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How Much Does an LLC Cost in Minnesota?
An LLC in Minnesota costs $155 in Year 1: a $155 state filing fee plus $0 in recurring state fees (Annual renewal, no fee) for the first year. After that it costs $0 per year, for a 5-year state total of $155. That makes Minnesota the 13th cheapest state to form an LLC — the national average Year 1 cost is $220 and the median is $160.
Minnesota LLC Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Cost |
| State filing fee (one-time) | $155 |
| Recurring state fees — Annual renewal, no fee | $0 / yr |
| Year 1 total (filing fee + first year) | $155 |
| 5-year total (filing fee + 5 × annual) | $155 |
How Minnesota Compares to Other States
- Rank: Minnesota is the 13th cheapest state to form an LLC — #13 of 51 jurisdictions by 5-year state cost ($155).
- Year 1 vs the nation: $155 in Year 1 — $65 less than the national average of $220 (median $160).
- 5-year vs the nation: $155 over five years, against a national average of $586 and a median of $350.
- No annual fee: Minnesota charges no recurring annual fee — after the $155 filing fee, the state cost is $0/yr.
- Cheapest in the US: Arizona at $50 over 5 years. Most expensive: California at $4,120.
Minnesota LLC Annual Fees & Franchise Tax
Minnesota charges no recurring annual fee for a standard LLC (Annual renewal, no fee), so after the $155 filing fee your ongoing state cost is $0. The 5-year state total stays at $155, which is why Minnesota ranks among the cheapest states long-term.
No. Minnesota does not charge LLCs a franchise tax or an annual fee — the $155 filing fee is the only state cost for a standard LLC, and the recurring figure is Annual renewal, no fee.
How to Form an LLC in Minnesota (Step by Step)
- Choose a name. Pick a distinguishable name that includes "LLC" and check it is available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you file.
- Appoint a registered agent. Name a person or service with a physical street address in Minnesota who can receive legal mail during business hours — be your own for free, or hire one (see our registered agent guide).
- File your formation document. File the Articles of Organization (called a Certificate of Formation in some states) with the Minnesota Secretary of State and pay the $155 filing fee.
- Create an operating agreement. Not filed with the state, but it records who owns what and how the LLC is run — banks and partners will ask for it.
- Get an EIN. Apply free on the IRS website in about 10 minutes — see our EIN guide. You need it to hire, pay taxes, and open a business account.
- Open a business bank account and stay compliant. Keep business money separate (see our business bank account guide), then keep up with Minnesota's recurring fees — Annual renewal, no fee — so the LLC stays in good standing (see our annual reports guide).
Good to Know About Minnesota LLC Costs
Minnesota requires an annual renewal but charges $0 for it. The $155 filing fee is the only state cost — ever.
File on the official Minnesota Secretary of State site →
Fees verified against official state sources — last checked October 26, 2026.
Minnesota LLC Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Minnesota?
The state filing fee in Minnesota is $155. Adding the first year of recurring state fees (Annual renewal, no fee) brings the Year 1 state cost to $155. Optional extras — a registered agent service, an operating agreement template, or a formation service — cost extra, but the state itself charges $155 in Year 1.
How much does an LLC in Minnesota cost every year?
Minnesota charges no recurring annual fee for a standard LLC (Annual renewal, no fee), so after the $155 filing fee your ongoing state cost is $0. The 5-year state total stays at $155, which is why Minnesota ranks among the cheapest states long-term.
Does Minnesota charge LLCs a franchise tax?
No. Minnesota does not charge LLCs a franchise tax or an annual fee — the $155 filing fee is the only state cost for a standard LLC, and the recurring figure is Annual renewal, no fee.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Minnesota?
Yes. Every LLC in Minnesota must name a registered agent with a physical street address in the state who can receive legal and official mail during business hours. You can be your own agent if you live in Minnesota and are reliably available, or hire a service — typically around $125 per year — to keep your own address off the public record.
What is the cheapest way to form an LLC in Minnesota?
File it yourself on the official Minnesota Secretary of State website, linked on this page. Filing direct costs just the $155 state filing fee (plus the Annual renewal, no fee recurring fee) and skips formation-service markups. Use the free LLC cost calculator on this site first so you know your exact Year 1 and 5-year totals before you file.