Area Development
Corporate income tax:
The corporate rate is 9.8 percent of net taxable income in the state. Income is apportioned using single sales factor apportionment (i.e., sales weighted at 100 percent).

{{RELATEDLINKS}} Sales and use taxes:
The general statewide sales and use tax rate is 6.875 percent. Capital equipment (machinery and equipment) used in the manufacturing process has an upfront exemption from these taxes. Other major exemptions for businesses include fees for equipment installation and many other services. Utilities, chemicals, and gases used in industrial production are exempt.

For qualified data centers, the following purchases are exempt: Enterprise information technology equipment, electricity used in the operation of the center, and computer software (refund). A qualified data center is a facility in Minnesota that consists of at least 25,000 square feet and an investment of at least $30 Million to include construction or refurbishment, investment in information technology equipment, and software within a 48 month period.

Property tax:
Local governments tax all real property not specifically exempted. Most commercial and industrial property is assessed at 1.5 percent of the first $150,000 of market value and 2 percent of the remainder. Varying tax rates are set by localities. Personal property is generally exempt from the property tax. Local property tax abatements are available for eligible economic development projects.

Research and development:
Businesses that paid certain research and development (R&D) expenses in Minnesota may qualify for the Increasing research Activities or “R&D Credit.” The amount of the credit is equal to 10 percent of qualifying expenses up to $2 Million and 2.5 percent thereafter. Qualifying expenses include R&D expenses that occurred in Minnesota and that qualify for the federal R&D credit and contributions to nonprofit organizations that make grants to technically innovative companies in Minnesota during their development stage.

Sales and use exemptions:
In addition to the sales tax exemption for manufacturers' capital equipment, sales of property delivered outside the state are exempt from sales tax under certain conditions. Materials used or consumed in agricultural, industrial, or services production for retail sale and petroleum products subject to other excise taxes are exempt from sales and use taxes.

Property tax exemptions:
Personal property, such as inventories, stocks of merchandise, and most machinery and equipment installed for business purposes, is exempt from property taxation. Tax increment financing is common and tax abatements are available on a limited basis. Certain property used for pollution control purposes is exempt from property taxation.

Business Development Specialists
Our business development specialists are stationed in the Twin Cities metro area and key regions throughout the state. They work closely with companies of all types to help them locate and expand in communities throughout Minnesota.

Our clients include: State Contact: Business Development Office
651-259-7432
economic.development@state.mn.us
Incentive and tax information is provided to Area Development by each state's economic development or commerce agency for information purposes only and is subject to revision at any time by the state government. Please contact the state agency directly for full requirements and offerings. This information was last updated October 2015.