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Minnesota New Employer Information

Congratulations on your decision to become a new employer in Minnesota! You will need a few things in place before you run your first payroll. For help registering your business in Minnesota, check out our partner, CorpNet.

Federal and State Tax Accounts

Federal Tax Accounts:

Apply for an EIN View Details

Apply for an employer identification number (also known as an EIN or FEIN) if you don’t already have one. The simplest (and preferred) way is to apply for an EIN with the IRS online. There is no cost to apply.
To read more about applying for EINs, read our help article, “Your Step-by-step Guide on How to Apply for EIN”

Enroll in EFTPS View Details

Although it is not required, we recommend that you register for this federal tax paying system. You can easily register online. This account will be helpful for you to make tax payments online, or view whatever tax filings have been made on your behalf by Patriot.
To find out more about the EFTPS, please read our article, “What Is EFTPS?”

State of Minnesota Tax Accounts:

Register With Minnesota Department of Revenue View Details

Minnesota new employers can apply online here. You will be assigned a 7-digit tax ID number.
You will also want to sign up for e-Services with the Department of Revenue to file your state income taxes (SIT).

Register With Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program View Details

You can apply online using the Employer Self-Service website. Minnesota issues new employers an 8-digit employer account number, a user ID, and a password for use with the online system.

Get Your SUTA Tax Rate View Details

Employers in Minnesota will receive a State Unemployment Tax Assessment rate every year.
Your new employer rate is based on the average rate for the employer’s industry. You can view rates by industry on Minnesota’s website.
To learn more about SUTA rates, please read our article “What Is SUTA Tax?”

Setting Up Your New Employee:

Fill Out Form I-9 View Details

Have your employees fill out the required Form I-9. Note: You must retain each employee’s completed Form I-9 as long as the individual works for you. For more information, please read “Form I-9 In a Nutshell” and “What Should Be in an Employee File?”

Have Employee Fill Out Federal Form W-4 View Details

Employees need to fill out the Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, for federal income taxes.
For more information, read our help article, “What Is a W-4 Form, and What Is it Used for?”

Have Employee Fill out Form W-4MN View Details

Employees should complete the MN Employee Withholding Exemption Certificate for state income taxes (SIT).

Report New Hires View Details

You can report new hires online with the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Meet Minimum Wage Requirements View Details

In 2024, the large employer (employers with gross revenues of $500,000 or more) wage is $10.85 per hour and the small employer (employers with gross revenues of under $500,000) wage is $8.85 per hour.
You need to display the minimum wage poster for your employees where they can read it.

Once you have all the necessary information, you will be able to set up your payroll for your business.

You will want to keep all payroll records for at least three years. For more information please read our help article, “What Employers Should Know About Employee Payroll Records”

Let us know if you have any questions; we are here to help!

This is not an all-inclusive list for new employers. Please check with the federal, state, and local governments for more information.

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