If you're going to operate your business in Minnesota, when you start up you're likely to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC)).

Corporations. If you're doing business as a domestic corporation (a corporation incorporated in Minnesota) in Minnesota, you will be subject to fees when you start up. If you are a domestic corporation, you must pay to the Secretary of State a fee of $160 for articles of incorporation and $60 for a merger. You must also file an annual registration form (no fee).

If you're doing business as a foreign corporation (a corporation incorporated outside Minnesota) in Minnesota, you will be subject to initial fees when you start up. If you are a foreign corporation, you must pay the Secretary of State a fee of $225 for a certificate of authority to do business in the state. The Secretary of State will also collect an annual registration fee of $135 from your foreign corporation if it holds a Minnesota certificate of authority.

Limited liability companies (LLCs). If your company is either a domestic or foreign limited liability company (LLC), you must file articles of organization or a certificate of authority to do business in the state with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

The fee for filing articles of organization is $160. The fee for filing foreign LLC registration application is $185. Annual registration is required, but there is usually no associated fee unless there is a change to report.

Business licenses and fees. Minnesota requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

• collection agencies
• driver training schools
• dry cleaning
• employment agencies
• entertainment agencies
• food handlers
• insurance agent
• real estate appraisers
• trade names, trademarks
• vending machines