The inevitable tax filing arrives each year proving once again, “the only sure things in life are death and taxes.” Minnesota’s state government makes the burden easier with online resources.

Whether you need a form or information about Minnesota state taxes or local Minnesota taxes, you’re only a click away. The tax law remains complicated through variations in taxes at the county and city level. Also track various fees and special taxes according to goods sold. When filing taxes, consider the following:

1. Register if you don't have a business tax ID for Minnesota state taxes.

2. Find the Minnesota tax forms specific to your business.

3. Choose business specific sales and use tax information from Minnesota state and local tax resources.

4. E-file your taxes for most situations.

5. Resolve tax disputes with the help of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register your business online to obtain a tax ID for paying Minnesota state taxes

You need a taxable ID if you make taxable sales, withhold income tax, pay special taxes and so forth. To apply you'll need a FEIN if applicable, legal or sole-proprietor name, business name (DBA), legal name or sole-proprietor name and address, NAICS code, names with Social Security numbers of key owners and officers and an email address.

I recommend: To find out if you need a Minnesota tax ID check the short list at Do I need a Minnesota tax ID? To apply for an ID online, follow the instructions on Welcome to Business Tax Registration.

Choose the right Minnesota state tax forms and tax rate charts

Download the correct forms needed for your business by selecting from the list. A second state resource provides the taxable amount based on 6.5 to 15.65%. As applicable, some forms include Hennepin County and other Minneapolis tax rates.

I recommend: For current Minnesota state tax forms, worksheets and instructions download the correct PDF tax form. Click the applicable rate under Sales tax rate charts for combined state and local sales rates.

Find city and country tax rates in Minnesota tax information for local and use taxes

Certain counties and cities have different rates for items such as sales and use tax, liquor, lodging, restaurant and entertainment tax. These local Minnesota taxes pertain to retail sales and services provided within the county or city.

I recommend: Click on #164 for rates covering Local Sales and Use Taxes or #164S that pertains to Special Local Taxes: Minneapolis, Rochester, St. Cloud and St. Paul at Taxes.State.MN.US.

Figure your tax obligation by tax type in Minnesota state and local tax resources

Select a category from a list that includes air emissions fee, alcoholic beverage tax, cigarette and tobacco tax, insurance taxes, partnership tax and a host of others. After selecting, choose the pertinent PDF file.

I recommend: For specific tax information by type with Minnesota tax forms and instructions, publications and help, click on the tax type under "Information by Tax Type."

Use e-file for Minnesota state tax filing

File particular business taxes online. This includes sales and use, petroleum, withholding and Minnesota care taxes. You'll first need an active Minnesota tax ID. To make payments have ready your bank routing and account numbers. The webpage includes a step-by-step filing and payment guide.

I recommend: For instructions about e-filing and to file electronically see e-File Minnesota.

For resolving disputes about Minnesota state and local taxes contact the Advocate office

The Taxpayer Rights Advocate office helps problem solving while promoting taxpayer issues and concerns to the government. The site also contains PDF files on the audit process and taxpayer rights.

I recommend: Save for your records the office hours, phone number or mailing address for the Taxpayer Rights Advocate at the Department of Revenue.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Minnesota local tax for Cook County's 1% sales and use tax expires in March 2008.