Minnesota Business Formation Guide
How to Start a Business in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Starting a business in Minnesota involves choosing a business name and entity type, obtaining a federal EIN, filing with the Secretary of State, registering your Minnesota Business Tax ID, and setting up your D-U-N-S Number with Dun & Bradstreet to start building business credit. StartMNBusiness handles all of it — EIN, entity formation, Minnesota Business Tax ID, and D-U-N-S Number setup — for one flat $245 fee, plus the state's $155 filing fee.
Choose Your Business Name
Minnesota requires your business name to be distinguishable from other registered businesses in the state, and LLCs must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in the name. We check name availability as part of the formation process.
Choose Your Business Structure
LLC, S-corporation, C-corporation, or nonprofit — each has different tax treatment and compliance requirements. We help you choose the structure that fits your goals.
Get Your Federal EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS and is separate from your Minnesota state Tax ID. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. StartMNBusiness obtains your EIN for you as part of the formation process.
File With the Secretary of State
This is the step that legally creates your business. We file the correct formation document on your behalf:
- Articles of Organization — for an LLC
- Articles of Incorporation — for an S-corp or C-corp
- Articles of Incorporation + IRS Form 1023 — for a nonprofit seeking 501(c)(3) status
The Minnesota state filing fee is $155, paid separately from our $245 flat fee.
Get Your Minnesota Business Tax ID
Separate from your federal EIN, Minnesota requires a state Tax ID for sales tax, withholding, and other state-level obligations. This is included in your $245 flat fee.
Handle Ongoing Compliance
Minnesota requires an annual or biennial renewal to keep your business in good standing. It's free, but easy to forget — mark your calendar.
Build Your Online Presence
Once your business is formed, a website and Google Business Profile help customers find you. See our Website & Marketing Services for ongoing website, social media, and Google Maps visibility support.
What you pay
EIN + entity formation + Minnesota Business Tax ID + D-U-N-S Number setup — all included.
Ready to start your Minnesota business?
We handle the paperwork — EIN, formation, state Tax ID, and D-U-N-S Number setup — for $245 flat, plus the $155 Minnesota state filing fee.
StartMNBusiness provides document preparation services only and does not offer legal or tax advice. We are not a law firm and cannot represent you before the IRS or any government agency.