How to Get a Nebraska DBA Name
Although filing for a DBA is similar nationwide, there are specific rules to follow when getting a Nebraska DBA. Read on to learn more.
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Swyft Filings is committed to providing accurate, reliable information to help you make informed decisions for your business. That's why our content is written and edited by professional editors, writers, and subject matter experts. Learn more about how Swyft Filings works, our editorial team and standards, what our customers think of us, and more on our trust page.
Getting a DBA, “doing business as,” name in Nebraska can allow you to operate your company under a name different from your legal one. This is especially useful if you’re a small business or a larger entity looking to rebrand your business or if you’re a sole proprietor who prefers not to use your personal name for company activities.
Read on to learn how to obtain a DBA in Nebraska and what this trade name can do for your business.
DBA in Nebraska: Key Takeaways
A DBA is a name under which you conduct business, separate from your personal name or the legal name of your corporation or LLC.
A Nebraska DBA is not a separate legal entity but an alternate name.
To officially use a DBA, you must file the appropriate paperwork with the clerk’s office in the county where your business operates.
Protect your privacy and gain a new business name with our all-in-one DBA filing service.
What Is a DBA?
A DBA, or “doing business as,” is essentially a nickname for your business. In Nebraska, it’s also commonly called an assumed name or fictitious business name. It allows you to operate your business under a name that’s different from your legal name or the registered name of your corporation or LLC.
To clear up a common misconception, a DBA is not a separate legal entity like an LLC or a corporation. It doesn’t offer liability protection or any tax benefits that come with officially recognized business structures. Think of a DBA as a useful tool for branding rather than a formal business structure.
For example, let’s say you’re a freelance graphic designer named Jane Doe. You might want to do business as “Creative Minds Graphic Design” instead of just Jane Doe. A DBA allows you to present a professional image and makes it easier for clients to remember you.
How to File a DBA in Nebraska
Filing a DBA is a legal requirement if you wish to conduct business under a name other than your own or that of your established entity. The following sections will provide a comprehensive guide to ensure that you, as a business owner, meet all state and local requirements.
1. Do a DBA Name Search
Before taking on the paperwork, check that the DBA name you want is free to take. In most jurisdictions, DBA names need to be unique. For example, you can’t have two restaurants named “Tasty Burger” in the same county, so you should choose a name that stands out.
Enter your desired Nebraska company name to see if it is available with our free business name search.
It’s worth noting that a DBA doesn’t offer trademark protection. If that’s what you’re after, you must go through separate trademark registration.
2. File Your DBA With the County Clerk’s Office
Once you’ve checked that your desired DBA name is available, the next step is officially registering your DBA.
In Nebraska, you should file your DBA paperwork with the Nebraska Secretary of State. You can do that through the Secretary of State’s website or send a completed Application for Registration of Trade Name to the correct office.
The form will ask you to include basic information about your business and the DBA name you intend to use. The filing fee is $100, regardless of whether you operate as a sole proprietor, an LLC, or another structure.[1]
3. Publish Your DBA Name
The state of Nebraska has a publishing requirement for DBA registration. If you’re in Nebraska and considering a Nebraska trade name, you must publish a public notice of your DBA name after registering it.
To publish it, contact a local representative in the city, town, or county where you operate and request a list of approved newspapers where publishing your DBA would be welcome.
4. Follow Up
In Nebraska, your DBA will expire ten years after the registration date. When it’s time to renew, you’ll have to request a renewal form from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office. Unfortunately, you can’t renew your DBA online.
The renewal processing fee is the same as the initial filing fee, which is $100.
You might be wondering why you should go through the hassle of renewing your DBA. If you don’t, you’ll lose the legal right to do business under that name. That could mean starting the DBA process over again, including the fees and paperwork, or another business could take up your DBA name.
At some point, you may need to make some changes to your DBA. In Nebraska, you can change the owner’s name, contact information, and state of incorporation by completing the Application to Amend Trade Name Registration form. The cost for making changes is $10.[2]
Nebraska DBA Name Restrictions
Be aware of certain limitations when picking a DBA name in Nebraska. First and foremost, a DBA is not a formal business structure like an LLC or a corporation. It’s a business alias and doesn’t provide any form of trademark protection.
In Nebraska, your trade name can’t include business suffixes like LLC, Corp, or Incorporated unless your business is actually structured that way. Also, terms related to financial institutions, such as “bank” or “trust company,” are off-limits. Also, your name should not imply that your business is organized for unlawful dealings.
DBA Nebraska Tax Considerations
When you set up a DBA in Nebraska, it’s just a name change for your business; it doesn’t alter your tax situation.
Unlike forming an LLC or a corporation, a DBA is not a separate legal entity. This means you don’t need a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. The IRS also doesn’t require a separate tax ID number for a DBA.
Why Should You Get a DBA?
So, you’ve read about a DBA and how to file for one. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: why should you consider getting a DBA for your business?
Using a DBA can mean more privacy. You can operate under your trade name instead of having your personal name attached to all business dealings. This can be particularly beneficial for sole proprietors looking for an extra layer of identity protection.
If you already have an LLC and are looking to expand into different markets or industries, a DBA allows you to do this without creating a new LLC or corporation. This can save you time and money, allowing you to test new markets more efficiently.
With a DBA, you can also open a business bank account under your trade name, making it easier to separate personal and business finances. This is a big plus for sole proprietorships and even LLCs wanting to manage multiple business lines.
Gain Privacy: Hide your personal name and details when marketing your business.
Improve Branding: Choose a DBA that easily informs your audience about what you have to offer.
Expand Services: Operate multiple businesses without creating separate entities for each one.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an LLC and a DBA?
An LLC (limited liability company) is a legal business structure that provides personal liability protection for its owners. A DBA (“doing business as”) is just a name under which a business operates. It doesn’t offer any liability protection or tax benefits.
How much does getting a DBA cost?
The cost of filing a DBA varies by state and sometimes by county. In Nebraska, the filing fee can range from $25 to $100. Additional costs may include publishing the DBA in a local newspaper.
Do I need a DBA for my Nebraska business?
If you plan to operate your business under a name different from your legal name or your LLC or corporation name, then yes, you’ll need a DBA.
What’s the difference between a trade name, an assumed name, and a DBA name?
These terms are often used interchangeably but can differ slightly depending on state laws. Generally, a “trade name” is the name the public sees, an “assumed name” is the name under which a business operates, and a “DBA” is the legal declaration of using an assumed or trade name.
How long does a DBA last?
In Nebraska, a DBA expires in 10 years, but it’s good to check with your local county clerk’s office for any specific renewal requirements.
Is there a limit to the number of DBA names I can have?
There’s no legal limit to the number of DBA names you can register. However, each name will require its own separate filing and fees.
Is a DBA the same as a trademark?
No, a DBA doesn’t offer any kind of trademark protection. If you want exclusive rights to your business name, you’ll need to register it as a trademark.
Does a DBA affect my business’s tax status?
A DBA doesn’t change your tax status. Taxes are filed under the owner’s Social Security number or the federal tax ID of the LLC or corporation, not the DBA name.
Bibliography
Nebraska Secretary of State. “Application for Registration of Trade Name.” Accessed October 31, 2023.
Nebraska Secretary of State. “Application to Amend Trade Name Registration.” Accessed October 31, 2023.
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