PEO Services for Minnesota

PEO Guide for Minnesota: Labor Laws & Payroll

Navigating Minnesota’s employment laws and HR management can be challenging. A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) handles tasks like payroll, benefits, and compliance. This guide covers everything you need to know about using a PEO in Minnesota.

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Capital City

Saint Paul

Timezone

CST

(

GMT-6

)

Paid Leave

Sick & Safe Leave, Family & Medical Leave

Income Tax

5.35% - 9.85%

Employer Tax

0.70%

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What is a PEO in Minnesota

A PEO in Minnesota serves as a co-employer, handling essential HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance while your business maintains control over operations and decision-making. This arrangement allows companies to focus on growth while reducing the administrative burden and legal risks associated with HR.

By partnering with a PEO in Minnesota, businesses can simplify HR, stay compliant with state regulations, and offer competitive employee benefits, all while focusing on growth. Whether you're a startup or an established company, a PEO helps you navigate Minnesota’s complex employment landscape.

Mandatory Requirements when Partnering with a PEO in Minnesota

In Minnesota, it’s mandatory for all employers, including those partnering with PEOs, to have valid workers’ compensation insurance. Failure to do so is a criminal offense with potential fines up to $100,000 USD as per Minnesota Labor Code, section 3700.

Benefits Of Using a PEO In Minnesota

Payroll Processing and Compliance. A PEO manages payroll processing, tax withholdings, and filings with Minnesota state agencies, ensuring compliance with state tax laws and employment regulations.

Benefits Administration. PEOs offer access to comprehensive employee benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks that help attract and retain top talent in Minnesota.

Workers’ Compensation. PEOs ensure your business complies with Minnesota’s workers’ compensation requirements, handling claims and minimizing risk.

HR and Legal Compliance. PEOs bring expert HR support, making them especially valuable for small businesses. With constantly changing Minnesota labor laws, a PEO offers guidance on employee handbooks, harassment prevention, terminations, and safety regulations, ensuring your business stays compliant.

Employment Laws and regulations in Minnesota

A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) is an excellent solution for small businesses in Minnesota to manage HR, payroll, and compliance with the state's complex labor laws.

Minnesota has some of the most stringent regulations around minimum wage, overtime, paid sick leave, and employee classification, which can be overwhelming for small businesses without dedicated HR resources.

Here’s a brief overview of some key laws and regulations specific to Minnesota.

Minnesota Employment Laws

A PEO helps businesses comply with both federal and Minnesota-specific labor laws, which can be complex and frequently change.

     
  • Minimum Wage Requirements: As of January 1, 2024, Minnesota mandates a minimum wage of $10.85 per hour for large employers and $8.85 per hour for small employers, with annual inflation adjustments.
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  • Overtime Pay: Employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 48 in a workweek. Exemptions may apply based on job duties and employment type.
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  • Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST): Effective January 1, 2024, employees earn one hour of paid ESST for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. This leave can be used for illness, medical care, or safety-related issues.

Payroll Laws In Minnesota

Minnesota's payroll laws require compliance with both state and federal standards. Employers must withhold state income taxes, ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%, based on employee income. Employers are also responsible for unemployment insurance taxes, which range from 0.1% to 9.0%, depending on the employer's experience rating. Compliance with overtime regulations for work exceeding 48 hours per week and annual updates to minimum wage rates is mandatory. Employers must maintain accurate payroll records and ensure timely payment of wages to meet Minnesota's legal standards.

Benefits Laws In Minnesota

Access competitive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, often at a lower cost through a PEO. Leverage its pooled volume for enterprise rates—resold to PEO customers, with no employment minimums in Minnesota.

     
  • Health Insurance Continuation: Minnesota employers with fewer than 50 employees must comply with state continuation rules, similar to COBRA, allowing employees to maintain health coverage under specific conditions.
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  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying family or medical reasons, requiring adjustments to payroll systems for compliance.
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  • Pregnancy and Parental Leave: Effective August 1, 2024, the Pregnancy and Parenting Leave Law expands protections, including increased leave durations and broader eligibility criteria.

Additional requirements and enforcement in Minnesota

Looking to hire employees in Minnesota?

Check out our comprehensive state hiring guide.

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    Understand employer tax implications and payroll requirements.

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    Review state specific employment laws and regulations.

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    Get insights on payroll, benefits, and employee classification.

How to Choose the right PEO in Minnesota

Selecting the right PEO in Minnesota is essential for navigating the state's intricate labor laws while ensuring compliance and efficiency. Follow these key steps:

  1. Focus on Minnesota-Specific Experience. Ensure the PEO has expertise in navigating Minnesota’s labor laws. This includes understanding nuances like mandatory sick leave, wage orders, and workers’ compensation requirements.
  2. Service Flexibility. Choose a PEO that offers flexible services tailored to your business size and industry. Minnesota’s regulations can vary by sector, so a PEO with industry-specific knowledge is valuable.
  3. Track Record and Compliance History. Research the PEO’s compliance history to ensure they have a proven track record of helping businesses avoid penalties and stay compliant with Minnesota’s complex employment laws.
  4. Consider Employee Benefits. A PEO can offer access to more affordable and comprehensive employee benefits, which are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in Minnesota’s competitive job market.
  5. Assess Customer Service. Responsive customer service, dedicated human support teams (not AI), and robust HR technology are key factors in ensuring a smooth partnership with the PEO. It’s important to find a partner who supports your people, when they need it most.
By following these steps, you can select a PEO that aligns with your business goals and ensures compliance with Minnesota’s complex labor regulations. For more detailed insights, check out Playroll’s Guide to Employment in Minnesota.

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FAQS

FAQs About PEO Services in Minnesota

How does a PEO help with Minnesota labor law compliance?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) assists Minnesota businesses by managing complex employment-related tasks, ensuring adherence to state-specific labor laws. This includes compliance with minimum wage adjustments, overtime regulations, and the new Earned Sick and Safe Time requirements. By staying current with legislative changes, a PEO helps mitigate the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Are PEOs regulated in Minnesota?

Yes, PEOs operating in Minnesota are subject to state regulations that govern their activities. They must comply with both federal and state employment laws, ensuring that all HR practices align with Minnesota's legal standards. This regulatory framework ensures that PEOs maintain proper employment practices within the state.

Can a PEO help small businesses in Minnesota?

Absolutely. PEOs provide small businesses in Minnesota with access to comprehensive HR services, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. By leveraging a PEO's expertise, small businesses can offer competitive benefits and focus on growth, while the PEO handles administrative and regulatory responsibilities.

Can a PEO help with compliance in Minnesota?

Yes, a PEO can be instrumental in ensuring compliance with Minnesota's employment laws. They monitor legislative changes, manage payroll in accordance with state tax rates, and implement policies that adhere to state-mandated benefits and leave requirements. This proactive approach helps businesses avoid legal pitfalls and maintain compliance.

What happens if I want to terminate my relationship with a PEO in Minnesota?

Terminating a relationship with a PEO in Minnesota involves reviewing the service agreement for termination clauses, including notice periods and any associated fees. It's essential to plan for the transition of HR responsibilities back in-house or to another provider to ensure continuity in compliance and employee management. Consulting with legal counsel can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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