Nebraska Basic Business Taxes
Q1 2014
Corporate unitary tax: Unitary tax affects multistate and multinational corporations and serves to reflect the relative degree of presence a business has in the state for state income tax purposes. To encourage investment in property and payroll within Nebraska's borders, the unitary tax formula considers sales only. As a result, businesses that have a significant property and payroll presence in Nebraska, as compared to sales attributed to Nebraska, experience a reduction in corporate income taxes.
Sales and use taxes: A 5.5 percent state sales tax is levied against gross receipts, installation, maintenance, and rentals of tangible personal property, certain utilities, admissions, and certain enumerated services. A 5.5 percent use tax is levied on the purchase, lease, or rental price of property. Municipalities may impose sales and use taxes of 0.5 to 1.5 percent.
Under the Nebraska Advantage Act, a qualified business that creates 30 or more new jobs and invests at least $3 million in business facilities is eligible for a refund of all state and local sales taxes on most capital purchases. A qualified business that invests a lower amount, but still creates at least 10 new jobs and has at least $1 million in new investment, is eligible for a refund of one-half of state and local taxes on qualified property purchases.
Property tax: Unless expressly exempted, both tangible and real property are subject to taxation. All property is assessed at actual value. There is no state property tax. Tax rates vary among localities.
Under the Nebraska Redevelopment Act, communities can declare land outside their city limits as blighted (up to 10 miles away for the largest cities), and then, through tax increment financing, allow for the increased property taxes generated by the improvement of the blighted property to be used to pay for the redevelopment costs.
Business inventory: Business inventories are exempt from all property taxation.
Goods in transit: Goods exported out of state, or delivered to a carrier for shipment out of state, are exempt from sales and use taxes.
Pollution-control equipment: Businesses installing certified pollution-control equipment are refunded sales and use taxes paid in connection with purchase and installation.
Industrial machinery and equipment: Railroad rolling stock, manufacturing and process equipment, barges, and common carrier vehicles are exempt from sales and use taxation.
Industrial fuels and raw materials: Energy sources, fuels, industrial water, ingredients, component parts, and containers are not subject to state sales tax.
Energy and fuel conservation measures: A credit against corporate tax is allowed for qualifying alternative energy systems.
Nebraska State Contact:
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
P.O. Box 94666
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3111 or (800) 426-6505
www.neded.org/
Incentive and tax information is provided to Area Development by each state's economic development or commerce agency for information purposes only and is subject to revision at any time by the state government. Please contact the state agency directly for full requirements and offerings.
Recent Project Announcements
Eaton Plans Bellevue, Nebraska, Manufacturing Operations
04/22/2026
Becton, Dickinson and Company Expands Columbus, Nebraska, Operations
02/15/2026
DG Fuels Plans Phelps County, Nebraska, Production Operations
03/03/2025
3M Expands Valley, Nebraska, Production Operations
05/07/2024
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04/05/2024
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CON-CRĒT by Vireo Systems Establishes Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Creatine Manufacturing Plant
02/20/2023
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Unison Plans Omaha, Nebraska, Regional Headquarters
03/19/2022
Petsource Expands Seward, Nebraska, Manufacturing Facility
01/07/2022
Petsource by Scoular Plans Seward, Nebraska, Plant Expansion
12/10/2021
Nucor Corporation Upgrades Norfolk, Nebraska, Bar Mill
05/07/2021
Hormel Foods Opens Food Processing Center in Papillion, Nebraska
12/23/2020
Dollar General Eyes Dry & DG Fresh Distribution Hub in Blair, Nebraska
11/11/2020
Amazon Plans Fulfillment Center in Papillion, Nebraska
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