Business License Costs in Minnesota
Business license fees in Minnesota depend on which license you apply for within a particular city or county. For example, a state sales tax permit costs businesses $0, a commercial dog and cat breeder’s license will cost a business $10, and a state athlete agent license costs $500.
Obtaining a Minnesota Business License
You can obtain a Minnesota business license online. LegalZoom will do all the necessary legwork to find the exact local, county, state, and federal licenses that your business requires to stay compliant.
While the sales tax license is the most common business license issued in Minnesota, there are other types of licenses that you may need, such as business, occupational or environmental licenses. Each license is managed by a licensing board or agency.
It is crucial to research and understand your specific business’s licensing requirements before commencing operations. Whether you’re acquiring a sales tax permit, an occupational license, or any specialized permit, compliance is key to operating legally and earning the trust of your customers.
Businesses in Minnesota typically need to obtain a state business license, local business licenses, and permits depending on the type of business. The cost of a business license and permit in Minnesota varies depending on the type of business and the issuing agency. Generally, fees can range from $25 to several hundred dollars. Some licenses and permits must be renewed annually.
If you operate without the proper licenses and permits, you could face steep fines or even the closure of your business.
Registering a Business in Minnesota
To register a business in Minnesota, the fees include $155 to file LLC Articles of Organization online or in-person, or $135 by mail. An LLC name reservation costs $55 online or in-person, or $50 by mail. To register a foreign LLC in Minnesota costs $205 online or in person, or $185 by mail.
Minnesota ranks among the top states for business thanks to technology, innovation, education, and capital access. To change a Minnesota business name, file an amendment or assumed name certificate.
Trademarking a business name provides federal protection. For small, local businesses this may not be necessary.
Most sizable Minnesota businesses register with one or more agencies. Formation costs and business taxes vary.
Compliance and Recurring Fees
Your Minnesota LLC is required to have a registered agent appointed and available at all times to accept legal correspondence and documents from the Minnesota state government on your behalf.
To keep your LLC in compliance with Minnesota law, you must renew your registration with the Secretary of State each year. There is no filing fee for this annual renewal. You may also need to periodically renew your business licenses or permits, the cost of which may vary.
The “Recurring Fees” column in the table above shows the costs to maintain an LLC in each state. This fee is generally the Articles of Organization and Franchise Fee if applicable. Each state requires LLCs to have a registered agent.
Note: Minnesota business licenses are not issued by the Secretary of State. However, your business may need a state-level occupational license or municipal-level license or permit to operate. The filing fee for these licenses will vary depending on where you’re doing business and what industry you’re in.