How much does it cost to start an LLC in Minnesota in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Minnesota requires a one-time initial filing fee of $155 paid to the Minnesota Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $194.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Minnesota LLC?

Minnesota charges an annual report fee of $0 filed on a none basis (due December 31 annually (Annual Renewal)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Minnesota.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Minnesota LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Minnesota LLC is approximately $350. This includes initial formation ($155), recurring none reports ($0), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Minnesota?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Minnesota, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Minnesota. In Minnesota, the foreign qualification filing fee is $205 plus ongoing maintenance of $0/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Minnesota LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $155. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.

Compare Minnesota vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Minnesota costs $155 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $0/yr in recurring none report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Minnesota LLC costs an estimated $350.

Initial State Filing$155One-time payment

Annual Report$0Due December 31 annually (Annual Renewal)

Franchise Tax$0/yrminimum

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Minnesota Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Minnesota LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $155

Approval speed: Instant online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Minnesota Tax Rule: Minimum fee applies only if Minnesota payroll, property, and sales exceed $1.16M.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

Minnesota already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Minnesota vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$194

Initial formation fee ($155) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$39 /yr avg

No annual report fee

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$350(~$6/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Minnesota.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($194)

$194

Year 1Formation

$39

Year 2Renewal

$39

Year 3Renewal

$39

Year 4Renewal

$39

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $194

State Filing$155

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$155

44% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

0% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

56% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

Save on your Minnesota filing fees & protect your personal privacy

Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Minnesota Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Minnesota LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Minnesota LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateDecember 31 annually (Annual Renewal)Frequency: NONE

Normal TurnaroundInstant onlineExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax5.35% to 9.85%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Minnesota Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Minimum fee applies only if Minnesota payroll, property, and sales exceed $1.16M.

Advantages of a Minnesota LLC

$0 annual renewal fee if filed on time
Fast instant online processing

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

$155 initial online filing fee
Strict December 31 deadline

Founder Pro-Tip for Minnesota

MN Annual Renewal is completely free ($0) if filed before December 31 each year.

Step-by-Step Minnesota LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Minnesota Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a Minnesota Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Minnesota (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($155 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Minnesota Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within Instant online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (December 31 annually (Annual Renewal))

Submit the none report with the $0 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Minnesota with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70