How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Minnesota


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Minnesota. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Minnesota to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Minnesota. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Minnesota to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Minnesota?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Minnesota Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Minnesota,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Minnesota is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Minnesota LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Minnesota LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Minnesota, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Minnesota LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Minnesota Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Minnesota that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Minnesota, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Minnesota.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Minnesota?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Minnesota Secretary of State — Business Services, Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St Paul, MN 55103. For online filing, you must log in to the Minnesota Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Minnesota Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Minnesota includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($50 for online filing and $30 for offline filing), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Minnesota, the filing fee of a formation document is $155 (online and $135 by mail or in-person). The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Minnesota Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Minnesota Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that combines the benefits of a corporation with the flexibility and tax advantages of a partnership.
How do I form an LLC in Minnesota?
To form an LLC in Minnesota, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
What information is required in the Articles of Organization in Minnesota?
The Articles of Organization in Minnesota must include the LLC’s name, registered agent, principal place of business, and the names and addresses of the organizers.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Minnesota?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Minnesota by filing a Name Reservation with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
What is a registered agent in Minnesota?
A registered agent in Minnesota is a person or entity that is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in Minnesota?
While not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your LLC in Minnesota to establish ownership and operating procedures.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Minnesota?
The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Minnesota is $155 as of 2021.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Minnesota?
It typically takes 2-3 business days for the Minnesota Secretary of State to process and approve LLC formation documents.
Can I file Articles of Organization for my LLC online in Minnesota?
Yes, you can file Articles of Organization for your LLC online through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC in Minnesota?
You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if your LLC has more than one member or if you plan to hire employees in Minnesota.
Can an LLC be formed by one person in Minnesota?
Yes, a single-member LLC can be formed in Minnesota, and the owner is known as the sole member.
What annual filings are required for an LLC in Minnesota?
LLCs in Minnesota are required to file an Annual Renewal Form and pay a $170 renewal fee to the Secretary of State.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Minnesota after formation?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Minnesota by filing an Amendment to Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Minnesota?
LLCs offer more flexibility in management and profit distribution than corporations in Minnesota, which have stricter formalities and governance requirements.
Can an LLC have multiple owners in Minnesota?
Yes, an LLC in Minnesota can have multiple owners known as members.
Can I use a business address for my LLC in Minnesota?
Yes, you can use a business address as the principal place of business for your LLC in Minnesota.
Are there any naming restrictions for LLCs in Minnesota?
The name of an LLC in Minnesota must be distinguishable from other business entities and cannot include restricted words without proper approval.
Can an LLC have a post office box as its principal place of business in Minnesota?
No, an LLC in Minnesota must have a physical street address as its principal place of business.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Minnesota?
Yes, licensed professionals like doctors, lawyers, and accountants can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Minnesota.
Can I dissolve an LLC in Minnesota?
Yes, you can dissolve an LLC in Minnesota by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State.
Is an operating agreement required for an LLC in Minnesota?
While not required, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your LLC in Minnesota to establish ownership and operating procedures.
Can an LLC convert to a corporation in Minnesota?
Yes, an LLC can convert to a corporation in Minnesota by filing the necessary conversion documents with the Secretary of State.
Can two separate LLCs merge in Minnesota?
Yes, two or more LLCs can merge in Minnesota by filing Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State.
Can an LLC be formed for any type of business in Minnesota?
LLCs in Minnesota can be formed for any lawful purpose and are commonly used for small businesses, real estate holdings, and professional practices.
Can an LLC be domiciled in a state other than Minnesota?
Yes, an LLC can be domiciled in a state other than Minnesota by filing a Foreign LLC registration with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Can an LLC be formed by non-US residents in Minnesota?
Non-US residents can form an LLC in Minnesota, but they may need to appoint a registered agent with a Minnesota address.
Can an LLC be formed for real estate investments in Minnesota?
Yes, LLCs are commonly used for real estate investments in Minnesota due to the liability protection and tax benefits they offer.
Can an LLC be formed for an online business in Minnesota?
Yes, an LLC can be formed for an online business in Minnesota, providing the same benefits of liability protection and flexibility as for traditional businesses.
Can I operate multiple businesses under one LLC in Minnesota?
Yes, you can operate multiple businesses under one LLC in Minnesota as long as they are related and covered by the LLC’s operating agreement.
What is an LLC Article of Organization in Minnesota?
An LLC Article of Organization in Minnesota is a legal document that officially creates a limited liability company in the state.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Minnesota. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Minnesota, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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