02/19/2026
🚨 **2026 Nebraska Tax Highlights: What You Need to Know** 🚨
Nebraska lawmakers have introduced several tax changes and proposals that could impact retirees, workers, and businesses. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key highlights:
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👮♂️🔥 **Retired Law Enforcement & Firefighter Pension Exclusion (L.B. 930)**
Beginning in **2027**, qualifying retirees may subtract up to **$100,000 of retirement benefits** from Nebraska taxable income if they:
• Served full-time for at least 20 years
• Are age 60 or older
This could provide meaningful state tax relief for career public safety professionals.
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💰⏱️ **New State Tax Breaks for Tips & Overtime (L.B. 932)**
Starting in **2026**, Nebraska plans to allow state income tax subtractions for:
• **Tips:** Up to $25,000 per year
• **Overtime Pay:** Up to $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (married filing jointly)
⚠️ These benefits phase out at higher income levels.
This aligns Nebraska with new federal provisions and could reduce state taxes for many service and hourly workers.
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📱 **Proposed Social Media Excise Tax (L.B. 1025)**
Beginning in **2027**, Nebraska may impose taxes on large social media companies based on the number of Nebraska users whose data they collect.
This targets large tech companies—not individual taxpayers—but may influence the broader business landscape.
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📈 **Proposed Employer Recruiting Credit (“Grow the Good Life Incentive”)**
Governor Jim Pillen has proposed a **10% tax credit for 10 years** for businesses that bring highly paid workers to Nebraska.
The goal: attract talent, grow businesses, and strengthen Nebraska’s economy.
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🏢 **Changes to Business Credits & Employer Incentives (L.B. 1165)**
Proposed updates include:
• Increased wage retention credit limits
• Expanded ImagiNE Nebraska Act incentives
• New grants to support major employers during ownership transitions
These changes aim to support business growth, retention, and job creation.
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✅ **What This Means**
Nebraska continues moving toward:
• Lower taxes on earned income (tips & overtime)
• Targeted relief for retirees
• Increased incentives for business growth and recruitment
Some provisions are effective soon, while others are still proposals.
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📌 As always, the real impact depends on your specific situation. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you or your business, feel free to reach out.