Employer of Record for Minnesota

Guide to Hiring Employees in Minnesota

Your guide to hiring employees in Minnesota, covering employment and labor laws, payroll, benefits, onboarding and taxes. You can also manage and pay your contractors in Minnesota through Playroll.

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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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How to Hire Employees In Minnesota

Hiring in Minnesota for the first time can be challenging, especially with the state's complex employment laws. Whether you're hiring independent contractors, setting up a legal entity, partnering with a PEO, or using an Employer of Record (EOR), it's essential to understand the local employment landscape. Playroll's comprehensive guide is here to help, whether you're onboarding local talent or relocating team members.

Here are four primary ways companies can hire employees in Minnesota:

  • Establishing a local entity: Creating a legal entity in Minnesota allows for direct hiring, but it can be costly and time-consuming. However, it gives you full control over employment and reduces risk exposure.
  • Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR): An EOR, like Playroll, takes on the legal responsibilities of employment, acting as the employer on your behalf. This option streamlines hiring, payroll, and compliance with Minnesota’s labor laws, helping you hire in Minnesota without navigating the complex legal landscape yourself.
  • Working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO): A PEO, such as Playroll, co-employs your team, managing essential HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance. Partnering with a PEO ensures you meet Minnesota’s labor regulations while offering competitive employee benefits.
  • Hiring independent contractors: Hiring independent contractors can be more cost-effective, but Minnesota has strict contractor classification rules. Proper classification is essential to avoid penalties for misclassification when hiring in Minnesota.

Complying with Minnesota specific employment regulations and federal laws is critical to avoiding legal risks and costly fines. Our guide focuses on hiring in Minnesota, employment compliance, and how Playroll’s services can support your business as you navigate the complexities of hiring in the state.

Good To Know

Minnesota boasts a robust and diverse economy, with key industries including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

The state has a well-educated labor force, with a high percentage of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, providing a skilled talent pool for employers.

Minnesota enforces strict labor laws, including recent pay transparency requirements effective January 1, 2025, mandating employers with 30 or more employees to include compensation and benefits information in all job postings.

While the state sets a minimum wage, cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul have implemented higher local minimum wages, which employers must adhere to.

Key Things to Know About Hiring in Minnesota

Labor Laws in Minnesota

Onboarding New Hires in Minnesota

We can help you get your new employee started in Minnesota fast, with a minimum onboarding time from just 1-2 working days. Note that the timeline is dependent upon registration with the local authorities, and begins after the employee has submitted all the required information on the Playroll platform.

For non-citizens of the US, a work eligibility assessment may be required, and can add three extra days to the onboarding time. If a follow-up is needed, there may be additional delays.

Please note that payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Playroll’s payroll cut-off date is the 10th of the month, unless otherwise specified.

Payroll Taxes For Minnesota

Looking to grow your team in Minnesota?

Stay Compliant: Navigate Minnesota’s complex labor laws with ease.

Affordable Solution: Reduce costs with a budget-friendly EOR option.

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Minnesota Employment Taxes

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The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Minnesota tailored to your needs.

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Benefit Requirements for Employers in Minnesota

Paid and Unpaid Leave Policies in Minnesota

It’s Easy To Manage Benefits For Employees In Minnesota With Playroll

Employment Termination Protocols in Minnesota

Hiring Employees in Minnesota with an employer of record

Discuss how an EOR handles onboarding, including setting up compliant employment contracts, registering for taxes, and managing benefits like Minnesota's superannuation system (if applicable).

The employer of record is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with Minnesota's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with Minnesota's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with Minnesota's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by [State]'s labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.

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Employer of Record for Minnesota

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FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In Minnesota

How to submit payroll taxes in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, employers must submit payroll taxes electronically via the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s e-Services portal. Payments for state income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and other relevant taxes are typically due on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the size of the employer's payroll.

Is there a minimum wage requirement for employees in Minnesota?

Yes, as of 2024, the minimum wage in Minnesota is $10.85 per hour for large employers (those with annual gross revenue over $500,000). Small employers (those with annual gross revenue less than $500,000) must pay at least $8.85 per hour. However, cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul have set their own minimum wage rates, which are higher than the state minimum wage.

Are employers required to offer 401k in Minnesota?

No, employers in Minnesota are not required to offer a 401(k) plan or other retirement benefits. However, many employers provide retirement plans as part of their employee benefits packages to stay competitive and attract top talent. Additionally, employers with more than 100 employees may be subject to additional retirement plan regulations under federal law.

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