outside Nebraska but intending to expand their operations into the state.

    After choosing your business structure, follow these steps to ensure your business entity is set up per the state’s requirements:

    1. Choose the business name. You may inquire about the availability of your preferred business name from the Nebraska Secretary of the State. You may also submit a Name Reservation Form to reserve the requested name.
    2. Designate a registered agent for corporations or limited liability companies.
    3. Use the Corporate Document eDelivery service to file the registration documents with the Nebraska Secretary of State Office. Use the Corporate and Business Document web page to gather the right documents for your business type.
    4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    5. Register for taxes with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
    6. Secure city or county licenses.
    7. Use the One-Stop Business Registration guide to navigate setting up your business entity in Nebraska.

    How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Nebraska?

    Generally, the potential costs to set up a business in Nebraska are as follows:

    • Corporations:
      Corporations:

      Domestic: $110 for in-office fillings and $100 for online fillings. Foreign: $110 in-office and $100 online fillings.

    • Nonprofits:
      Nonprofits:

      Domestic: $30 in-office and $25 online. Foreign: $30 in-office and $25 online.

    • Limited Liability Companies:
      Limited Liability Companies:

      Domestic: $110 in-office and $100 online fillings. Foreign: $110 in-office and $100 online fillings plus $10 for certificate.

    • Partnerships:
      Partnerships:

      Domestic: $110 in-office and $100 online fillings. Foreign: $110 in-office and $100 online fillings plus $10 for certificate.

    There is a $30 fee for all business entities applying for name reservations. The Nebraska Secretary of State requires business entities to file biennial reports. While there is no fee to file the report, it costs $30 to amend or correct biennial reports.

    Additional Information Available on the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Website

    Nebraska Entities

    The Nebraska Secretary of State’s website provides information on services related to registering and accessing business entity records, They include:

    • About:

      Contains information and the contact details of the Business Service Division.

    • Annual/Biennial Reporting:

      Information on how and when domestic and foreign business entities may file annual and biennial reports.

    • Forms and Fees:

      Contains all forms and fees associated with registering business entities in the state.

    • Statutes Relating to Business Entities:

      All applicable statutes relating to setting up and operating business entities in Nebraska

    • Regulation for Electronic Filings:

      View all regulations for filing business entity documents electronically.

    • Corporate Searches - Special Requests:

      Special request service to order batch corporate records

    • Online Certificate of Good Standing Validation:

      Validate the authenticity of a Certificate of Good Standing.

    FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Nebraska

    Listed below are commonly asked questions about business entity searches in Nebraska.

    1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in Nebraska?

      You may need to conduct a business entity search in Nebraska to confirm the authenticity of a business, check the status of the business, or verify that the entity is in good standing.

    2. What types of entities can I search for in Nebraska?

      Nebraska recognizes and registers corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, partnerships, LLPs, professional corporations, and DBAs.

    3. Where can I perform a business entity search in Nebraska?

      You may perform a business entity search in Nebraska using the Corporate and Business search page. You may also contact the Secretary of State’s office.

    4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Nebraska?

      You will need the entity's full or partial name or the Secretary of State entity account number to conduct an entity search in Nebraska.

    5. How do I find the official name of a Nebraska business?

      You may find the official name of a Nebraska business using the Nebraska Secretary of State Corporate and Business search page.

    6. Can I search for foreign entities in Nebraska?

      Yes. You may search for entities registered outside the state but conducting business in Nebraska.

    7. What information can I find in the Nebraska entity search?

      You can find the entity name, Secretary of State account number, business type, business status, principal office address, nature of business, date incorporated, members of the company, documents filed, and registered agent information while conducting a Nebraska entity search.

    8. How do I verify if a Nebraska business is in good standing?

      You may use the Online Certificate of Good Standing Validation to verify if a Nebraska business is in good standing.

    9. Can I search for an entity in Nebraska by its owner’s name?

      Yes. You may use the business owner’s name to search for business entity records in Nebraska.

    10. How often is the Nebraska business entity database updated?

      The Nebraska Secretary of State regularly updates its database of business entities’ records as soon as businesses register their entities or update their information.

    11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in Nebraska?

      You may obtain copies of business filings in Nebraska using the Corporate and Business search page. Also, you may batch-request business entity filings using the Corporate Records Special Request Form.

    12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a Nebraska business is?

      You may find out who the registered agent of a Nebraska business is using the Corporate and Business search page.

    13. How can I search for Nebraska businesses by their tax ID number?

      No. The Nebraska Secretary of State search tool does not allow you to search business entity records using their tax ID numbers.

    14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Nebraska search?

      Ensure that you input the correct spelling of the name of the business entity. Try different variations of the spelling of the name. Additionally, you may use the starts with, match all, match any, sounds like, or exact match filters to refine the search.

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