Minnesota LLC filing costs $155 online or $135 by mail. Many first-year budgets for a simple DIY LLC fall around $250 to $500, mostly due to optional add-ons such as a registered agent service, an assumed name (DBA) with newspaper publication, and business tools. Minnesota’s annual renewal is $0, but you still must file it each year by December 31. Missing the deadline can make your LLC inactive and require reinstatement fees to return to good standing.
| Cost item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | $155 online/in-person or $135 by mail | Online/in-person is expedited; mail is the cheaper option. |
| Annual renewal (maintenance) | $0 | Still required every year; due Dec 31. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $55 online/in-person or $35 by mail | Only if you want to hold a name before filing. |
| Assumed name (DBA) + publication (optional) | $50 online/in-person or $30 by mail + newspaper cost | Publication cost varies by newspaper. |
| Registered agent (service optional) | $0 DIY or about $100 to $150 per year | Mainly for privacy and compliance convenience. |
| Reinstatement (if you miss renewal) | $85 online/in-person or $65 by mail | Cost to restore active status after becoming inactive. |
Don’t let the $0 annual renewal make this feel optional. File it any time during the calendar year instead of waiting for late December. If you miss the deadline and your LLC becomes inactive, you may need to file reinstatement and pay a fee ($65 by mail or $85 online/in-person) to return to active status.
Minnesota LLC state filing fees (domestic and foreign)
Minnesota’s state fees fall into a few simple buckets: the one-time Articles of Organization to create your LLC, optional name/DBA filings, small fees to fix or update records, and a separate Certificate of Authority if your LLC is formed in another state. All of these go through the Minnesota Secretary of State, which publishes an official fee schedule for LLCs. If you also want a step-by-step checklist, our guide to starting an LLC in Minnesota shows how these fees fit into the full formation process.
Minnesota Articles of Organization filing fee
The Articles of Organization are the core formation document for an LLC in Minnesota. Once the Secretary of State accepts this filing, your LLC legally exists and will appear in Minnesota’s public business database. You pay this fee one time when you first form the company.
| Filing method | Required? | Fee (2025) | Who you pay | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By mail | Yes | $135 | Minnesota Secretary of State | Cheapest option; standard processing. |
| Online / in person | Yes | $155 | Minnesota Secretary of State | Includes automatic expedited handling; fastest way to form a Minnesota LLC. |
In practice, we usually chooses the filing method based on speed versus cost. If we need the LLC active quickly, he files online because it includes expedited handling. If timing is flexible, he files by mail to save the $20 difference.
When Aaron submits online, the payment step routes through U.S. Bank. He saves the Order Number immediately and downloads the stamped documents right away, since the Secretary of State notes that transaction history and download links are only available for a limited time (commonly shown as 90 days). He also makes sure the browser allows cookies and pop-ups before starting, because those settings can block the filing flow.
You can confirm the current amounts on the Secretary of State’s Business Filing and Certification Fee Schedule page. If you want a deeper primer, our certificate of organization guide explains what this document includes and how it works in other states too.
Name reservation costs (optional)
A name reservation simply holds your LLC name before you file the Articles of Organization. It does not form the LLC, it does not create liability protection, and it does not permanently register the name. Minnesota holds a reserved name for 12 months, and you can renew it for additional 12-month periods if you still are not ready to form.
Before paying for a reservation, we always run a quick search in Minnesota’s business filings database to confirm the name is actually available. If the name is available and our launch timeline is still weeks or months out, reserving the name can prevent someone else from grabbing it first.
| Filing type | Required? | Fee (2025) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation by mail | No | $35 | You want to lock a name but aren’t ready to form the LLC yet. |
| Name reservation online / in person | No | $55 | Same purpose, but processed immediately with expedited handling. |
When it makes sense to reserve the name
- Your launch date is still a few months away.
- You are waiting on partners, funding, approvals, or a lease.
- You need time to finalize branding, a website domain, or marketing materials.
When it is smarter to skip it
- You are ready to file the Articles of Organization now.
- You would rather pay one state fee instead of paying for a reservation plus formation.
- You only need the name secured for a day or two, and you can file the Articles immediately.
DBA filing costs for a Minnesota LLC (plus publication)
If you plan to operate your Minnesota LLC under a name that is different from its legal LLC name, you typically need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name (Minnesota’s version of a DBA) with the Minnesota Secretary of State. After the filing is accepted, Minnesota requires a separate newspaper publication step, which is why the total DBA cost is usually more than the state filing fee alone.
| Cost item | Typical amount | Who you pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Assumed Name – by mail | $30 | Minnesota Secretary of State | Cheapest filing option; slower processing. |
| Certificate of Assumed Name – online / in person | $50 | Minnesota Secretary of State | Faster; processed immediately. |
| Newspaper publication (2 issues) | ~$60–$120 total (varies) | Local legal newspaper | Must publish for two consecutive issues in a qualified legal newspaper in your county. |
After you file a Certificate of Assumed Name, Minnesota requires you to publish the certificate in a qualified legal newspaper for two consecutive issues in the county where your principal place of business is located. After publication, the newspaper provides an affidavit of publication. You should keep the affidavit with your LLC records, and the Secretary of State notes you do not need to submit it to the state. Minnesota also warns that failure to publish may render the filing invalid.
If you are not sure whether to rely on a DBA or form a separate LLC, our LLC vs DBA comparison breaks down liability, naming, and cost trade-offs.
Extra State Fees to Correct or Amend
If you change or fix information after formation, Minnesota charges modest filing fees. These amounts are the same for domestic and foreign LLCs under Chapter 322C.
| Filing type | Typical reason | By mail | Online / in person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment | Change LLC name, management details, or other Articles items | $35 | $55 |
| Change of registered office and/or agent | Update registered office address or switch registered agent | $35 | $55 |
| Articles of Correction (misc. corrections) |
Fix a mistake in a previously filed document | $35 | $55* |
Registering an out-of-state LLC to Do Business in Minnesota
If your LLC is formed in another state but has an office, employees, or regular operations in Minnesota, you must register it as a foreign LLC by filing a Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This filing makes your out-of-state LLC legally allowed to transact business in Minnesota.
- $185 – Certificate of Authority filed by mail
- $205 – Certificate of Authority filed online or in person (expedited by default)
You’ll usually need to include a recent Certificate of Good Standing (or similar document) from your home state when you submit this filing.
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Ongoing Minnesota LLC Costs after Formation
After formation, Minnesota keeps things simple. For most LLC in Minnesota owners, the only regular state-level obligation is a $0 annual renewal, plus occasional small fees if you change the registered office/agent, reinstate an inactive LLC, or formally dissolve the company.
Minnesota LLC Annual Renewal Filing
Every active Minnesota LLC must file an annual renewal with the Minnesota Secretary of State by December 31. If you file on time and your LLC is active and in good standing, the state currently charges $0 for the renewal.
If you skip the renewal, Minnesota can mark your LLC inactive and later administratively dissolve or terminate it. If that happens, you can usually restore the same LLC by filing the current renewal and a reinstatement filing. However, Minnesota also warns that reinstatement is only possible if your LLC name is still available, so we recommend filing early instead of waiting until late December.
| Status | What you file | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Active LLC, renewal filed on time | Annual Renewal | $0 |
| LLC inactive or administratively dissolved |
Annual Renewal + Reinstatement filing |
$65 by mail or $85 online/in person |
*The annual renewal form and instructions are available on the Minnesota LLC forms page.
Minnesota Registered Agent/Office Change Fees
If you move your registered office or switch to a new registered agent service, you must file a change with the Minnesota Secretary of State. This filing is only required when your registered office address or agent information actually changes.
- $35 to file by mail
- $55 to file online or in person
Many commercial registered agent services will prepare and file this change for you when you hire them or replace a previous agent.
Minnesota LLC Reinstatement Costs
When we walk through Minnesota LLC compliance, the most common issue we see is missing an annual renewal. If Minnesota administratively dissolves your LLC for missing one or more renewals, the good news is you can usually reinstate the same LLC instead of forming a brand-new one. To reinstate, you file the current annual renewal and pay the reinstatement fee.
- $65 to reinstate by mail
- $85 to reinate online or in person
You do not need to pay the Articles of Organization fee again. Reinstatement simply restores the same Minnesota LLC to active status and good standing.
*Note: Reinstatement fees are based on the Minnesota Secretary of State LLC Annual Renewal form (Rev. 7/1/2025).
Minnesota LLC Dissolution Fees
When you’re ready to shut down, you should formally dissolve the LLC with the Secretary of State so it stops showing as active and no further renewals are expected. Under Minnesota’s fee schedule, dissolution-related filings for LLCs line up with other Chapter 322C filings.
| Filing | Purpose | By mail | Online / in person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolution / intent-to-dissolve-type filing for LLC | Start winding up the LLC | $35 | $55 |
| Termination / final removal from records | Remove the LLC from active status after winding up | $35 | $55 |
You should also close tax accounts with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and cancel any local licenses so you’re not billed after the LLC is gone.
If you are not sure whether you needed a license in the first place, our guide on whether an LLC needs a business license explains how licensing works for LLCs in different states.
Minnesota Registered Agent and Formation Service Costs
Every Minnesota LLC must list a registered office and a registered agent with a Minnesota street address. If you want to keep costs low, you can act as your own registered agent for $0. If you want more privacy and fewer compliance headaches, you can hire a registered agent service to receive legal and state mail and keep your home address off the public record. Typical commercial services run about $100 to $300 per year, often landing near $100 to $150 annually for basic coverage.
One Minnesota-specific detail that trips people up is the address rule. Minnesota’s annual renewal form is clear that a PO Box alone is not acceptable for the registered office address, and it also says a PO Box alone is not acceptable for the principal executive office address. If you only have a PO Box, move often, or prefer not to use your home address, a registered agent service can help you meet the street-address requirement consistently.
And you can compare the best Minnesota LLC services we’ve reviewed to see which formation and registered agent bundles fit your budget.
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Other Common Minnesota LLC startup and Running Costs
Outside state filing fees, we find most Minnesota LLC budgets go to IDs, basic legal documents, licensing, banking and tools, insurance, and taxes. For many owners, taxes and payroll compliance become the largest long-term costs once the business is active.
Quick cost snapshot (non–state-fee items)
| Category | Typical range to budget |
|---|---|
| EIN | $0 (DIY with IRS) or $50 to $300 via services |
| BOI report (Corporate Transparency Act) | $0 (DIY, only if it applies) |
| Operating agreement and legal | $0 to $150 DIY, or $400 to $1,500+ with attorney help |
| Licenses and permits | $0 to $500+, more for regulated industries |
| Bank account, software, insurance | Often $100 to $300+ per month combined for a small, active LLC |
| Taxes and payroll (state-level impact) | Owner income tax (state and federal), sales tax if applicable, and payroll compliance if you hire |
EIN Cost for a Minnesota LLC
We always start with this because it is one of the easiest “free wins.” The IRS issues EINs at no cost if you apply directly through the IRS website. Third-party services and formation companies typically charge for convenience, often $50 to $300, or they bundle it into a paid package.
BOI Reporting (Corporate Transparency Act)
A lot of older LLC guides treat BOI reporting like a standard step for every new LLC. We do not frame it that way anymore because the rules changed.
As of March 2025, FinCEN’s interim final rule removed BOI reporting requirements for entities created in the United States and for U.S. persons. For a typical Minnesota-formed LLC, that means BOI filing is generally not required right now. Foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. may still have obligations, so we always verify the latest guidance directly on FinCEN before assuming a filing is required.
Cost: $0 if you file it yourself, when it applies.
Operating Agreement and Legal Help
Minnesota does not charge a fee for an operating agreement, but we still treat it as a must-have document if you want clean ownership rules and fewer disputes later.
Typical budget ranges we see:
- DIY template: $0 to $150 (free or paid templates)
- Attorney review: often $400 to $650
- Fully custom agreement: commonly $500 to $1,500+
Business Licenses and Permits
Minnesota does not have one single statewide general business license, but many industries and many cities or counties require their own licenses or permits.
A practical budget range looks like this:
- Some small, low-risk LLCs: $0 at startup
- Typical local or state licensing for small service businesses: roughly $50 to $500+ total
- Heavily regulated sectors (food, daycare, certain trades, alcohol): often higher due to multiple permits, inspections, and renewals
If you are comparing locations, our state-by-state business license cost guide can help you see how Minnesota compares.
Bank Account, Bookkeeping Software, and Basic Insurance
Even when Minnesota’s state fees are low, we find most active LLCs still pay something here.
Common monthly ranges:
- Business checking: $0 to $30 per month, often waived with minimum balance or through online banks
- Bookkeeping software: about $40 to $120 per month for a small LLC
- Basic insurance: many small businesses pay about $40 to $100 per month for general liability; bundled BOP policies often run around $50 to $80 per month
Minnesota LLC Tax-related Costs
For most Minnesota LLC owners we work with, taxes become the biggest ongoing cost once revenue is steady.
- Income tax: Profits typically pass through to the owners and are taxed on Minnesota individual returns at progressive rates (about 5.35% to 9.85% for 2026), plus federal tax.
- Minnesota Minimum Fee: This is Minnesota-specific and is based on Minnesota property, payroll, and sales, not profit. For 2026, it is $0 below $1,280,000 and ranges up to $12,830 at the top bracket (inflation-adjusted annually).
- Sales tax: State rate is 6.875%, and local taxes can increase the total rate. This only applies if you sell taxable goods or services.
- If you have employees: Plan for Minnesota withholding, UI (2026 taxable wage base $44,000 per employee), and Minnesota Paid Leave premiums (2026 premium rate 0.88%).
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This section is for general information only and is not tax or legal advice. Actual obligations depend on your specific situation, so always confirm details with a qualified tax professional or business attorney and check the latest guidance from the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Secretary of State.
FAQs: Minnesota LLC Costs and Common Money Questions
These FAQs cover the most common cost questions people have when starting or running an LLC in Minnesota. Use this section as a simple reference when you’re budgeting for formation, yearly costs, and other business expenses. If you need deeper detail, you can always jump back to the full sections above.
What is the total cost to start an LLC in Minnesota for most small businesses?
If you file DIY, the required state cost to form a Minnesota LLC is $135 by mail or $155 online/in person.
In our experience, many small businesses end up around $250 to $500 in the first year once you add optional items like a registered agent service, basic documents, and tools. Your total depends mostly on how much you outsource.
How much does it cost each year to keep a Minnesota LLC active?
Minnesota’s annual renewal is $0, but you still must file the renewal by December 31 each year to stay active.
Most ongoing cost usually comes from optional items like a registered agent (often paid annually) and normal business expenses, not from the state. If you miss the renewal and need reinstatement, the state charges $65 by mail or $85 online/in person.
Can I form a Minnesota LLC for almost free if I’m on a very tight budget?
You cannot skip the state filing fee, so the true minimum is $135 by mail or $155 online/in person if you do everything yourself.
Beyond that, you can keep costs low by acting as your own registered agent (if you have a compliant street address), using a simple operating agreement, and getting a free EIN directly from the IRS.
Are Minnesota LLC formation and ongoing costs tax-deductible?
Often, yes, but not always as a full immediate write-off. The IRS generally treats many business expenses as deductible, and it also has specific rules for start-up and organizational costs. You can often elect to deduct up to $5,000 of start-up costs and up to $5,000 of organizational costs, with phase-outs if costs exceed certain thresholds, and then amortize the remaining amounts.
Because the “right” treatment depends on your facts, we recommend confirming with a tax pro before you file.
For a broader look at how LLCs can reduce your overall tax bill, see our guide to LLC tax benefits before you choose a structure.
What happens to my LLC and what will it cost if I miss the annual renewal deadline?
If you don’t file Minnesota’s $0 annual renewal, the state can mark your LLC inactive and eventually administratively dissolve it. In our experience, the cleanest fix is to file the current annual renewal and pay the reinstatement fee to restore the same LLC to good standing, rather than starting over. The reinstatement fee is currently $65 by mail or $85 online or in person.
Minnesota also warns that keeping your registration active helps you avoid reinstatement fees and reduces the risk of your business name being taken while you are inactive. One extra detail we watch for is timing. The fee schedule notes that an entity that has been inactive for more than six years cannot be reinstated online.
Our LLC annual report guide covers typical deadlines, fees, and penalties in other states so you can see how Minnesota compares.
Is it cheaper to form my LLC in another state instead of Minnesota and then do business there?
For most small, local businesses, usually no. If you live and operate in Minnesota but form your LLC elsewhere, you will often still need to register it in Minnesota as a foreign LLC by filing a Certificate of Authority ($185 by mail or $205 online/in person).
- Minnesota Secretary of State: Assumed Name/DBA
- Minnesota Secretary of State: Start a Business in Minnesota
- Minnesota Secretary of State: Renewing Your Business
- Minnesota Department of Revenue: Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) tax guidance
- Minnesota Department of Revenue: Minimum Fee
- Minnesota DEED: Business Licenses and Permits
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance: UI Employer Handbook
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Doing Business in the Minnesota District
Looking for an overview? See Minnesota LLC Services
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