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Minnesota LLC

How to Start an LLC in Minnesota

A practical overview of the filing cost, formation process, annual requirements, and topics to review before forming an LLC in Minnesota.

Start here if you are deciding on a Minnesota LLC

Minnesota has a moderate formation fee but very low Secretary of State maintenance cost: Articles of Organization are $155 online or in person and $135 by mail, while the annual renewal is $0 when filed on time. The practical checklist is registered office accuracy, understanding that a registered agent is optional for domestic LLCs, filing the free annual renewal by December 31, getting a Minnesota Tax ID when tax accounts apply, and checking ELicensing plus local rules.

Comparing total cost?Check the filing fee, recurring costs, optional services, and tax registration costs.Ready to file?Search the name first, then file Articles after the name looks usable.Selling or hiring?Separate the IRS EIN from state tax or employer registration before you operate.

Minnesota LLC at a glance

Formation filing fee
$155 online / $135 mail

Initial state filing fee in the 2026 comparison data.

Annual / recurring fee
$0

State-level recurring cost listed in the 2026 comparison data.

Registered agent
Office required

Minnesota domestic LLCs need a registered office; a registered agent is optional.

EIN application
$0

When requested directly from the IRS.

Complete guide available

Minnesota LLC cost guide

See Minnesota LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.

Read full guide

How to form a Minnesota LLC

  1. 1

    Choose and check a business name

    Check whether the name is distinguishable from existing businesses in Minnesota.

  2. 2

    Confirm the registered office

    Maintain a registered office that meets Minnesota requirements, and list a registered agent only if you choose to use one.

  3. 3

    File the formation document

    Submit the Articles of Organization or equivalent formation document through the state's filing office.

  4. 4

    Complete the post-formation basics

    Create an operating agreement, apply for an EIN when needed, and check tax, license, and employer registrations.

Important considerations

  • The initial filing fee is only one part of the cost. Annual reports, franchise taxes, registered-agent service, licenses, and local requirements may also apply.
  • Tax registration depends on the business activity, location, employees, and tax programs that apply.
  • Forming in Minnesota does not automatically eliminate registration requirements in the state where the business actually operates.

Minnesota LLC guides

Use these topic pages when you need the details behind a specific filing, tax, name, agent, or post-formation step.

CostSee Minnesota LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.TimeSee Minnesota LLC processing time factors in 2026, including online filing, paper filing, name issues, registered agent mistakes, EIN timing, and next steps.NameLearn how to search a Minnesota LLC name in 2026, check distinguishability, avoid name rejection, and separate legal names from DBAs, domains, and trademarks.Registered AgentUnderstand Minnesota registered agent rules for LLCs in 2026, including who can serve, address requirements, privacy tradeoffs, and when to use a service.ArticlesLearn how to file the Minnesota LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.AgreementLearn what a Minnesota LLC operating agreement should cover in 2026, why banks and partners ask for it, and how it supports ownership and management.EINLearn when a Minnesota LLC needs an EIN in 2026, how to apply through the IRS for free, and how EIN timing affects banking, payroll, and tax accounts.Annual ReportUnderstand the main recurring Minnesota LLC filing or compliance task for 2026, including deadlines, fees, good standing, and how it differs from federal taxes.LicensesLearn which licenses and permits a Minnesota LLC may need in 2026, including sales tax, local permits, professional licensing, employer accounts, and regulated work.TaxesUnderstand Minnesota LLC taxes in 2026, including federal classification, state tax registration, sales tax, payroll accounts, recurring fees, and local obligations.