Minnesota registration and tax info

Get help registering for state taxes

We can help you register for state tax accounts after you:

1. Add a work address in the new state in Gusto.
2. Assign that work address to a new or existing employee.
3. Check your Home page for a to-do. If the state requires it, register with the Secretary of State and tell us when it's done.

Cost, timeline, and who can register

The cost, steps, and turnaround time depend on the state. Gusto will show you these details when you start the registration process.

Middesk cannot help if your company is:

• A non-profit that’s not a 501(c)(3)
• A business that left a PEO (Professional Employer Organization)
• A business that bought another business already registered.
• A business that changed its legal entity type (like from LLC to Corp)
• A Limited Partnership (LP) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

What the process looks like

1. You give us some basic business information.
2. Middesk will check your info.
3. Your registration is usually submitted within two business days.
   • State registration with Middesk includes:
     • State income tax (withholding)
     • State unemployment insurance
   • What's not included:
     • Local agency registration
     • Third-Party Agent (TPA) access or Power of Attorney (POA) authorization.
       • If setting up TPA requires online agency portal access:
         • If Middesk has to create an agency account to register your business, you can find the agency portal login details on the Taxes & compliance > Tax setup page in Gusto once registration is complete.
         • If Middesk does not need to create an account, but the agency requires TPA to be set up through their portal, you need to set up the agency portal accounts on your own.
   • After we submit your registration, you may need to answer a verification call from the agency to confirm that the registration request is legitimate.
4. When Middesk gets your tax account information back after registering, they'll enter it in Gusto for you.

Third-Party Access (TPA) and Power of Attorney (POA)reminder

Some state agencies need Gusto to have TPA or a POA on file to file and pay your taxes. Usually, Middesk does not set this up, so you’ll have to do it yourself after registration.

Check the state registration articles to see if TPA or POA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.

• If Middesk has to create an agency account to register your business, you can find the agency portal login details on the Taxes & compliance > Tax setup page in Gusto once registration is complete.
• If Middesk does not need to create an account, but the agency requires TPA to be set up through their portal, you need to set up the agency portal accounts on your own.

The cost, steps, and turnaround time depend on the state. Gusto will show you these details when you start the registration process.

Need help with registration questions?

If you’re not sure how to answer one of the registration questions, check Middesk’s Help Center or email them at [email protected].

How to get started with state tax registration in Gusto:

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Go to Taxes & Compliance and select Tax setup.
3. Under “[State name] Tax Setup”, find the "Let us help you register" banner and click Learn more.
   • The state will only show up if you’ve added a company work address there and assigned an employee to it.
4. Review the price, process, and how long it'll take. We will not charge you until you send in your order.
   • State registration with Middesk includes:
     • State income tax (withholding)
     • State unemployment insurance
   • What's not included:
     • Local agency registration
     • Third-Party Agent (TPA) access or Power of Attorney (POA) authorization.
       • If setting up TPA or POA requires online agency portal access:
         • If Middesk has to create an agency account to register your business, you can find the agency portal login details on the Taxes & compliance > Tax setup page in Gusto once registration is complete.
         • If Middesk does not need to create an account, but the agency requires TPA to be set up through their portal, you need to set up the agency portal accounts on your own.
5. Click Get started on Middesk.
   • Reminder: We can only register for you if you do not already have a state account.
6. Answer some questions about your business, like:
   • Basic info
   • Contact info
   • Company details
   • Address details
   • Officer/owner info
   • State-specific details
7. After you've entered the information, review all the info carefully on the “Review Information” page. Mistakes can delay things.
   • Heads up: State agencies might add fees or take longer than expected. Middesk will notify you if that happens.
8. If everything looks good, click Continue to Gusto.
9. Before you submit the order, review the cost breakdown and total amount again.
   • Middesk will start to process your order after you submit it. They'll email you with order updates, and we'll add the cost to your next monthly bill.
   • At this time, we cannot support order cancellations or refunds.
10. Click Submit.
    • Heads up: After we submit your registration, you may need to answer a verification call from the agency to confirm that the registration request is legitimate. If you do not complete this within 3–5 business days, the order will be canceled and refunded.

• When Middesk gets your tax account information back after registering, they'll enter it in Gusto for you.
• Each state and agency takes a different amount of time to process a registration. To estimate when your state tax account info will be available, check the Post Submission Questions in Middesk's help article.

Important: You may need to give Gusto access

Some states require you to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) or a Power of Attorney (POA) to your tax accounts. Middesk does not do this for you.

• Check the state registration articles to see if TPA or POA is needed. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” or TPA section, it's not needed right now.
• If TPA or POA is needed, and you need access to your online account:
  • If Middesk created the account (to register your business), you can find the login info after registration is complete in Gusto under Taxes & compliance > Tax setup.
  • If Middesk did not create the account, and the state still needs TPA, you must create the portal account yourself.

Need to make a change?

If you already submitted your info but need to fix something, email [email protected] to update it.

When your order is complete, you’ll get emails from Gusto and Middesk. They’ll detail the next steps, which include:

• Reviewing registration details
• Any other state-specific instructions

Before your order is done, you can check the order status in your Gusto account:

1. Sign in to Gusto.
2. Go to Taxes & Compliance select Tax setup.
3. Find the state headline, and just below it, view the order status. It could be:
   • Tax registration in progress (not yet submitted to the state)
   • We need more information
   • The state is working on your order
   • You have existing tax accounts
     • If we find you've already registered for taxes in the state, Middesk will cancel and refund the registration order. Work with the agency to find your tax account details and enter them in Gusto. 
   • Your registration has been completed
   • Your order is on hold 
   • We could not complete your tax registration. 
4. If there is action required, check your email for next steps. 

For most states where tax registration info is sent by physical mail, here's what to expect:

1. Middesk receives agency mail during registration to collect tax details. Your tax account info is later sent to Gusto.
2. Gusto provides a digital mailbox where agency mail that was sent during registration can be viewed.
3. After registration is complete, the agency updates its mailing address to your business address for future mail.
   • Important: In some cases, you'll need to take action to help update the address. We'll send an email or Home page to-do if any action is needed from you.

States—supported by Middesk—that send physical registration mail 

How to view your digital mailbox or tax account credentials

1. Sign in to your admin profile in Gusto.
2. Go to Taxes & Compliance and click Tax Setup. 
3. Find the state where a registration order has been completed, and click Visit Middesk.
   • This option will only appear for states that send physical mail.
4. Here's what you can see in the digital mailbox:
   • Communications: View mail and other agency communication sent during registration or right after.
   • Accounts: View tax account credentials by agency.

Q: Can I run payroll before my registration is done?

A: Yes. You may be asked to enter tax rates and tax deposit frequencies, but you can use temporary info.

Important reminders

• We cannot submit tax payments or filings until all tax account numbers are added in Gusto.
• If you run payroll before finishing registration, you might get notices about late tax payments or filings. Any penalties are your responsibility.
• If you’re only registering for unemployment tax and do not have your rate yet, use the new employer rate for your state in Gusto until you get the correct one. Update the rate once you get it.

Q: I need to change some of the registration information that was submitted. What do I do?

A: Email Middesk at [email protected].

Q: Can I use Gusto to register in a new state without a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)? What if my business is merging or being acquired?

A: No, you need a FEIN in Gusto to get registration help for state taxes.

If your business is merging or being acquired, Middesk cannot help with registration. You'll need to work with a tax advisor and state agencies directly.

Q: What if I'm not liable for unemployment tax yet?

A: If you want Middesk to start setting up an unemployment account number before you're liable, you can:

• Use today’s date as the first date the employee(s) in the new state will be paid. 
• Enter the start date of the quarter you expect to meet the liability threshold.
  • Check the state’s liability info in the Register on your own section (go to the SUI dropdown). If there’s no info, contact the state agency directly.

Q: Can Middesk help if the responsible party is international without an ITIN or SSN?

A: No. Middesk cannot help in this scenario, you'll need to register on your own. 

Q: Why am I unable to enter 0% ownership for the responsible party or add a commercial owner?

A: Some states have a 1% minimum for the responsible party's ownership percentage. These states include ID, KS, MN, OH, SC, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, and RI.

You’ll need to place registration orders directly with Middesk outside of Gusto or register directly with the agency.

Some states require an individual owner to be listed. If you’re a non-profit or unsure, contact Middesk for help at [email protected].

Q: When will my tax account information be available?

A: Each state and agency takes a different amount of time to process a registration. To estimate when your state tax account info will be available, check the Post Submission Questions in Middesk's help article.

Q: Where can I find my tax information?

A: You can find your tax info in several places: 

• In Gusto: Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup, then scroll to state tax setup.
• In your state’s online portal: Find your account details there.
  
  • You may need to create accounts on your own, but Middesk does this when it's required to register. Go to the Post Submission Questions in the Middesk help article to see which agencies they'll create credentials for.  
    • If Middesk has to create an agency account to register your business, you can find the agency portal login details on the Taxes & compliance > Tax setup page in Gusto once registration is complete.
• By mail: Some agencies send tax info by mail. If that happens, Middesk will let you know, and you'll need to enter this info in Gusto.

Gusto’s state tax registration service does not contain tax, legal, financial, or HR advice. Since rules and regulations change over time and can vary by location, consult a lawyer, HR expert, or accountant for specific guidance.

Q: Does Middesk help with giving Gusto third-party access (TPA) or Power of Attorney (POA) for tax payments?

A: Some state agencies need Gusto to have TPA or POA access to file and pay your taxes. Usually, Middesk does not set this up, so you’ll have to do it yourself after registration.

Check the state registration articles to see if TPA or POA is needed and how to set it up. If there's no “Authorize Gusto” section, then TPA is not needed right now.

If setting up TPA or POA requires online agency portal access:

• If Middesk has to create an agency account to register your business, you can find the agency portal login details on the Taxes & compliance > Tax setup page in Gusto once registration is complete.
• If Middesk does not need to create an account, but the agency requires TPA to be set up through their portal, you need to set up the agency portal accounts on your own.

Q: Does Middesk help close state tax accounts?

A: No, you'll need to close the tax account yourself.

Q: Can I cancel my Middesk order?

A: At this time, we do not support order cancellations or refunds.

Q: What is Middesk's phone number?

A: To get support from Middesk, you must email them at [email protected]. They can help with registration-specific questions, or changing info that's already been submitted. For all other questions, you can message Gusto.

• Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) – income tax withholding
• Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (UI) – unemployment tax and Paid Leave

You need to register for withholding (income) tax with the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR). You should get your account number right after registering.

1. Go to the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
2. Scroll down to “Business Registration” and click Get a Minnesota Tax ID Number.
   • Learn more about MN Tax ID requirements.
   • View eligible tax types for online registration.
3. Before you continue, make sure you have:
   • Your Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN)
   • Your business name and address
   • Your business's NAICS code (an industry classification code)
   • The names and Social Security numbers of business officers
   • A contact name and email
4. Scroll down and click Next.
5. Fill out all the required information to finish registering.
6. After you finish registering, give Gusto third-party access (TPA) so we can file and pay these taxes for you.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

After a work address in Minnesota is assigned to one or more employees, you can add your tax account information:

1. Go to the Taxes & Compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Find "Minnesota Tax Setup" and click Manage taxes.
3. Next to "Tax ID Number" click Edit and enter your withholding account number.
4. Click Save.

If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have already been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.

In Minnesota, most businesses must start paying unemployment tax after paying one Minnesota-employee at least $1.00.

• The type of business you have (general, non-profit, etc.) may affect when you need to start paying. It's a good idea to contact the unemployment agency to know when you’re responsible for paying the tax.
• Owners or officers with 25% or more of the company should work with the agency to see if they're exempt from unemployment insurance. Make sure the agency knows who these owners are. If they’re exempt, you can set up an exemption for them in Gusto.

Running payroll in Gusto before you're required to pay unemployment tax

If you need to run payroll but do not yet meet the requirements, Gusto lets you enter the new employer rate for Minnesota temporarily. Update the rate once you get it. You can also check Minnesota's website for new employer rates by business type.

Register for unemployment tax and Paid Leave

Minnesota has two account types (starting the third quarter of 2024):

• Joint Unemployment/Paid Leave accounts
• Paid-Leave-Only accounts

Most businesses will have one account, but some businesses may have two Employer Account Numbers (EANs). This happens when some employees need both Unemployment Insurance and Paid Leave, while others only need Paid Leave (because they're exempt from unemployment).

Register for unemployment tax online

1. Go to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program website.
2. Click Employers & Agents.
3. Scroll down to the "I Need To..." section, and under "Register for an Account", click Employers.
4. Scroll to the "New employer account" section and click Register.
5. For step-by-step help, watch the agency’s video on how to register.
6. Make sure you have all the info ready, then click Next and fill out everything they ask for.
7. In the "Register for an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Leave" account page, select the option that fits your situation best:
   • Select Option 1 if: You need a joint SUI/PFML account, and it's your first time registering.
   • Select Option 2 if: You need a Paid-Leave-only account, and it's your first time registering.
   • Select Option 3 if: You already have a joint SUI/PFML account, but need to add a Paid-Leave-only account.
     • Most common if you have some employees liable for both taxes, and some employees only liable for PFML.
     • If you have an older SUI account, it was converted into a joint SUI/PFML account automatically. 
8. After you finish registering, give Gusto third-party access (TPA) so we can file and pay these taxes for you.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

After a work address in Minnesota is assigned to one or more employees, you can add your tax account information:

1. Go to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Find “Minnesota Tax Setup” and click Manage taxes.
3. If you have a joint SUI/PFML account, next to "Employer Account Number," click Edit and enter your employer account number. Then, click Save.
   • If you need to add a second account number for a paid-leave-only account, set up an employee exemption for the applicable tax, and the option to enter the PFML account number will appear.
     
     • The account number cannot be the same for both "Employer Account Number" and "PFML Account Number".
4. If you only have a Paid-Leave-Only account, next to "PFML Account Number,” click Edit and enter your employer account number. Then, click Save.
5. Next to "Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate" click Edit and enter your unemployment rate. Do not include the below (they're already accounted for):
   • Workforce Assessment Rate
   • Federal Loan Interest Assessment
   • Additional Assessment
6. Click Save.

If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have already been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.

If you’ve run payroll in Minnesota before, you can find your MN Withholding Tax ID by:

• Checking notices from the Minnesota Department of Revenue
• Calling the agency at (651) 282-9999
• Logging into your Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services account

Remember to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) so we can file and pay these taxes for you.

Employer Account Number (EAN) for unemployment and paid leave

If you’ve run payroll in Minnesota before, you can find your EAN by:

• Logging into your Minnesota Unemployment Insurance account, or
• Looking at your "Determination of Tax Rate" letter from the state

Your EAN should start with a "0" and have 7 digits. If you have an older number with 7 digits, just enter it into Gusto.

Paid Leave Only account number

If your business has a Paid Leave Only account number, you’ll find it on the registration letter from the state.

Businesses with two EANs (update from July 2024)

Some businesses may have two account numbers:

• One for Unemployment Insurance
• One for Paid Leave only (for employees who do not need unemployment)

If you need to enter a second account number for Paid Leave only:

1. Set up a tax exemption for the employee
2. A "PFML Account Number" field will appear in the state tax setup.
   • Make sure the two account numbers (EAN and PFML) are not the same.

Have questions about the different account types? Get answers from the agency or get their contact info here.

Third-party access (TPA) reminder

Remember to give Gusto third-party access (TPA) so we can file and pay these taxes for you.

UI tax rate

To find your UI rate:

1. Log in to your Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Account
2. Click Account Maintenance
3. Click View Tax Rate Notice. 

When entering your UI rate in Gusto, do not include these rates (they’re already included):

• Workforce Assessment Rate
• Federal Loan Interest Assessment
• Additional Assessment

If you cannot find your rate, call the agency at (651) 296-6141.

If you do not have your rate yet, enter the new employer rate for Minnesota temporarily. Update the rate once you get it.

Corporate or LLC owners/officers with 25% or more ownership

Owners or officers with 25% or more of the company should work with the agency to see if they're exempt from unemployment insurance. Make sure the agency knows who these owners are. If they’re exempt, you can set up an exemption for them in Gusto.

After a work address in Minnesota is assigned to one or more employees, you can add your tax account information:

1. Go to the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Find "Minnesota Tax Setup" and click Manage taxes.
3. Next to "Tax ID Number" click Edit and enter your withholding account number. Then, click Save. 
4. If you have a joint SUI/PFML account, next to "Employer Account Number," click Edit and enter your employer account number. Then, click Save.
   • If you need to add a second account number for a paid-leave-only account, set up an employee exemption for the applicable tax, and the option to enter the PFML account number will appear.
     
     • The account number cannot be the same for both "Employer Account Number" and "PFML Account Number".
5. If you only have a Paid-Leave-Only account, next to "PFML Account Number,” click Edit and enter your employer account number. Then, click Save.
6. Next to "Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate" click Edit and enter your unemployment rate. Do not include the below (they're already accounted for):
   • Workforce Assessment Rate
   • Federal Loan Interest Assessment
   • Additional Assessment
7. Click Save. 

If you edit a tax account number after payments or filings have already been made, there may be tax implications. Learn how to pull reports in Gusto that can help you correct any historical tax issues related to tax account number updates.

Gusto needs to be authorized as your third party agent (TPA) to pay and file your withholding taxes. We'll send a request for TPA, and you'll need to approve it before we can file your taxes.

1. We'll request "3rd Party Access" to your DOR account within 25 business days of a Minnesota work address being added in Gusto. 
   • If you do not get our request after 25 business days, message us from your account to let us know.
2. When your Home page in Gusto has a "Things to do" titled Finish Minnesota withholding registration, complete the steps below.
3. Log into your Minnesota e-Services account.
4. Click Manage My Profile.
   • If you have an alert for a new message, it could be Gusto's request. Click View Messages, and view the 3rd Party Request.
5. Find "I Want To" and click Set up access with another business.
6. Click Approve or Deny 3rd Party Requests.
7. Choose Yes for “Access Allowed”.
8. Select All for “Access Type”.
9. Click Next.
10. Review all info on the "Request Summary Page", and Submit.
11. After you've given Gusto access with the agency, sign in to your admin profile in Gusto.
12. From your Home page, under "Things to do", find and click Finish Minnesota withholding registration, and then Let's do it.
13. On the Minnesota tas setup page, find "Revenue Registration" and click Edit.
14. Select Yes, I have approved Gusto, then click Save. 

If we have issues with getting the authorization we need, we'll let you know.

Troubleshooting TPA issues

• Make sure you’ve registered a withholding account with the DOR.
  • While your general account number and withholding account number are the same, the “withholding” tax type requires a separate setup.
• Remove any old third-party agents from your account. If they're still on the account, call the DOR at (651) 282-9999 and have them:
  • Remove their access, and;
  • Remove your company from your previous agent's client list.
• Make sure Gusto's start and end dates for third-party access are correct.
  • The start date should be the first day of the quarter when Gusto starts filing for you. For example, if your first payday with Gusto was on Feb 18, the start date should be Jan 1, since that's the beginning of the first quarter.
• Verify that your FEIN and Withholding Tax Account ID in Gusto match what the agency has on file.

Contact the DOR at (651) 282-9999 if you need help. 

In order for Gusto to file and pay your MN Unemployment and Paid Leave taxes, you'll need to authorize Gusto as your third party agent—you'll need your "permanent user ID" to do this, which comes in the mail after registration is completed. You can find more information about third party access on the agency site. 

To start the authorization:

1. Log in to your account with Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program. 
2. Click Account Maintenance.
3. Click Agent Authorization.
   • If you do not see this option available, reference the troubleshooting instructions below. You may not have received your permanent user ID in the mail yet, and this is required.
4. Click New.
5. Enter Gusto's Agent ID: AG014761.
6. For the "Effective Begin Date" enter today's date.
7. In the "Available Roles" section, select the following three roles for Gusto to perform: 
   • Account Maintenance, Update and Submit
   • Tax Payment, Update and Submit
   • Wage Detail Update and Submit
8. Do not select Gusto for any of the following roles:
   • Benefit Account, Update and Submit
   • Benefits Paid Charges, Update and Submit
   • Any View Only Roles
9. Click Save.
10. In the "Assigned Roles" section, find "Account Maintenance Update and Submit", under "Modify", click Assign Employer Reporting Units for this role.
11. In the "Select Employer Reporting Units" section, select Check the box if the assigned role will be for all Employer reporting units.
12. Click Add.
13. Click Save.
14. Click Previous.
15. Repeat steps 10 through 13 for:
    • "Tax Payment Update and Submit" and;
    • "Wage Detail Update and Submit."
16. When finished, click Update to complete the process.

Once TPA has been assigned for Minnesota UI, sign in to your Gusto account to let us know that you've completed the TPA authorization: 

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to "Minnesota Tax Setup", and click Manage Taxes. 
3. Next to UI Registration, click the blue edit pen.
4. Indicate that Yes, I have authorized Gusto. 
5. Click Save.

Troubleshooting MN UI TPA registration issues—payments and filings

If you're having trouble granting us the access we need, use the troubleshooting steps below to help.

1. Verify that the following information you entered into Gusto matches what's on file with the agency—head to the Taxes & Compliance section of Gusto to see what's on file in Gusto.
   • FEIN - Federal Employment Identification Number
   • Employer Account Number
2. Make sure you've assigned us the necessary roles as a Third Party Administrator.
   • See step 7 of "MN UI third party access (unemployment tax)—payments and filings" above.
3. If you do not see the “Agent Authorization” listed in the "Account Maintenance" section of your online unemployment employer account, you may still need a  permanent user ID to complete TPA authorization.  
   • Employers should receive the permanent ID correspondence within 7 days of registration—this can change depending on delays in mail delivery. 
     • If you haven't received your permanent user ID after 7-10 days from when you initially logged into the online portal, you can reach out to the agency at [email protected] or call (651) 296-6141, option 4, to speak with a representative who can provide the ID.  
       • Once you receive your permanent user ID, you should have the “Agent Authorization” option to finish the steps in order to authorize Gusto.
   • If you only have access to the temporary password issued during the initial setup, you'll need to log in using that password, and Minnesota will mail a permanent user ID the next business day. 
     • Once you receive your permanent user ID, you should have the “Agent Authorization” option to finish the steps to authorize Gusto.

If you're still have issues granting Gusto the access we need, give the agency a call at (651) 296-6141.

MN UI third party access (unemployment tax)—amended filings

This agency requires that Gusto have third party access to your online MN e-Services account to submit an amendment on your behalf. Amendments often call for a different filing method than original returns.

If you get stuck for any reason, try the agency's instructions. 

1. Log in to the unemployment insurance program online website. 
2. Enter your User ID and Password, and click Login.
   • If you do not know your credentials, contact a Customer Service Representative at (651) 296-6141, option 4.
3. On the Employer Home Page, click Account Maintenance.
4.  Click Agent Authorization.
5. Click Search to view agents who have already been authorized to access your account.
   • Click New to authorize a new agent.
6. On the "Assign Agent" page, enter Gusto’s Agent ID: AG014761.
7. Click Next.
8. Under "Available Roles", select Wage Detail Update and Submit.
   • This is the minimum account access required for us to submit amendments on your behalf.
9. Click Save.
   • Agent details are displayed.
10. For each role selected, click Assign Employer Units and select the unit(s) for that role.
11. Click Save.