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December 17, 2024

Nebraska Sales Tax Guide 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

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Nebraska Sales Tax: 2025 Overview

Sales tax in Nebraska is a 5.5% statewide rate in 2025, with local taxes ranging from 0.5% to 2%, resulting in combined rates up to 8%. Nebraska participates in the Streamlined Sales Tax initiative (SSUTA), streamlining compliance for multi-state businesses.

Nebraska Sales Tax Due Date

In Nebraska, the due dates for paying sales taxes depend on your assigned filing frequency, which is determined by your total taxable sales and tax liability.

Filing Frequency

Criteria

Due Date

Monthly

Required for businesses collecting more than $3,000 in sales tax per month.

Due on the 25th of the following month.

Quarterly

For businesses collecting $900–$3,000 in sales tax per quarter.

Due on the 25th of the month following the quarter (e.g., April 25 for Q1).

Annually

For businesses collecting less than $900 annually in sales tax.

Due on January 25 of the following year.

Key Notes

  • If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are typically due on the next business day.

  • Late filings or payments may result in penalties and interest, so timely compliance is essential.

  • Payments and filings can be completed through the Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

Nebraska State Sales Tax Rate in 2025

Nebraska imposes a state sales tax of 5.5%, with additional local sales taxes that can bring the combined rate up to 8% in some areas.

Tax Type

Rate

Description

State Sales Tax

5.5%

Applies to most retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services.

Local Sales Tax

Varies by Location

Additional sales tax imposed by cities and counties, ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%.

Notes

  • Nebraska exempts groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices from sales tax.

  • The total sales tax rate depends on the location of the transaction, combining state and local rates.

2025 Nebraska Local Sales Tax Rates Table

Below is a table highlighting the 20 largest cities in Nebraska along with their respective local and combined sales tax rates:

City

Local Sales Tax Rate

Total Sales Tax Rate

Bellevue

1.5%

7.0%

Columbus

2.0%

7.5%

Fremont

2.0%

7.5%

Grand Island

1.5%

7.0%

Hastings

1.5%

7.0%

Kearney

1.5%

7.0%

La Vista

1.5%

7.0%

Lincoln

1.75%

7.25%

Norfolk

2.0%

7.5%

North Platte

1.5%

7.0%

Omaha

1.5%

7.0%

Papillion

2.0%

7.5%

Ralston

2.0%

7.5%

Scottsbluff

1.5%

7.0%

South Sioux City

2.0%

7.5%

York

1.5%

7.0%

Notes

  • Nebraska’s state sales tax rate is 5.5%, and local rates range from 0.5% to 2.0%, depending on the municipality.

  • Groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are exempt from sales tax.

  • The total sales tax rate combines the state and local rates.

  • For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

CQ For city-based tax rates in Nebraska, visit our Nebraska Local Sales Tax Directory and search for your city.

Nebraska Sales Tax Calculator Example with Customers in Multiple Locations

An online retailer based in Colorado establishes economic nexus in Nebraska by exceeding $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions, requiring them to collect and remit sales tax for purchases made by Nebraska residents. The retailer makes sales to customers in multiple cities, each with different local tax rates.

Detail

Description

Business

Online retailer based in Colorado with economic nexus in Nebraska.

Customer Purchases

Customer A in Omaha $1,200 total, $800 taxable, $400 exempt (e.g., groceries or medications). Customer B in Lincoln $900 total, $600 taxable, $300 exempt. Customer C in Grand Island $500 total, $400 taxable, $100 exempt.

Customer Locations

Omaha 7.0% total sales tax. Lincoln 7.25% total sales tax. Grand Island 7.5% total sales tax.

Nebraska Sales Tax Calculations

Customer

Taxable Amount

Total Tax Rate

Total Tax Due

Customer A

$800

$800 × 7.0% = $56.00

$56.00

Customer B

$600

$600 × 7.25% = $43.50

$43.50

Customer C

$400

$400 × 7.5% = $30.00

$30.00

Total Sales Tax Due in Nebraska

$56.00 (Customer A) + $43.50 (Customer B) + $30.00 (Customer C) = $129.50

Key Considerations for Businesses

  • Location Accuracy: Use precise customer addresses to apply the correct local tax rates. For example, Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island have different total rates.

  • Exemption Management: Groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are exempt from Nebraska sales tax. Proper documentation for these exemptions is essential.

  • Tax Reporting: Track taxable and exempt sales by city for accurate reporting and timely filing through the Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal.

Kintsugi Intelligence automates location-based tax rate application, exemption management, and accurate reporting across all your one-click integrations to ERP, HR, and eCommerce systems like Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, Quickbooks, and Rippling.

Is there a Nebraska SaaS sales tax?

Yes, Nebraska imposes sales tax on Software as a Service (SaaS) when it is classified as taxable tangible personal property.

Category

Details

Examples

Taxable SaaS

SaaS is taxable under Nebraska’s 5.5% state sales tax, plus any applicable local taxes, if it is prewritten software delivered electronically.

Cloud-based accounting software, CRM tools.

Non-Taxable SaaS

Custom software or services incidental to the SaaS product may be exempt, depending on the nature of the transaction.

Custom software solutions.

Requirements for Businesses

SaaS providers with nexus in Nebraska must collect and remit sales tax for taxable transactions.

Out-of-state providers meeting nexus thresholds.

Additional Considerations

CQ For more details on Nebraska sales tax for SaaS and digital products, read Kintsugi's guide: Nebraska Sales Tax on Digital Products: A 2025 Guide for Businesses.

Is there sales tax on clothing in Nebraska?

Yes, Nebraska imposes sales tax on clothing, but there are no specific exemptions or reduced rates:

Category

Details

Taxable Clothing

All clothing and footwear are subject to Nebraska’s 5.5% state sales tax, plus any applicable local sales taxes.

No Exemptions

Nebraska does not exempt clothing from sales tax, regardless of price or type.

No Sales Tax Holiday

Nebraska does not offer a sales tax holiday for clothing purchases.

FAQs

What is the Nebraska sales tax rate?

Nebraska imposes a 5.5% statewide sales tax, with local taxes ranging from 0.5% to 2%, resulting in combined rates up to 8%.

How do you calculate Nebraska sales tax?

Multiply the taxable amount by the 5.5% statewide rate and add applicable local taxes based on the customer’s location.

Sales Tax Nexus in Nebraska

Sales tax nexus in Nebraska establishes a business's obligation to collect and remit sales tax, triggered by physical presence, economic activity, or relationships with in-state entities.

Type of Nexus

Description

Threshold/Criteria

Physical Nexus

Created by having a physical presence in Nebraska, such as a location, employees, or inventory.

Office, warehouse, storefront, or employees operating in Nebraska.

Economic Nexus

Triggered by making substantial sales into Nebraska, even without a physical presence.

More than $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in the current or previous year.

Affiliate Nexus

Created through relationships with in-state businesses that help facilitate sales.

A Nebraska-based affiliate promotes or sells products for the out-of-state retailer.

Marketplace Nexus

Applies to sales made through marketplace facilitators operating in Nebraska.

Facilitators must collect and remit sales tax on behalf of sellers.

Inventory Nexus

Triggered by storing inventory in Nebraska, even if through a third party (e.g., warehouses).

Any physical inventory located in Nebraska.

Employee or Agent Nexus

Having employees, independent contractors, or agents perform services in Nebraska.

Sales or service activities conducted by representatives in Nebraska.

Notes

  • Nebraska uses both physical presence and economic presence to determine sales tax nexus.

  • Businesses with nexus in Nebraska must register for a sales tax permit and collect sales tax on taxable sales.

  • Marketplace facilitators are responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax for third-party sales made through their platforms.

FAQs

What is the sales tax nexus in Nebraska?

Sales tax nexus in Nebraska is established through physical presence or economic nexus, triggered by exceeding $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions within the state.

Nebraska Sales Tax Exemptions in 2025

In 2025, Nebraska maintains its 5.5% state sales tax, with exemptions for groceries, prescription medications, agricultural machinery, and manufacturing equipment.

What is a Nebraska state tax-exempt certificate?

A Nebraska sales tax exemption certificate , also known as Form 13, is a document that allows eligible buyers to make tax-exempt purchases in Nebraska. It certifies that the buyer qualifies for an exemption under Nebraska sales tax law.

  • Purpose: Used for transactions exempt from sales tax, such as purchases by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or for resale purposes.

  • Usage: The buyer provides the certificate to the seller at the time of purchase to avoid paying sales tax.

  • Retention: Sellers must keep a copy of the certificate on file to validate tax-exempt transactions in case of an audit.

Valid Reasons for Exemption

Exemption Category

Description

Examples

Resale

Items purchased for resale.

Products bought by retailers for inventory.

Manufacturing

Materials or equipment used directly in production.

Machinery, raw materials, and production tools.

Nonprofit Organizations

Tax-exempt entities making qualified purchases.

Purchases by charitable or educational organizations.

Government Agencies

Federal, state, or local government entities.

Supplies or equipment bought by government offices.

Agricultural Use

Equipment and supplies used exclusively in farming.

Tractors, fertilizers, and seeds.

What is exempt from sales tax in Nebraska?

Over 85% of Nebraska businesses cite tax compliance as crucial to managing costs effectively. This table highlights key Nebraska sales tax exemptions to help businesses stay compliant and save money:

Category

Exempt Items

Essential Goods

Prescription medications, medical equipment, and certain mobility-enhancing devices.

Nonprofit Organizations

Purchases by qualifying charitable, religious, and educational organizations.

Government Entities

Transactions made by federal, state, and local government agencies.

Agricultural Products

Seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment, and machinery used in agricultural production.

Manufacturing

Machinery and equipment used directly in manufacturing or processing.

Resale

Items purchased for resale are exempt with proper resale certificates.

Educational Materials

Textbooks and educational supplies purchased for school use.

Occasional Sales

Casual or isolated sales by individuals not engaged in regular business activities.

Additional Notes

  • Nebraska exempts grocery items from sales tax unless they are prepared foods or beverages, which are taxable.

  • Certain exemptions, such as those for manufacturing or agriculture, require valid exemption documentation.

CQ For more details on Nebraska sales tax exemptions, read Kintsugi's guide: 2025 Sales Tax Exemption Nebraska: What Businesses Must Know.

Nebraska Sales Tax Permits, Registration, and Filing in 2025

This section simplifies obtaining permits, filing returns, and meeting payment deadlines effectively for businesses with buyers in Nebraska.

How do I get a Nebraska sales tax permit?

To obtain a sales tax permit in Nebraska, follow these steps:

  • Register Online: Visit the Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) to start your registration for a sales tax permit.

  • Provide Business Details: Submit information such as your business name, address, type of business entity, and federal EIN or Social Security number.

  • Pay the Registration Fee: Nebraska does not charge a fee for obtaining a sales tax permit.

  • Receive Your Permit: Once approved, you'll receive a Nebraska Sales Tax Permit, which allows you to collect and remit sales tax.

  • Note: Nebraska requires businesses with physical or economic nexus to register for a sales tax permit before collecting sales tax.

How do I submit a Nebraska sales tax registration?

To register for Nebraska sales tax, follow these steps. Nebraska also offers customer support for registration through the Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR) at (800) 742-7474.

Determine if You Need to Register

You must register for Nebraska sales tax if your business:

  • Has a physical presence (nexus) in Nebraska (e.g., office, warehouse, employees).

  • Meets economic nexus thresholds by making over $100,000 in gross revenue or 200 or more separate transactions annually in Nebraska.

Gather Required Information

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Business Information: Legal name, DBA (if applicable), federal EIN or SSN.

  • Address Details: Physical and mailing addresses.

  • Business Type: LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.

  • Sales Estimates: Estimated taxable sales in Nebraska.

  • Bank Account Information: For filing and payment setup.

Register Online

  • Visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue website.

  • Create an account or log in to the Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

  • Select Register a New Business and follow the prompts to complete your sales tax registration.

Submit Application

  • Review the form for accuracy before submitting.

  • Once approved, you will receive a Nebraska Sales Tax Permit, which allows you to collect and remit sales tax.

Begin Collecting and Filing Sales Tax

  • Start collecting Nebraska sales tax on taxable transactions.

  • File and remit collected sales tax through the Nebraska TAP portal based on your assigned filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually).

Nebraska Sales Tax Filing

This section breaks down Nebraska's sales tax requirements, including filing rules, taxable items, and permits.

What are the main Nebraska filing requirements?

Nebraska sales tax filing requirements depend on the size and frequency of taxable sales:

  • Filing Frequency: Businesses must file monthly, quarterly, or annually based on their total sales tax liability.

  • Due Date: Returns are due on the 25th of the month following the reporting period.

  • Filing Method: Returns must be filed electronically through the Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

  • Additional Requirements: Businesses must report all taxable and exempt sales and remit payment for collected taxes by the due date to avoid penalties and interest.

Filing Frequency Criteria

Filing Frequency

Criteria

Monthly

For businesses collecting $3,000 or more in sales tax annually.

Quarterly

For businesses collecting $900 to $2,999 in sales tax annually.

Annually

For businesses collecting less than $900 in sales tax annually.

Note: Nebraska requires electronic filing and payment for most businesses. Businesses must track and report local sales taxes in addition to the 5.5% state sales tax. Proper documentation of taxable and exempt sales is critical for compliance.

What does Nebraska sales tax apply to?

Nebraska sales tax applies to the following categories, with certain exemptions such as for groceries, prescription medications, agricultural machinery, and manufacturing equipment.

Category

Description

Examples

Tangible Personal Property

Most goods, unless exempt.

Furniture, electronics, clothing (if taxable).

Taxable Services

Certain services are subject to sales tax.

Amusements, telecommunications, some repairs.

Digital Goods

Digital products transferred electronically.

Prewritten software, e-books, digital media.

Leases and Rentals

Rentals of equipment and property.

Equipment rentals, car rentals.

Prepared Foods

Meals and drinks sold by food service businesses.

Restaurant meals, takeout, catering.

Note: Nebraska imposes a 5.5% statewide sales tax, with local taxes that can bring the total rate up to 8%. Businesses must report and remit taxes for both state and local jurisdictions, ensuring accurate tracking of exemptions.

How to file sales tax in Nebraska

To file sales tax in Nebraska, follow these steps:

  • Log in to Nebraska Taxpayer Access Point (TAP): Access the Nebraska TAP portal using your credentials.

  • Complete the Sales Tax Return: Enter total taxable sales, exempt sales, and any applicable local option sales taxes using the Nebraska sale tax file online system.

  • Calculate Tax Due: TAP automatically calculates the sales tax owed based on your entries and local tax rates.

  • Submit Payment: Pay electronically through the portal or by other approved methods.

  • Meet Deadlines: Returns are due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period (monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your assigned frequency).

  • Maintain Records: Keep copies of filed returns and payment confirmations for audit purposes.

FAQs

What day is Nebraska sales tax due?

Nebraska sales tax is due on the 25th of the month following the reporting period for monthly and quarterly filers, or January 25th for annual filers.

Does Nebraska have a sales tax holiday?

No, Nebraska does not currently offer a sales tax holiday.

Automate Your Nebraska Sales Tax with Kintsugi

Managing Nebraska sales tax compliance can be complex, from verifying local tax rates to tracking exemptions and meeting filing deadlines. Kintsugi simplifies this process with powerful automation tools designed for modern businesses.

Feature

Description

Accurate Tax Rate Calculations

Automatically apply the correct state and local sales tax rates based on your customer’s location.

Exemption Management

Seamlessly identify and apply exemptions for groceries, prescription medications, and other qualifying items.

Effortless Filing

Streamline your tax reporting and filing process with integrations that calculate, track, and submit sales tax payments.

ERP and eCommerce Integration

Connect with platforms like Shopify, QuickBooks, Amazon, and more for seamless tax data management.

Let Kintsugi handle the complexities of Nebraska sales tax so you can focus on growing your business. Visit our Product Platform and Pricing page to learn more and get started today!

Ready to automate your sales tax?

Ready to automate your sales tax?

Ready to automate your sales tax?

Ready to automate your sales tax?