Want to form a business in Minnesota? Then, begin by registering your business with the Secretary of State to get the legal entity status. The legal entity status allows you to gain credibility, access various opportunities, and meet legal compliance.
The Minnesota Secretary of State assists in business registration, and for an EIN, you would need to reach out to the IRS. We know it can be a daunting task, hence be prepared through our ultimate guide.
How to form a business in Minnesota?
Opening a business needs proper research as well as documentation to operate legally in the market and establish yourself as a trustworthy business. As per the Minnesota Secretary of State, businesses to follow the basic steps to form their business and start their journeys, such as:
- Create the business plan: You should first do market research based on your industry or sector you wish to start a business in Minnesota, and create a business plan from funding to management.
- Select Business name and type: Now, select the business name that is not trademarked and the business structure based on your business needs and goals. You should select the business structure carefully, as it will determine how your business will be taxed, credits, and deductions.
- Business registration: To give your company a legal identity, you should register it with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- Get EIN: Not all business structures need an EIN; however, if you need to hire employees or manage taxes, you must get the tax ID number. The businesses where the business income is taxable in the owner’s tax return can also apply because they have many purposes.
- State Tax ID number: If you are making taxable sales in the state, you will need to meet the tax compliance of the state; hence, your next steps should be obtaining the state tax ID.
- Licence, Insurance, and permit: Once all this is done, you can easily get your business license, insurance, and permit as per your business requirements.
How to Register your business in Minnesota?
Almost all businesses need to register with the Secretary of State’s office in Minnesota, but remember, it is different for a tax ID; you will just get the legal entity. After establishing your company and deciding on its name and structure, register it by following these steps:
- First, create an account on the MBLS portal through your email address.
- Next, log in to the portal and go to the Business Filing option.
- After that, select the business structure and answer the questions about your business and professional status.
- Some businesses need to upload a PDF file about their business, so check if you need to do it or not, depending on your business type.
- Now, complete the registration by clicking the Submit button and save the order number.
- Next, pay the registration fee as per your business structure, and you will receive the email.
Important Note:
- The business registration can be done online on the same day, or it can take three to five business days.
- The business registration fees, certificate fee, and others will vary based on the business type, so find your fee here.
How can a business obtain a tax ID (EIN) number?
The IRS has an online EIN Assistant tool to issue the tax ID number within a day to businesses and complete their legal duties as early as possible. However, remember this online tool is available only during business days between 7 AM to 10 PM.
To finish your EIN application, collect your ITIN/SSN and other relevant data, then follow these steps:
- On the EIN Assistant tool, select the business structure from the list.
- Now, enter your business information, name, address, and other details.
- Next, input your Social Security Number or ITIN as the responsible party should be from the US meeting tax purposes.
- Once everything is entered, submit the online application and wait for the letter confirming your IRS EIN.
How can you get the Minnesota tax ID number?
After the federal EIN issuance, you can open a tax account with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to make any taxable sales in the state and comply with all the rules. So, follow the steps mentioned below and get your business its state tax ID:
- Go to the Minnesota DOR e-portal and read the eligibility and documents needed.
- Click “Next” now and choose your return type and legal entity type.
- Move to the next stage and input your business name, formation date, tax year, and other information.
- Next, enter your N details, NAICS code, and other details as you move further in the application.
- Submit the online application and wait for the DOR to verify all the information to issue the state tax ID number.
The Minnesota state authority made it quite easy to find all your resources to initiate a business; hence, if you are starting your entrepreneurial journey, be prepared to meet all the legal rules and get all the documents, certificates, and permits.






