How to Apply
Filing Fees
- Domestic: $155 (online or in person); $135 (by mail)
- Foreign: $205 (online or in person); $185 (by paper)
How to Form an LLC
1. Find a Business Name
- Business Search: mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us
Use the Minnesota Business Search Engine to check whether your desired LLC name is already in use. If it is available, the words “No results match the criteria entered” will appear.
Per state law, the name of your business must end with the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” or either abbreviation without periods.[1]
2. Select a Registered Agent
A business entity formed under the laws of Minnesota may designate a registered agent. The registered agent may be a person residing in this state, a domestic corporation,a limited liability company, or a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state.[2]
3. Register the LLC
There are two ways to apply for the registration of your LLC: online or by mail.
Option 1: File Online
Go to mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us to access the state’s Business Online Filing System.
Sign up for an online account by entering your email address and creating a password. After receiving a confirmation email, sign in using your new account.
After signing in, go to the Business Search page on your dashboard. At the bottom of the page, select your desired LLC type to begin registering.
A professional LLC requires separate licensing, registration, or certification issued in the State of Minnesota.
Type in your desired business and LLC designation to search whether it is available. If so, an option to file under the business name will appear.
Provide the name and address of your LLC’s organizer. Add as many as needed.
Provide the full name of your registered agent and the registered office address on the following page.
Enter the name, email address, and phone number of the person who will be receiving the registration documents from the state.
Make sure that all the information you provided is correct, then submit your application. You will then be prompted to pay the filing fee.
Option 2: File By Mail
Complete the appropriate form and send the document to the provided address with an enclosed payment.
Minnesota Limited Liability Company | Articles of Organization – For in-state entities
Filing fee: $135 check or money order made payable to the MN Secretary of State
Mailing address: Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services, First National Bank Building; 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Foreign Limited Liability Company | Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Minnesota – For out-of-state entities
Filing fee: $185 check or money order made payable to the MN Secretary of State
Mailing address: Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services, First National Bank Building; 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101
4. Obtain an EIN
- Apply Online: www.irs.gov
- Apply by Fax/Mail: Form SS-4
Every LLC must apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS in order to begin operating.
5. Write an Operating Agreement
Even though operating agreements are not legally required in Minnesota, it can be helpful to create one for the business’s internal operations.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
6. Choose a Tax Classification
Below are the most common types of LLC tax classification:
- LLC – As an LLC, a sole proprietorship or partnership is considered a “pass-through entity,” which means all profits are taxed as income for the members/owners.
- S-Corporation – All business profits and losses are sent to the shareholders, who must pay income tax. To file as an S-corp, an LLC must file IRS Form 2553 within 75 days of formation.
- C-Corporation – All business profits and losses are filed as a separate corporate entity. To file as a C-corp, an LLC must file IRS Form 8832 within 75 days of formation.
7. File Annual Renewal
Every limited liability company is required to file an Annual Renewal each year. It can be completed online, in person, or by mail.[3]