How to Form an LLC in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Minnesota LLC: state filing fee ($155), processing time (Immediate (online)), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Minnesota, file the Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State (fee: $155), appoint a registered agent with a Minnesota street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes Immediate (online). The annual annual renewal is $0, due December 31. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $304 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Minnesota LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Minnesota LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota SoS filing fee | $155 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $304 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Annual Renewal | $0/yr | Due December 31 |
The 7-Step Minnesota LLC Formation Process
Every Minnesota LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Minnesota LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Minnesota entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Minnesota Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Minnesota registered agent
Minnesota requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Minnesota Secretary of State with a $155 filing fee. The state does not offer expedited processing. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within Immediate (online).
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Minnesota taxes and licenses
Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Minnesota LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
Graduated personal income tax up to 9.85% on MN-resident LLC members. Among the highest in the US.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax. 9.8% corporate income tax if C-Corp elected.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Minnesota LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Minnesota
- Free annual renewal filing — Minnesota is one of few states with a $0 annual fee.
- Home to 3M, Target, Best Buy, Medtronic, and Mayo Clinic — deep corporate and healthcare ecosystem.
- Instant online formation.
Things to watch for in Minnesota
- 9.85% top personal income tax is one of the highest in the US — very costly for high-earning pass-through LLC members.
- Miss the December 31 annual renewal and Minnesota administratively dissolves the LLC on January 1.
Top industries for Minnesota LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Minnesota)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $304 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $155+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $324+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $881+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $519+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $354+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($155) is paid to Minnesota and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Minnesota, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Minnesota to nearby states
Ready to form your Minnesota LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $155 paid directly to Minnesota. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.