Minnesota is the “land of 10,000 lakes” and the 22nd most populous state in USA with varied business opportunities, highly skilled workforce and good standards of living. The diverse economy places Minnesota on the list of states in which businesses can flourish and generate high profits. We have prepared a general guide to company incorporation in Minnesota if you are interested in starting a business in USA. Complete guidance and information in this field can be provided by our company formation specialists in USA.

How to set up an LLC in Minnesota

Considering the favorable business climate and the proper conditions in any industrialized sector, entrepreneurs from abroad observe the market in Minnesota both challenging and competitive. The most popular business form in this state is the limited liability company but individuals can also direct their operations to partnerships, joint stock companies or may act as sole proprietorships. An LLC in Minnesota can be registered with the business division and the Minnesota Secretary of the State by submitting the Articles of Association. Such documents comprise all the details about the company owners, the name of the business, the board of directors, the business name and the activities. Please bear in mind that a registered agent is a mandatory requirement at the time of the company registration in Minnesota. This can be whether a person or a company with residency in Minnesota, in charge of the documents and other legal concerns related to your business in this state.

The Employer Identification Number for your business

The federal tax ID or the EIN (Employer Identification Number) is necessary for tax purposes in Minnesota and it is issued by the local IRS (Internal Revenue Service). This number represents the social security number of your firm and it is used to identify your business, the operations, and the tax compliance. If you want to open a company in USA and particularly in Minnesota, it is best to observe the conditions imposed, and the tax matters for the chosen type of company.

Consider the operating agreement for your company in Minnesota

Even if it is not a mandatory condition, it is though suggested to settle and operating agreement for your company. This is a legal document which comprises information about the organization of the business, the management, the capital registered, the voting rights and details about the dissolution of the company. Our consultants can provide you with in-depth information in this matter.

Taxes in Minnesota

The general sales tax in Minnesota is set at 6.875% but it is not imposed on clothes for selling purposes. The income tax ranges between 5.35% and 9.85%, depending on the taxable profits, the latter rate being applied for profits above $100,000. As for the property tax in Minnesota, this is set at an average of 1.17%, but it may vary considering the local city taxes. Because the tax structure in Minnesota might seem complex, especially if you are a foreigner who wants to set up a company, it is best to hire an accounting firm which can handle the financial operations and provide details about the taxes imposed.

Open a bank account for your company in Minnesota

Foreign investors in Minnesota should consider separating the personal assets from the ones of the company. In this sense, they can open bank accounts by providing information about the registered company in Minnesota. We remind investors that for registering a company in USA, in any state including in Minnesota, they can ask for support and information from our USA company formation specialists.

Special licenses and permits for your activities in Minnesota

The local, state and federal regulations for Minnesota stand at the base of company formation, regardless of the activities you wish to implement on the market. Special licenses and permits might be necessary for certain sectors. For example, companies with activities in the food sector must apply for health licenses and building permits. The local Chamber of Commerce issues the licenses and permits for businesses in Minnesota.

Economic facts for Minnesota

The agriculture in Minnesota represents a solid engine for the economy of this state, and furthermore, it places on the fifth position in USA for the revenues registered. The mining sector in Minnesota is an important source of income which is strongly related to the manufacturing field, as the development of these sectors date back a century ago when this state was exporting iron worldwide. Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and a representative business center for foreign investors. In the same line, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Duluth and Saint Cloud are among the cities where entrepreneurs can set up their activities to generate profits.

Minnesota is among the American states that impose a progressive income tax, depending on the personal revenues and two important taxes applicable to businesses in this state: the minimum fee for LLCs, partnerships, traditional corporations and S corporations and the corporation income tax or the corporation franchise tax which is imposed on C corporations in Minnesota. We invite you to talk to our team of company formation agents in USA and find out information about how you can start a business in USA and about the available tax structure.

How are corporations levied in Minnesota?

The corporation income tax or the corporation franchise tax which is imposed for traditional corporations in Minnesota is set at a flat rate of 9.8% and the alternative minimum tax or the AMT of 5.8% rate which is applicable for a minimum taxable income of more than $40,000.

How is the minimum fee applied to corporations in Minnesota?

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the minimum fee is applicable depending on the sales, payroll and the value of the properties in Minnesota for a total of at least $930,000, as follows in the table below:

Incomes Minimum Fee
Less than $930,000: NO minimum fee imposed
Between $970,000 and $1,959,999: $200
Between $1,960,000 and $9,769,999: $590
Between $9,770,000 and $19,539,999: $1,960
Between $19,540,000 and $39,079,999: $3,910
For $39,080,000 and more: $9,770

We remind you that our specialists in company formation in USA are at your disposal with complete assistance and information if you would like to register a company in Minnesota. Also, we invite you to read the general guide to company incorporation in Michigan for extra details.

Taxes for corporations in Minnesota

According to the tax legislation for Minnesota, the corporations registered in this American state must pay the franchise tax (9.8%) and the AMT or the alternative minimum tax. If profits of more than $970,000 are registered by a corporation in Minnesota, the minimum fee is also applicable.

Taxes for LLCs in Minnesota

Limited liability companies in Minnesota are seen as pass-through entities and are subject to a minimum fee if the total value (sales, payroll, properties) sums up to $500,000 or more. We remind that the LLC members will have to observe the income tax as distributed for each earned income. The same tax matters are available for sole proprietorships in Minnesota, meaning that they are subject to the same tax regime as imposed for LLCs.