Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Lincoln, NE

Uniform Building Code adopted locally; cosmetology requires proper sinks per state rules.

Omaha Code Chapter 55, Article X; size limits apply (e.g., 1 sign per street frontage).

Local health depts conduct initial sanitation inspection for barber/cosmetology per 172 NAC 72.

Required for Certificate of Occupancy; covers extinguishers, exits (IFC 2018 adopted locally).

Confirms zoning, building, fire compliance.

Required in commercial occupancies per NFPA 72.

Omaha Code Sec. 26-41; rarely permitted, must comply.

Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees in Nebraska, including part-time and minor employees. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt but may elect coverage. Excludes agricultural workers under certain conditions. Enforced under Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-101 et seq.).

Not mandated by Nebraska state law for barbers or cosmetology businesses. However, landlords, lenders, or franchisors may require it. Covers third-party injury or property damage on premises.

Not mandated by Nebraska law. However, strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, allergic reactions, or improper services. Not enforced by any state agency.

Required for LLCs formed outside Nebraska; domestic LLCs file Articles of Organization ($100 fee) instead. Renewals not applicable.

Prerequisites: 1,500 hours education or 3 years apprenticeship; pass written/practical exams. Applies to barbers providing haircutting/shaving services.

Prerequisites: 2,100 hours approved education; pass exams. Covers hair, skin, nails. Esthetician or nail tech licenses available for specialties ($50 initial + $70 license).

Required for physical location offering barber/cosmetology services. Must have licensed manager/owner on-site; comply with sanitation rules.

Required if using assumed/trade name. File with county clerk if no state registration.

State sales tax 5.5-7.5%; file returns monthly/quarterly. No fee but required for product sales.

Barber and cosmetology services themselves are not subject to sales tax in Nebraska, but the sale of tangible personal property (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, combs) is taxable. A sales tax permit is required to collect and remit tax on such sales.

Employers must register for withholding tax even if only one employee is hired. Includes state income tax withholding from employee wages.

Employers must pay state unemployment insurance (SUI) tax on first $9,000 of each employee’s wages annually. Rate varies based on experience rating (0.05% to 6.6%).

LLCs are pass-through entities; owners report income on personal returns. However, the business must still register with the state to ensure proper reporting. Nebraska does not impose a separate corporate income tax on LLCs.

Nebraska does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on businesses. Corporate income tax applies only to C corporations and S corporations, not to LLCs. LLCs are not subject to this tax.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for the issuance of a Barber Shop or Cosmetology Salon license in Nebraska. This is mandated by the Nebraska Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Applies to all licensed establishments. See BC-001 application form and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 8-801 et seq.

Required for any vehicle registered under the business name. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (25/50/25). Applies to all businesses operating motor vehicles in Nebraska under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-504.

Not legally required by Nebraska or federal law. However, businesses selling cosmetic products assume liability for product safety under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.). Insurance is strongly recommended but not mandated.

Not applicable to standard barber or cosmetology businesses. Only required if the business holds a liquor license. Most barbershops in Nebraska do not serve alcohol, so this does not typically apply.

Automatic legal liability for workplace injuries under Nebraska law. Employers must carry workers' comp insurance or qualify as self-insured. No exemption for small employers. Enforced under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-111.

While not required for sole proprietors with no employees, most LLCs—especially those in service industries like barbering—will need an EIN for banking and tax purposes. This is a federal requirement for tax administration.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C (Form 1040). Multi-member LLCs file as a partnership using Form 1065. All self-employed individuals must pay self-employment tax under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).

Barbershops must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) due to use of chemical products (dyes, perms, disinfectants). Employers must provide employee training, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and label hazardous chemicals. Most small businesses with fewer than 10 employees may be exempt from maintaining a written program but still must provide SDS access.

All barber shops open to the public are considered "public accommodations" under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure physical access (entrances, pathways, restrooms), communication access (for people with hearing/speech disabilities), and service access. Existing facilities must remove barriers if "readily achievable." New construction or renovations must meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Most Nebraska cities (e.g., Omaha, Lincoln) require a local business license or privilege tax. Barber shops are typically classified under 'personal services.' Contact city clerk for specific requirements. Example: Lincoln Business License - https://lincoln.ne.gov/Departments/License-Permit/Apply-for-a-Business-License

Nebraska does not impose an excise tax, tourism tax, or special industry tax on barber or cosmetology services. Services are exempt from sales tax. Only retail sales of products are taxable if a sales tax permit is held.

Required for all businesses operating within Omaha city limits. Specific to City of Omaha Municipal Code Sec. 6-401.

Douglas County Code Sec. 17-4-1 requires registration for businesses in unincorporated areas.

Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 2.40 mandates for all commercial operations.

Barber/cosmetology shops must be in commercial zones (e.g., Omaha Zoning Code Sec. 55-334 permits personal services).

Omaha Code Sec. 55-759 restricts home barbering to 1 chair, no employees.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week) unless exempt. Most barbers are non-exempt. Independent contractor misclassification is a common issue—DOL uses economic reality test to determine employment status.

FMLA requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small barbershops will not meet the 50-employee threshold and are exempt.

All employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every new employee. E-Verify is not federally required unless in a participating state or federal contractor, but Nebraska does not currently mandate it.

The FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Barbershops must ensure products are not adulterated or misbranded. No pre-market approval is required, but labels must list ingredients, and products must be safe for intended use. Color additives must be FDA-approved.

Under the Bank Secrecy Act, businesses must report large cash payments using IRS Form 8300. Common in cash-heavy industries like barbering. Applies to cash, checks, and certain monetary instruments.

Requires a written Exposure Control Plan, use of PPE, proper disinfection of tools, and employee training. Applies even if only one employee is exposed. Exempt only if no exposure occurs.

All Nebraska LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report includes business name, principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Must be filed even if no changes occurred.

Barber and cosmetology licenses in Nebraska are renewed biennially. The renewal period is based on the licensee’s birth month. Licensees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew.

16 hours of approved continuing education required every two years, including at least 2 hours in infection control and safety. Courses must be approved by the Nebraska Board of Barber Examiners or an approved provider.

Most barbershops are considered Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) and are exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations if under threshold. However, proper disposal of chemicals (e.g., silver from toners, formaldehyde-containing products) is required. EPA does not regulate typical salon waste unless it meets hazardous criteria under RCRA.

The FTC Act (Section 5) prohibits deceptive or unfair advertising. Barbershops must ensure all claims (e.g., "organic," "chemical-free," "licensed") are truthful and substantiated. Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. Endorsements must reflect honest opinions (per FTC Endorsement Guidelines).

Nebraska requires businesses to keep records related to sales tax, income tax, and payroll for at least 4 years. Federal IRS also requires 4 years for tax-related records.

Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on owner’s personal return (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Corporations file Form 1120. Due April 15 unless extended.

Employers must file Form W-2 and W-3N with Nebraska Department of Revenue by January 31 to report wages and withholding for the previous calendar year.

Employers must file Form UI quarterly and pay unemployment insurance tax on first $9,000 of wages per employee. Rate varies by employer’s experience rating.

Most cities in Nebraska require a local business license. Fees and deadlines vary. For example, Lincoln requires renewal annually with fees based on gross receipts. Check with local city clerk.

Barber shops must collect sales tax on taxable services (e.g., haircuts, hair treatments). Nebraska does not charge sales tax on services unless they involve tangible personal property. However, if retail products are sold, sales tax applies. License does not expire but regular filings are mandatory.

LLCs with employees must file Form 941 quarterly (due Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31). Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax) due by January 31. Form 1120-S (S-Corp) or 1065 (Partnership) due March 15 (if applicable). Sole member LLC with no employees may not have ongoing federal tax filing beyond income tax.

Employers must withhold Nebraska state income tax from employee wages and file Form W-3N annually and periodic withholding returns. Frequency based on liability (monthly or quarterly).

Barber shops with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (log of work-related injuries). Form 300A (summary) must be posted from February 1 to April 30 each year. Most small barber shops are exempt due to size and industry classification.

Each licensed professional must display their current Nebraska barber or cosmetology license in a conspicuous location visible to the public. The salon must also display its current establishment license.

The Nebraska sales tax permit must be displayed at the place of business in a location visible to customers.

Employers must display current federal and Nebraska labor law posters, including Minimum Wage, EEO, FMLA, OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation. Available for free download from DOL and Nebraska Department of Labor websites.

All barber and cosmetology establishments are subject to routine and complaint-based inspections for sanitation, sterilization, and compliance with infection control standards. Inspectors verify compliance with Chapter 166 of Nebraska Administrative Code.

Local fire departments conduct periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes, including exits, extinguishers, and electrical safety. Frequency depends on municipality and occupancy classification.