Minnesota registration and tax info

• Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) - income tax withholding
• Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (UI) - unemployment tax

1. Start on the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) online.
2. Scroll to the “Business Registration” tile and click Get a Minnesota Tax ID Number.
   
   • Learn more about MN tax id requirements.
   • See eligible tax types for online registration.
3. The agency states you'll need the following before continuing:
   • Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN). 
   • Business name and address.
   • North American Industry Classification System code. NAICS code.
   • Business officers' names and Social Security Numbers.
   • Contact name and email address.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Next.
5. Complete the remaining fields required to register.
6. Once registration is complete, head to the Third Party Authorization (TPA) is required dropdown below to grant Gusto the third-party access we'll need to file and pay your taxes.

You should receive your account number instantly after registering.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Minnesota work address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Minnesota Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your withholding account number and Save.
   • If you need to update your account number for any reason: contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Your company becomes liable for state unemployment insurance tax once the company has paid $20 in wages during a calendar quarter to an employee working in Minnesota.

Running payroll in Gusto before you're liable for SUI

If you need to run payroll and do not yet meet the above requirements, Gusto allows it—we just suggest you add the "New employer SUI tax rate" specific to Minnesota in the meantime.

You can find the new employer rates for each state in the linked article, along with instructions on how to update the rate once you become liable and receive your company-specific rate. For exact new employer rates by business type, you can reference this agency resource. 

Register for unemployment tax 

To check if you're liable and register, follow the steps below.

1. Start on the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program (UI) online website.
2. Click Employers & Agents.
   • For detailed step-by-step instructions, visit the Minnesota Employer User Guide. 
3. Scroll to the "I Need To..." section, under "Register for an Account" click Employers. 
4. Scroll to the "New employer account" header, and click Register.
   • Check out the agency's how-to register video.
5. On the next page, make sure you have the information you'll need to complete the registration before you proceed. When you're ready, scroll to the bottom and click Next.
6. Fill in all requested information.
   • Important: You'll need to add your first date of wages paid in MN either during registration or once you find out when your first check date for wages will be. 
     • Gusto may not be able to file on your behalf if this information is not entered.
7. Once you've completed registration, head to the Third Party Authorization (TPA) is required dropdown below to grant Gusto the third party access we'll need for this agency to file and pay your taxes.

You should receive your Employer Account Number instantly after registering online.

Enter the tax account information in Gusto

Once a valid Minnesota work address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the “Minnesota Tax Setup” headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter your unemployment account number and agency-assigned unemployment rate—if you need to update a rate already entered, follow the steps in this article. 
   • When adding your unemployment rate in Gusto, do not include the below—all of these rates are already accounted for:
     • Workforce Assessment Rate
     • Federal Loan Interest Assessment
     • Additional Assessment
   • If you need to update your account number: Contact us from the Help or Priority support section of your account—there may be tax implications if taxes have already been paid or filed to an incorrect account number.

Third party authorization is required for the below agencies:

• Minnesota DOR TPA access is needed for:
  
  • Payments and filings
  • Amended returns (as needed)
• Minnesota UI program TPA access is needed for:
  • Payments and filings
  • Amended returns (as needed)

MN DOR third party access (withholding tax)—payments and filings

For Gusto to file and pay your MN withholding taxes to the DOR, you'll need to grant Gusto third party access.

Once Gusto requests your approval, you'll then be asked to approve Gusto as your TPA on your Minnesota e-Services dashboard.

• We'll process these requests throughout the quarter and you'll receive an email from the MN DOR once we’ve requested access.
  • Make sure you've approved our request prior to the end of the quarter in which we'll be filing MN Withholding Tax Returns for your company—this access is necessary for us to file on your behalf.
• Important: If another third-party, such as a payroll service provider, previously filed your taxes on your behalf, contact the agency at (651) 282-9999 to:
  • Remove your representative's access to your account and
  • Request that the agency remove your company from the prior provider's client listing.

You can follow the instructions provided in the email from the Minnesota DOR or you can follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your account with Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services
2. From your homepage, click Manage my profile.
3. Click I want to link to select an option for access. 
4. Select Set up access with another business.
5. Click Approve or Deny pending 3rd Party Access request to your account(s).
6. Using the "Access Allowed" drop-down menu, choose Yes.
7. Select All as the "Access Type."
   • This gives Gusto the ability to both file and pay withholding tax. 
8. Click Next.
   • Review all information on the "Request Summary Page" before proceeding.
9. Click Submit.

Once submitted, an email will be sent to Gusto confirming you've granted us third-party access.

Troubleshooting MN DOR TPA registration issues—payments and filings

To help us successfully gain TPA access to your MN DOR Withholding account, make sure the following is completed:

1. Once registered with the MN DOR, sign in to the DOR website and make sure you've registered for a "withholding" account.
   • Although the general account number and withholding account number will be the same, the "withholding" tax type requires a separate setup.
2. You've removed all previous third party agents from gaining access to your existing account.
3. You've selected the appropriate start and end dates for Gusto's access to your account.
   • Example: If your first check date in Gusto is in the middle of the 1st quarter, the start date for giving us TPA access should be January 1st.
     • This allows Gusto to pay and file your 1st quarter taxes.
4. Verify that the following information you've entered in Gusto matches what's on file with the Minnesota DOR—head to the Taxes & Compliance section of Gusto to verify if the number is correct.
   • FEIN - Federal Employment Identification Number
   • Withholding Tax Account ID

When in doubt, you can also verify this information with the MN DOR by calling them at (651) 282-9999.

MN DOR third party access (withholding tax)—amended filings

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

We've started the process our end by requesting the necessary TPA on your MN e-Services portal. 

1. Log in to your account with Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services
2. From your homepage, select Manage my profile.
3. Select Set up access with another business.
4. Select Approve or Deny pending 3rd Party Access request to your account(s).
5. Using the Access Allowed drop-down menu, choose Yes.
6. Select:
   • Account Manager for the "Access Type" and;
   • All Access for your withholding account
7. Click Next.
   • Review the information on the "Request Summary page.
8. Click Submit. 

Once submitted, an email will be sent to Gusto letting us know that access has been granted.

MN UI third party access (unemployment tax)—payments and filings

In order for Gusto to file and pay your MN Unemployment Tax, 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

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

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.

If you've run payroll in MN in the past, you can find your MN Withholding Tax ID number on:

• Notices received from the Minnesota Department of Revenue or;
• By calling the agency at (651) 282-9999 or;
• By logging into your Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services account.

Once you've found this information, head to the Third Party Authorization (TPA) is required dropdown below to grant Gusto the third party access we'll need for this agency to file and pay your taxes.

Employer Account Number

If you've run payroll in MN in the past, you can find your MN Employer Account Number by :

• Logging into your Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Account or;
• Reviewing the "Determination of Tax Rate" notice that you received from Unemployment Insurance Minnesota.

Employer Account Numbers are now issued as a "0" followed by 7-digits.

• If you have an older account number it may not have the "0"—if so, just enter the 7-digit ID that you have in Gusto.

Once you've found this information, head to the Third Party Authorization (TPA) is required dropdown below to grant Gusto the third party access we'll need for this agency to file and pay your taxes.

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 adding your unemployment rate in Gusto, do not include the below—all of these rates are already accounted for:

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

If you're unsure of your rate, call the agency at (651) 296-6141 to verify your rate. 

Don't have an agency-assigned UI rate yet?

You can add the "New employer SUI tax rate" specific to Minnesota in Gusto for the meantime—find the new employer rates for each state in the linked article, along with instructions on how to update the rate once you've received your company-specific rate.

Third party authorization is required for the below agencies:

• Minnesota DOR TPA access is needed for:
  
  • Payments and filings
  • Amended returns (as needed)
• Minnesota UI program TPA access is needed for:
  • Payments and filings
  • Amended returns (as needed)

MN DOR third party access (withholding tax)—payments and filings

For Gusto to file and pay your MN withholding taxes to the DOR, you'll need to grant Gusto third party access.

Once Gusto requests your approval, you'll then be asked to approve Gusto as your TPA on your Minnesota e-Services dashboard.

• It can take up to 7-10 business days before the request to approve Gusto appears on your Minnesota e-Services account—the agency will send you an email once we've requested the access.
  • Approve Gusto's request once you receive the email.
• Important: if another third-party, such as a payroll service provider, previously filed your taxes on your behalf, contact the agency at (651) 282-9999 to:
  • Remove your representative's access to your account and
  • Request that the agency remove your company from the prior provider's client listing.

You can follow the instructions provided in the email from the Minnesota DOR or you can follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your account with Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services
2. From your homepage, click Manage my profile.
3. Click I want to link to select an option for access. 
4. Select Set up access with another business.
5. Click Approve or Deny pending 3rd Party Access request to your account(s).
6. Using the "Access Allowed" drop-down menu, choose Yes.
7. Select All as the "Access Type."
   • This gives Gusto the ability to both file and pay withholding tax. 
8. Click Next.
   • Review all information on the "Request Summary Page" before proceeding.
9. Click Submit.

Once submitted, an email will be sent to Gusto confirming you've granted us third-party access.

Troubleshooting MN DOR TPA registration issues—payments and filings

To help us successfully gain TPA access to your MN DOR Withholding account, make sure the following is completed:

1. Once registered with the MN DOR, sign in to the DOR website and make sure you've registered for a "withholding" account.
   • Although the general account number and withholding account number will be the same, the "withholding" tax type requires a separate setup.
2. You've removed all previous third party agents from gaining access to your existing account.
3. You've selected the appropriate start and end dates for Gusto's access to your account.
   • Example: If your first check date in Gusto is in the middle of the 1st quarter, the start date for giving us TPA access should be January 1st.
     • This allows Gusto to pay and file your 1st quarter taxes.
4. Verify that the following information you've entered in Gusto matches what's on file with the Minnesota DOR—head to the Taxes & Compliance section of Gusto to verify if the number is correct.
   • FEIN - Federal Employment Identification Number
   • Withholding Tax Account ID

When in doubt, you can also verify this information with the MN DOR by calling them at (651) 282-9999.

MN DOR third party access (withholding tax)—amended filings

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

We've started the process our end by requesting the necessary TPA on your MN e-Services portal. 

1. Log in to your account with Minnesota Department of Revenue E-Services
2. From your homepage, select Manage my profile.
3. Select Set up access with another business.
4. Select Approve or Deny pending 3rd Party Access request to your account(s).
5. Using the Access Allowed drop-down menu, choose Yes.
6. Select:
   • Account Manager for the "Access Type" and;
   • All Access for your withholding account
7. Click Next.
   • Review the information on the "Request Summary page.
8. Click Submit. 

Once submitted, an email will be sent to Gusto letting us know that access has been granted.

MN UI third party access (unemployment tax)—payments and filings

In order for Gusto to file and pay your MN Unemployment Tax, 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

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

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.

Once a valid Minnesota address has been added in Gusto for one or more employee(s), you can add your tax account information:

1. Click the Taxes & compliance section and select Tax setup.
2. Scroll to the "Minnesota Tax Setup" headline and select Manage taxes.
3. Enter the applicable account number(s) and rate(s).