Business Overview

Minnesota has a diverse economy with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and agriculture. The state offers a highly educated workforce, strong innovation culture, and quality of life factors. Its business ecosystem supports growth in medical devices, food production, and technology.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalSt. Paul
Major CitiesMinneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington
State Sales Tax Rate6.88%
Local Sales Tax RateUp to 2% additional local taxes
Corporate Income Tax6% flat rate
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, property, or representatives
Economic Nexus Threshold$100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions

Did you know?

Minnesota is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, and 3M, showcasing its diverse business ecosystem.

Setup & Compliance

Minnesota provides comprehensive business registration with specific compliance requirements.

Setting Up a Minnesota Business:

  1. Select Your Business Structure: Consider Minnesota’s tax environment for different entity types.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Employment and Economic Development if hiring employees.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Annual Renewals: Minnesota entities must file annual renewals with the Secretary of State by December 31.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 6.875% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes.
  • Corporate Income Tax: C-corporations pay 9.8% corporate income tax.
  • Employment Taxes: Employers must register for unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Professional Licensing: Many professions require specialized licenses through state boards.

Hiring & Payroll

Minnesota provides strong worker protections with several state-specific regulations.

Minnesota Payroll Requirements:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.1% to 8.9% on first $38,000 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Required based on W-4MN form with progressive rates.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

Minnesota Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: $10.59 per hour for large employers; $8.63 for small employers (adjusted annually for inflation).
  • Wage Theft Prevention: Detailed pay notices required at hire and when changes occur.
  • Sick and Safe Leave: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth have local ordinances mandating paid leave.
  • Final Paychecks: Due within 24 hours for employees who are fired; by next payday for those who quit.
  • Minnesota is not a right-to-work state.

State Incentives

Minnesota offers strategic economic incentives to attract and retain innovative businesses.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Minnesota Job Creation Fund: Grants for job-creating businesses.
  • Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.
  • Angel Investment Tax Credit: Encourages investment in early-stage businesses.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • Minnesota Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business consulting.
  • Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program.
  • Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program: Support for minority and underserved entrepreneurs.

Regulatory Considerations

Minnesota provides a detailed regulatory environment with emphasis on innovation and worker protection.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Comprehensive laws protecting business and consumer information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Stringent regulations supporting sustainable practices.
  • Professional Licensing: Mandatory for various professional services.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Technology and Medical Device Industry Compliance.
  • Agricultural Innovation Regulations.

Business Overview

Minnesota has a diverse economy with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and agriculture. The state offers a highly educated workforce, strong innovation culture, and quality of life factors. Its business ecosystem supports growth in medical devices, food production, and technology.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalSt. Paul
Major CitiesMinneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington
State Sales Tax Rate6.88%
Local Sales Tax RateUp to 2% additional local taxes
Corporate Income Tax6% flat rate
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, property, or representatives
Economic Nexus Threshold$100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions

Did you know?

Minnesota is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, Best Buy, and 3M, showcasing its diverse business ecosystem.

Setup & Compliance

Minnesota provides comprehensive business registration with specific compliance requirements.

Setting Up a Minnesota Business:

  1. Select Your Business Structure: Consider Minnesota’s tax environment for different entity types.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Employment and Economic Development if hiring employees.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Annual Renewals: Minnesota entities must file annual renewals with the Secretary of State by December 31.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 6.875% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes.
  • Corporate Income Tax: C-corporations pay 9.8% corporate income tax.
  • Employment Taxes: Employers must register for unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Professional Licensing: Many professions require specialized licenses through state boards.

Hiring & Payroll

Minnesota provides strong worker protections with several state-specific regulations.

Minnesota Payroll Requirements:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.1% to 8.9% on first $38,000 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Required based on W-4MN form with progressive rates.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

Minnesota Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: $10.59 per hour for large employers; $8.63 for small employers (adjusted annually for inflation).
  • Wage Theft Prevention: Detailed pay notices required at hire and when changes occur.
  • Sick and Safe Leave: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth have local ordinances mandating paid leave.
  • Final Paychecks: Due within 24 hours for employees who are fired; by next payday for those who quit.
  • Minnesota is not a right-to-work state.

State Incentives

Minnesota offers strategic economic incentives to attract and retain innovative businesses.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Minnesota Job Creation Fund: Grants for job-creating businesses.
  • Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.
  • Angel Investment Tax Credit: Encourages investment in early-stage businesses.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • Minnesota Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business consulting.
  • Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program.
  • Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program: Support for minority and underserved entrepreneurs.

Regulatory Considerations

Minnesota provides a detailed regulatory environment with emphasis on innovation and worker protection.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Comprehensive laws protecting business and consumer information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Stringent regulations supporting sustainable practices.
  • Professional Licensing: Mandatory for various professional services.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Technology and Medical Device Industry Compliance.
  • Agricultural Innovation Regulations.