Cost to Form an LLC in Minnesota: MN LLC Cost

Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Dr. Gabriel O’Neill, Esq.

When considering the establishment of an LLC in Minnesota, it’s important to be aware that there are expenses beyond the initial paperwork filing. However, the journey doesn’t have to be as financially burdensome as you might anticipate. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of forming an LLC in Minnesota, shedding light on the associated costs. 

Moreover, we’ll introduce you to invaluable LLC services such as ZenBusiness that can streamline the process while providing insights for prudent cost management. This way, you can pursue your entrepreneurial aspirations without straining your finances.

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What Is the Cost of Forming an LLC in Minnesota?

The primary cost to form an LLC in Minnesota is a $155 fee, which covers the submission of your LLC’s Articles of Organization through online channels facilitated by the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Here’s the LLC Cost Guide for all US States:

Minnesota Foreign LLC Formation Costs

In case you possess an existing LLC that’s officially registered in a different state and you intend to broaden your business operations into Minnesota, it will be necessary to enroll your LLC as a foreign entity within Minnesota.

The expense associated with the registration of a foreign LLC from another state in Minnesota amounts to $205 if completed online and $185 if submitted through traditional mail. The procedure involves submitting a Certificate of Authority to Conduct Business in Minnesota for the foreign LLC, which can also be accomplished via mail.

Annual Cost for LLCs in Minnesota 

When establishing your own Limited Liability Company (LLC) within Minnesota, it’s essential to consider the ongoing expenses related to LLC upkeep, as these factors contribute to gauging the overall costs of operating an LLC in the state. These costs encompass various aspects, including the yearly renewal process, specifically the filing of an annual report, which incurs a fee of $0. 

Additionally, if your LLC has multiple members, you might be subject to the MMLLC Partnership Tax, an annual fee that fluctuates based on Minnesota property, payroll, and sales metrics. This fee escalates incrementally and could reach over $210 for totals under $1,020,000. 

For those who opt for an assumed name in Minnesota, it’s important to note the necessity of annual renewal, free if filed on time but incurring a reinstatement fee of $25–$45 for late submissions based on the chosen filing method. Moreover, adhering to Minnesota’s requirements, each LLC must retain a registered agent within the state, entailing a cost of around $100–$300 annually if utilizing a professional service or a third-party provider.

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How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Minnesota With the Best LLC Service?

ZenBusiness LLC Formation Cost

The initial cost for filing an LLC in Minnesota starts at $155 and can vary depending on additional services. Regarding processing times, the standard period is 2-3 weeks, but there are options for expediting: for an extra $50, processing can take 4-6 days, or for $100, the rush processing can be completed in 1-2 days.

ZenBusiness provides a selection of three pricing tiers for their LLC formation services: Starter, Pro, and Premium.

• Starter package: This serves as a suitable choice for fundamental business formation requirements and comes at a cost of $0, with only state fees to be covered.

• Pro package: The encompasses additional features like expedited filing and registered agent service, available at a price of $199 alongside state fees.

• Premium package: This stands as the most extensive offering, incorporating all features of the Pro package plus unlimited Worry-Free Compliance. This feature aids businesses in adhering to both state and federal regulations effortlessly. The Premium plan is priced at $349, in addition to state fees.

Moreover, ZenBusiness includes a complimentary year of Worry-Free Compliance with the purchase of any of the available plans.

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Additional Costs When Starting an LLC in Minnesota

Minnesota LLC Name Costs

Selecting a name for your LLC does not involve any charges. The approval of your Minnesota LLC Name comes at no additional expense and is granted upon the state’s approval of your Articles of Organization filing.

While you might have come across information online stating the necessity of LLC Name Reservations, this is largely inaccurate for the majority of states. In most cases, forming an LLC does not require a Name Reservation.

If you wish to secure a specific name for a duration of up to 12 months before officially forming your LLC, you can accomplish this by submitting a Request for Reservation of Name. This process can be completed by paying a $55 filing fee online or a $35 filing fee when opting for mail submission.

Minnesota Registered Agent Costs

In Minnesota, there’s a fee associated with having a registered agent, which can either be $0 if you handle it yourself or $125 per year. When establishing your LLC, it’s mandatory under Minnesota law to assign a registered agent. Remarkably, designating a registered agent on your Articles of Organization doesn’t involve any extra expense for your Minnesota LLC.

A Minnesota registered agent, whether an individual or a company, serves as the recipient of official documents and state notifications for your LLC. The registered agent must maintain a physical address within the state and generally be accessible during regular business hours.

Should you choose to act as your own registered agent or designate someone you know for the role, you won’t incur any additional charges. Nevertheless, you have the alternative of hiring a registered agent service, which typically ranges from $100 to $300 annually. Opting for such services brings the benefit of additional business support and the safeguarding of your privacy.

Hiring a registered agent service proves particularly advantageous when:

• You lack an in-state address (Minnesota laws dictate that registered agents must possess a physical address in the state).

• Privacy concerns prompt you to keep your personal address off public records (certain service providers allow you to utilize their address, ensuring your privacy).

Minnesota Operating Agreement Costs

There’s no charge for an LLC Operating Agreement in Minnesota. 

An LLC Operating Agreement is a documented agreement among the LLC’s members that outlines essential details about ownership, management structure, and profit distribution. Both single-member and multi-member LLCs should create an Operating Agreement, retain it in their business records, and provide copies to all members.

Many online platforms typically impose fees ranging from $50 to $200 for crafting LLC Operating Agreements.

Minnesota EIN Cost

Obtaining an EIN Number for your LLC in Minnesota comes at no cost. 

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is an identifier also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). This unique number serves various purposes, such as facilitating income tax filings, enabling the opening of an LLC bank account, and managing employee-related matters if applicable. 

While several online platforms levy service fees for assisting with EIN acquisition for your LLC, the process can be accomplished without any charge.

You can secure an EIN for your LLC directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) without incurring any fees. The online application procedure is swift and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.

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Minnesota LLC Taxes

The annual expenses for Minnesota LLC owners can differ significantly due to the array of taxes they’re required to cover. A selection of the taxes paid by LLC owners encompasses:

Federal Income Taxes

When considering tax treatment for your Limited Liability Company (LLC), the IRS offers various options. For Single-Member LLCs, the IRS views them as Disregarded Entities, meaning the LLC doesn’t file its own federal income tax return. Instead, the owner files the return and pays the taxes. Taxation depends on ownership: individual ownership results in Sole Proprietorship taxation, while ownership by a company leads to branch/division taxation.

Multi-Member LLC Taxes

For LLCs with multiple owners, taxation is akin to a Partnership. The LLC files a 1065 Partnership Return and issues a Schedule K-1 to owners, reporting their share of profits. Income “flows through” to owners, who pay taxes on their personal return (Form 1040).

Husband and Wife LLC Taxes

In certain states, a husband and wife LLC might opt for Single-Member LLC taxation (Qualified Joint Venture) rather than Multi-Member LLC. This applies to community property states. Such an option doesn’t exist in non-community property states like Minnesota.

Electing Corporate Taxation

Apart from default options, an LLC can choose Corporation taxation. This involves two types of elections: S-Corporation and C-Corporation.

• S-Corporation Taxation: By filing Form 2553, an LLC can elect S-Corporation taxation, which aids established profitable businesses in saving on self-employment taxes. However, this decision should be made prudently and often after consulting an accountant.

• C-Corporation Taxation: Through Form 8832, an LLC can opt for C-Corporation taxation, which is primarily beneficial for larger employers seeking healthcare fringe benefits. This option is less common.

Minnesota State Income Tax

In Minnesota, Single-Member LLCs have owners filing personal state returns reflecting LLC profits/losses. Multi-member LLCs might need to file a state-level Partnership return alongside personal returns.

Minnesota Taxpayer Identification Number

Most businesses in Minnesota require a Tax ID number, especially Multi-Member LLCs, those with employees, those involved in taxable sales, or those owing use tax. Obtaining a Minnesota Tax ID number is advisable.

Local Income Tax

Local income taxes may apply to you or your LLC, necessitating proper filing and payment. Professional assistance is recommended.

Minnesota Sales Tax

Selling to Minnesota consumers might mean collecting sales tax via a Seller’s Permit obtained from the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR). This permit is linked to the Tax ID number.

Minnesota LLC Payroll Taxes

Minnesota LLCs with employees must handle payroll taxes, including federal and state income tax withholding, Social Security, Medicare taxes, and more. While filing can be complex, hiring a payroll company or consulting an accountant is common for accuracy and compliance.

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Minnesota LLC Cost FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Open an LLC in Minnesota?

Initiating a Minnesota LLC involves a single $155 fee for filing the LLC Articles of Organization. Depending on your LLC’s location and industry, additional business licenses might be necessary, with varying costs for local permits.

How Much Does an LLC in Minnesota Cost Per Year?

Every year, all Minnesota LLCs are obligated to submit an Annual Renewal without incurring any associated fee. This renewal requirement is universal for all such LLCs. Additionally, if you’ve engaged a registered agent service, there will be an annual subscription fee, typically around $125. 

Depending on your industry and location, certain LLCs might require a business license in Minnesota, with potential annual renewal fees for the permit, which can be determined by consulting your municipality.

Should I Hire an LLC Formation Service?

While it’s not obligatory, enlisting the help of a professional service can be advantageous when establishing your Minnesota LLC. You have the option to handle the LLC formation process yourself, but if you’re looking for a smoother and more accurate filing experience, it’s worth contemplating assistance from ZenBusiness.

ZenBusiness is renowned for its outstanding customer support and even provides complimentary registered agent services for the initial year. Furthermore, they offer added perks such as an Operating Agreement and assistance with filing the Annual Report.

Conclusion

To sum up, embarking on the journey to establish an LLC in Minnesota entails a comprehensive understanding of the associated expenses. Despite Minnesota’s business-conducive regulations, potential business owners need to account for costs such as state filing fees, registered agent expenses, and the possibility of seeking professional guidance. Opting for established LLC service providers like ZenBusiness can greatly simplify the process. 

Entrepreneurs must conduct a judicious assessment of these costs in relation to Minnesota’s favorable business environment, legal structure, and overall reputation. This ensures that the decision they make aligns cohesively with their objectives and financial capacities.

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