State Guide
EIN in Minnesota (MN)
How to get an EIN for your Minnesota business. The EIN is a federal number from the IRS. Non-residents file Form SS-4 with a passport, no SSN required. $49 Standard. $97 Express.
Getting an EIN in Minnesota uses the same federal IRS process as every other state. The EIN is a federal number, not state-specific. Non-residents file Form SS-4 with a passport number, no SSN needed. You form your LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State first. Then the IRS issues your EIN (XX-XXXXXXX). Residents apply free at irs.gov. Non-residents fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627. ein.so files it for $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the 9-digit federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a business. Minnesota does not issue its own EIN. Whether you register your company in Minnesota (MN) or any other state, the EIN comes from the IRS through Form SS-4. The only state-specific step is forming the entity with the Minnesota Secretary of State and, if required, registering with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for state tax. This guide covers both the federal EIN process and the Minnesota-specific context for residents and non-US residents.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| State income tax | 5.35%-9.85% |
| State tax authority | Minnesota Department of Revenue |
| Entity registration | Minnesota Secretary of State |
| Federal EIN source | IRS (same as all 50 states) |
| EIN cost (IRS) | $0 |
| EIN cost (ein.so, non-residents) | $49 Standard / $97 Express |
| IRS EIN fax line | 855-215-1627 |
Federal vs State
Is a Minnesota EIN Different From a Federal EIN?
No. A Minnesota EIN is the same as a federal EIN, because the IRS issues every EIN. The number is identical in format (XX-XXXXXXX) and function in all 50 states. Minnesota does not assign its own EIN. Your federal EIN works nationwide.
Two separate IDs apply to a Minnesota business, and people often confuse them. The federal EIN comes from the IRS and covers federal tax reporting. The Minnesota state tax ID comes from the Minnesota Department of Revenue and covers state-level obligations like sales tax collection or payroll withholding.
| ID | Issued By | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Federal EIN | IRS | Federal taxes, banking, Form SS-4 |
| Minnesota state tax ID | Minnesota Department of Revenue | State sales tax, MN payroll withholding |
You may need both. The EIN does not replace state tax registration, and the state ID does not replace the EIN. A non-resident with a US LLC and no Minnesota physical presence may not need state registration at all. Confirm your Minnesota obligations with a CPA. See state tax ID for the distinction and how to get an EIN for the federal process.
Non-Residents
Can a Non-Resident Get an EIN for a Minnesota LLC Without an SSN?
Yes. A non-US resident gets an EIN for a Minnesota LLC without an SSN or ITIN. You enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method to 855-215-1627. ein.so files it for you.
The IRS online EIN application blocks anyone without an SSN or ITIN. That is the single most common roadblock for foreign founders. The fax method removes that block. You submit a completed Form SS-4 by fax, and the IRS returns your EIN assignment letter (CP 575).
No SSN or ITIN Required
No US Visit Needed
Fax Is the Path
ein.so Files It
Because the EIN is federal and identical everywhere, many non-residents form their LLC in a low-fee state rather than Minnesota. The EIN process does not change either way. If your customers, address, or operations are in Minnesota, registering a Minnesota LLC keeps the structure simple.
How to Apply
How Do You Get an EIN in Minnesota?
You first form your entity with the Minnesota Secretary of State, then apply to the IRS for the EIN. Residents use the instant online tool at irs.gov. Non-residents fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627. The IRS returns an EIN in 4-7 business days for an error-free fax.
Form Your Minnesota Entity
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit and Receive Your EIN
| Method | Speed | Cost | SSN Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (irs.gov) | Instant | $0 | Yes |
| Fax to 855-215-1627 | 4-7 business days | $0 DIY | No |
| Phone (800-829-4933) | Same day | $0 | International callers |
| ein.so Standard | 4-7 business days | $49 | No |
| ein.so Express | 2-3 business days | $97 | No |
The federal process is identical regardless of state. The Minnesota-specific work is only the entity registration. See the full SS-4 form guide and EIN processing time for details.
Cost
How Much Does an EIN in Minnesota Cost?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN in Minnesota or any state. The cost is the time and accuracy of filing. ein.so charges $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days) for non-residents who cannot use the free IRS online tool. Minnesota LLC formation carries a separate Secretary of State fee.
The EIN itself is always free from the IRS. People pay for a service when they cannot use the online tool, want the SS-4 completed correctly, or need a foreign address reformatted to an IRS-accepted style. A rejected SS-4 costs days of delay, which is the real expense the service removes.
| Cost Item | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| EIN (DIY online or fax) | $0 | IRS |
| ein.so Standard EIN filing | $49 | ein.so |
| ein.so Express EIN filing | $97 | ein.so |
| Minnesota LLC formation | Secretary of State fee (confirm current rate) | Minnesota Secretary of State |
| ITIN service (if needed) | $197 Standard / $297 Express | ein.so |
ein.so also files ITIN applications for $197 Standard or $297 Express when a non-resident needs an individual tax ID for treaty claims or other filings. See EIN cost for the full breakdown and apply to start.
Why It Matters
Why Does a Minnesota Business Need an EIN?
A Minnesota business needs an EIN to open a US bank account, file federal taxes, hire employees, and accept payments through processors like Stripe and PayPal. Banks and platforms require the 9-digit EIN before they will work with a US entity, resident-owned or foreign-owned.
The EIN is the federal identifier that links your Minnesota company to the US financial and tax system. Without it, a US LLC cannot function operationally.
Open a US Bank Account
File Federal Taxes
Accept Payments
Hire and Pay Employees
For non-residents, the EIN is the gateway to running a US business remotely. See EIN for non-residents for the full path.
After Approval
What Should a Minnesota Business Do After Getting the EIN?
After getting the EIN, a Minnesota business registers for state tax if required, files its BOI report with FinCEN, opens a US bank account, and sets up annual federal filings. The EIN is the starting point, not the finish line, for US compliance.
Register With the Minnesota Department of Revenue
File Your BOI Report
Open a US Business Bank Account
Set Up Annual Federal Filings
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Work with a US CPA familiar with non-resident filings to confirm your Form 5472, BOI, and Minnesota state obligations. State income tax in Minnesota runs 5.35% to 9.85%, separate from federal tax, so your exact liability depends on your structure and income.
Next Steps
Next Steps for Your EIN in Minnesota
- Apply for your EIN — ein.so files Form SS-4 for non-residents in 4-7 business days ($49) or 2-3 business days ($97)
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept non-resident LLC owners
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Learn the process — read how to get an EIN, the SS-4 form guide, and EIN without SSN
Other states: Maryland | Indiana | Missouri | Wisconsin. Browse all on EIN by State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Minnesota EIN different from a federal EIN?
No. The EIN is a federal number issued by the IRS. It is the same 9-digit number (XX-XXXXXXX) regardless of which state you operate in. Minnesota does not issue its own version of an EIN. Your Minnesota LLC and a Wyoming LLC apply with the identical Form SS-4 process.
Can a non-resident get an EIN for a Minnesota LLC without an SSN?
Yes. Non-US residents get an EIN for a Minnesota LLC without an SSN or ITIN. You enter your passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b and fax the form to the IRS at 855-215-1627. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents use the fax method. ein.so handles this for $49.
How do I get an EIN in Minnesota?
Form your LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State, then apply to the IRS. Residents use the online tool at irs.gov (instant, SSN required). Non-residents fax Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 (4-7 business days). You can also call 800-829-4933. ein.so files the SS-4 for non-residents for $49.
Does Minnesota have a state tax ID separate from the EIN?
Yes. Minnesota issues a state tax registration through the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This is separate from your federal EIN. You may need both: the EIN for federal taxes and the state ID for Minnesota sales tax or payroll withholding. Confirm your specific obligations with a CPA.
How much does it cost to get an EIN in Minnesota?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN. The cost is in the time and the filing. ein.so charges $49 for Standard service (4-7 business days) or $97 for Express (2-3 business days) for non-residents who cannot use the IRS online tool. Minnesota LLC formation has a separate Secretary of State filing fee.
How long does it take to get an EIN for a Minnesota business?
The IRS online tool issues an EIN instantly for SSN holders. Non-residents who fax Form SS-4 wait 4-7 business days for an error-free form. ein.so Standard delivers in 4-7 business days for $49. ein.so Express delivers in 2-3 business days for $97. Forming the Minnesota LLC happens first.
Do I need to live in Minnesota to get an EIN there?
No. The IRS does not require US residency or presence to issue an EIN. You can form a Minnesota LLC and obtain its EIN entirely from abroad. The EIN ties to your business entity, not your location. Many non-residents form LLCs in low-fee states instead, since the EIN is federal.
What does a foreign-owned Minnesota LLC have to file with the IRS each year?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 every year. The penalty for failing to file is $25,000. This is an information return, not always a tax bill. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm your filings with a US CPA.
What is the Minnesota state income tax rate?
Minnesota applies a 5.35% to 9.85% state income tax. This is separate from federal taxes. Your federal EIN handles IRS reporting. Your Minnesota Department of Revenue registration handles state tax. Pass-through LLC income reaches the owner's return; confirm your exact rate and filing duties with a CPA.
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