Starting a nonprofit in Minnesota

Incorporation

Filing

Articles of Incorporation — Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation (Chapter 317A)

Agency

Minnesota Secretary of State

State fee

$70 — never marked up by us

Processing

Online/in-person: about 1 business day; mail: 1–2 weeks

Expedite

Online and in-person filings are $90 and processed as expedited (mail is $70, slower)

Watch out

• The state's articles template does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses — Chapter 317A's minimum requirements fall short of what the IRS demands, so the clauses must be added.
• Minnesota requires at least 3 directors.
• The annual renewal is free but NOT optional — miss it and the state administratively dissolves the corporation (reinstatement runs $25–$45).

Ongoing compliance

Registered agent

Minnesota is unusual: a registered agent is optional for nonprofits — you may list just a registered office address. Most orgs still name one for reliable service of process.

Charitable registration

Required — Minnesota Attorney General, Charities Division. Initial: $25. Renewal: Annual — report with $25 fee, due the 15th day of the 7th month after fiscal year end. Required once contributions exceed $25,000 a year or the organization uses paid staff or professional fundraisers.

Annual report

Annual renewal by December 31 — $0 (free)

State tax exemption

Apply to the Department of Revenue (Form ST16) for sales tax exempt status on purchases; income tax exemption follows the IRS determination. Lodging and some local taxes still apply.