Nebraska Sales and Use Tax
What is the Nebraska sales tax? 5.5%
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The Nebraska sales tax rate is currently 5.5%. In Nebraska, each county, city and special district
can add sales taxes on top of the state rate.
Taxes in Nebraska are destination-based, meaning the Nebraska sales tax rate is based, or determined from, the destination location an item is shipped to. This complicates business for retailers who need to have the exact and up-to-date sales tax rate for every shipment they make.
To see a full breakout of Nebraska sales tax rates by state, county, city and special district, use our easy Nebraska sales tax calculator. After putting in any ZIP code, you can enter a retail price to calculate Nebraska sales tax totals.
What is the Nebraska use tax?
The Nebraska state use tax rate is the same as the state, county, city and special district rates.
If you reside in NE, use tax is due to the state on any and all transactions where sales tax has not been paid, even out-of-state internet sales.
Who has to pay Nebraska sales tax or use tax?
In general, a business must collect and remit all applicable Nebraska sales taxes if that business has nexus, a physical presence such as a brick-and-mortar location, within a given state. The presence of an employee or salesperson, delivery by the seller's vehicle, and storage of materials usually establishes nexus as well.
Nebraska says that an out-of-state seller is required to collect tax if they can be defined as a "seller doing business". Nebraska does not currently have additional laws establishing nexus for other reasons such as out-of-state businesses using in-state affiliates, advertisers or vendors, or businesses that make internet sales or mail catalogs.
If you are not sure if you have established nexus in Nebraska, you can usually get free help by contacting the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Click here for an updated listing of direct phone numbers. You could also contact a qualified certified public accountant or lawyer who specializes in tax law in Nebraska. Click here for listing of recommended resources.
Special rules applying to Nebraska:
- Shipping is taxable.
- Finance charges are exempt from sales tax, when stated separately.
- Clothing is taxed at the same rate as the general sales tax.
- Nebraska Sales tax holidays are not planned for this state .
Since Nebraska legislators can vote to change the Nebraska sales tax and use tax rates at any time, it is very difficult for individuals to keep track of the changes. The population of NE state is also rapidly changing, which can cause frequent updates to the ZIP codes and local municipality names and complicates the job of keeping track of Nebraska sales tax jurisdictions.