How to register a business in Minnesota

How to register a business in Minnesota

Founders who need to register their business with the state can often save time and money by doing it themselves instead of using a filing service.

Entrepreneurs who already know the business structure they need (LLC, S Corp, C Corp, Cooperative, etc.), and have all their information together can simply head to the Secretary of State website to create a free account, file, and pay online or upload and mail a PDF version.

Founders simply enter the following information: 

• Organization name
• Registered office or agent (if applicable)
• An email for official notices
• Organizer’s name and street address

From there, it's easy to apply for an employee identification number (EIN), which is required to open a business bank account. And with an EIN, founders can get a Minnesota Tax ID, which is required to track the collection of sales tax and employee tax withholding.

There are plenty of nuances in business formation including structure, nonprofit status, naming conventions, and how to register with multiple founders. Elevate Hennepin idea-stage advisors can offer guidance at no cost to determine when and how founders should proceed.