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Minnesota Basic Business Taxes

Area Development Online Research Desk (Feb/Mar 09)

Corporate income tax:
Corporations pay a tax rate of 9.8 percent of net taxable income in the state. Income is apportioned with sales weighted at 84 percent, and property and payroll weighted at 8 percent each for 2009 (declining to 100 percent sales in 2014).

Sales and use taxes:
The general statewide sales and use tax rate is 6.5 percent through June 30, 2009. Beginning July 1, 2009 the rate is 6.875 percent; 19 communities and six counties have legislative authorization to impose an additional tax ranging from 0.5 percent to 1 percent. Capital equipment for manufacturers is refundable, and machinery for manufacturers and special tooling are exempt.

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. Property tax abatements can be granted for eligible economic development projects.

Research and development:
A deduction against gross income is allowed for research and development expenses. A credit against the tax is allowed for a percentage of qualified expenditures made within Minnesota.

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.

Minnesota State Contact:
Kevin McKinnon
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Office of Business Development,
First National Bank Building 332 Minnesota St., St. Paul, MN 55101
(800) 657-3858 or (651) 259-7432

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.

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