How to Form an LLC in Minnesota (2026): $135 Filing Fee
$135 2026 state filing fee. 3–5 business days to process. Step-by-step guide to forming your Minnesota LLC.
Forming an LLC in Minnesota costs $135 in state filing fees and takes 3–5 business days. Minnesota requires an annual report but charges no fee for it. Minnesota charges no fee for the annual renewal filing.
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Minnesota LLC Filing Fee (2026): $135
The Minnesota Secretary of State charges $135 to file your Articles of Organization. This is a one-time fee paid at formation. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days.
State Filing Fee
$135
One-time cost
Processing Time
3–5
Business days (standard)
Ongoing Report Fee
$0
Annual (no fee)
Form Your Minnesota LLC Online
These services file your Minnesota LLC paperwork and include registered agent service, which is required by state law.
File your Minnesota LLC for just the $135 state fee + their service fee. Includes registered agent, operating agreement, and compliance reminders.
Start your LLC in Minnesota →
Free LLC formation service (you pay only the $135 state fee). Includes first year of registered agent, EIN, and business bank account setup.
Form free LLC in Minnesota →
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How to Form an LLC in Minnesota: Step by Step
Choose a Name for Your LLC
Your LLC name must be unique in Minnesota and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before filing. You can also reserve a name for a small fee (typically $10–$25) if you're not ready to file.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Minnesota requires every LLC to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Minnesota address who can receive legal documents on your behalf. You can be your own registered agent or use a service ($100–$300/year) for privacy and reliability.
File Articles of Organization
File your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization) with the Minnesota Secretary of State. The 2026 state filing fee is $135. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. You can file online at the Minnesota Secretary of State website or through a formation service.
Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement outlines how your LLC is managed, how profits are distributed, and what happens if a member leaves. While not always legally required in Minnesota, it's strongly recommended — especially if you have multiple owners. Many banks require it to open a business account.
Get an EIN from the IRS
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at IRS.gov. You'll use it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file your business taxes. The IRS issues EINs immediately online.
File Annual Reports & Maintain Compliance
Minnesota requires an annual report to keep your LLC in good standing, but there is no fee to file it. Mark your calendar to file on time to avoid penalties.
You Might Also Need
Most people forming an LLC are starting or growing a business. These tools answer the questions that come right after formation.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
As an LLC owner, you pay 15.3% SE tax on net income. See your quarterly payment amounts.
Startup Cost Estimator
Budget what it costs to open your doors — one-time and monthly costs by business type and city.
Break-Even Calculator
Find how many units to sell — or revenue to generate — before your business starts making money.
Employee Cost in Minnesota
If you plan to hire: see total employer cost including SUTA, workers' comp, and benefits in Minnesota.
Can I Afford to Start a Business?
Enter your savings, financing, and monthly expenses to see if you have enough to cover startup costs and a cash reserve.
Total Cost to Form an LLC in Minnesota
| Cost | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | $135 | One-time |
| Registered agent service | $0–$300 | Annual |
| Operating agreement (attorney or service) | $0–$200 | One-time |
| Annual report fee | $0 (free) | Annual |
| Business bank account (varies) | $0–$35/mo | Monthly |
| Year 1 Total (estimated) | $135–$1,055 | First year |
Minnesota Tax Environment for LLCs
State Income Tax
Yes
LLC income flows through to your personal state tax return.
SUTA Rate (Employer)
1.0%
State Unemployment Tax on first $44,000 of wages per employee.
As an LLC owner, you'll also pay self-employment tax (15.3% on net business income up to $184,500 in 2026) unless you elect S-Corp status. If you hire employees, see the full employer cost breakdown for Minnesota.
LLC Formation in Other States
Ready to Start Your Business?
Get startup cost estimates, licensing requirements, and tools for your specific business type.
Browse Startup Guides by Business Type →Also Need a Business License in Minnesota?
Forming an LLC is separate from getting a business license. See the full cost breakdown for Minnesota business licenses, local fee ranges, and what you need to apply.
Minnesota Business License Cost Guide →After You Form Your LLC
Check Your Grant Eligibility in Minnesota
Many grant programs require an active LLC. See which Minnesota and federal grants your new business qualifies for.
Compare Minnesota LLC Costs vs Other States
See how Minnesota's $135 filing fee compares to the most popular LLC formation states:
Get the Minnesota LLC formation checklist
We'll send you a step-by-step guide to forming your LLC in Minnesota, including filing links, registered agent options, and license requirements.
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