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Employer Registration in Minnesota: Cost, Steps & How to File

If you're planning to register as an employer in Minnesota, the process is more paperwork than it needs to be — but it's paperwork with a predictable pattern. This guide walks through the Minnesota steps in plain English, with real fee amounts and the specific state office to file with.

Typical cost

Free

Timeline

1–14 days

Renewal

No renewal — ongoing quarterly filings

Who needs it

any business with W-2 employees

Steps to register as an employer in Minnesota

Step 1: Get an EIN from the IRS if you don't already have one (free, online, immediate)
Step 2: Register with the state's employment/labor department for unemployment insurance (SUTA) tax
Step 3: Register with the state's department of revenue for state income tax withholding
Step 4: Register for workers' compensation insurance — required in almost every state, even for 1 employee
Step 5: Report new hires within 20 days to the state's new hire directory (federal requirement enforced by the state)
Step 6: Set up payroll processing (Gusto, ADP RUN, or manual quarterly 941 filings)

Required documents

EIN
First hire date
Estimated quarterly payroll
Workers' comp policy

Where to file in Minnesota

Business filings: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens
Secretary of State: https://www.sos.state.mn.us
Tax authority: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us
Labor/workforce: https://www.dli.mn.gov

Heads up: Once you've filed, keep a copy of your employer registration in your business records. Minnesota agencies periodically request proof during audits, tax filings, or when you apply for related permits, and reproducing a lost filing costs more than the original.

Related permits in Minnesota

LLC Formation in Minnesota Sales Tax Registration in Minnesota

Frequently asked questions

How much does a employer registration cost in Minnesota?

Typical cost ranges from Free. The exact fee depends on your specific business type, city, and any expedited processing you choose.

How long does it take to get a employer registration in Minnesota?

Most Minnesota applications complete in 1–14 days. Same-day or next-day processing is often available for an added fee at the state level.

Do I need a employer registration if I'm just starting a home business in Minnesota?

In most cases, yes — even home-based businesses in Minnesota are subject to the same state filing rules. Local rules (city and county) may add a home occupation permit on top.

This page reflects general Minnesota filing rules as of 2026. Fees and processing times change; verify the current amounts with the linked state agency before filing.