How to Start an LLC in Minnesota

Located in the north central part of the U.S., near the Great Lakes and boasting over 10,000 lakes of its own, Minnesota is a beautiful part of the world. Minnesotans enjoy a high standard of living and are very civically minded. The state is one of the best educated and most wealthy in the country and is an ideal starting place for any entrepreneur.

For most business owners, the fastest and easiest way to start a business in Minnesota is by creating a Minnesota LLC. A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that’s ideal for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses. You get the advantages and protections of larger Minnesota corporations, but with much simpler rules and regulations.

Briefly, the benefits of starting a Minnesota LLC include:

• Separating and limiting your personal liability from your business liability and debts
• Quick and simple filing, management, compliance, regulations and administration of your Minnesota LLC
• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure here.

Review Information from the Minnesota Secretary of State

The MN Secretary of State has plenty of information on forming and running a business in Minnesota.

These are all the basic steps for forming an LLC in Minnesota. You’ll find other useful information below.

• Minnesota Secretary of State for forming and running your MN LLC
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for MN employers and hiring
• Minnesota Department of Revenue for MN taxes

Special Types of Minnesota LLCs

A regular Minnesota LLC is suitable for most business needs, but you also have a few other options to incorporate a special type of LLC.

Form a Professional Minnesota LLC

Some states, including Minnesota, allow certain occupations to form “Professional LLCs.” These types of businesses typically have special requirements and licensing. Here are the areas and occupations that the MN Secretary of State allows to form Minnesota professional LLCs:

This is governed under the Professional Firms Act in Minnesota and there are certain requirements you will need to meet to form a professional LLC.

Form a Foreign LLC in Minnesota

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Minnesota, you’ll need to form a foreign LLC.

More information on Minnesota filing and licensing requirements here

What to Do After Forming Your Minnesota LLC

Want to know your next steps after creating a new LLC in Minnesota? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to understanding your ongoing requirements, setting up new bank accounts, protecting your business name, getting accounting in place and more.

Detailed Information for Your Minnesota LLC

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including:

Naming Your Minnesota LLC

How to search the Minnesota business registry of the MN Secretary of State and find the right name. Includes information on naming rules, fictitious names, reserving a Minnesota LLC name and more.

Minnesota Registered Agents for Your LLC

How to appoint a Minnesota Registered Agent to your new LLC or change to a different Registered Agent. Includes information on Registered Agent rules and searching for Minnesota Registered Agents.

Fees and Requirements for Your Minnesota LLC

How to understand the various fees you’ll need to pay and the requirements you’ll need to meet for both federal and Minnesota rules. Includes details of Employee Identification Numbers (EINs), Minnesota and federal business licenses, Minnesota annual reports and more.

Federal, State, Sales and Other Taxes for Your Minnesota LLC

How to understand the various taxes you will need to pay to the federal and Minnesota government. Includes details of federal taxes like income and self-employment, and Minnesota taxes like sales tax and income tax.