How to File Minnesota Sales Tax Online

Filing your Minnesota sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through Minnesota’s e-Services platform, as long as your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Minnesota’s sales tax rules.

What You Need Before Filing

Before filing your Minnesota sales tax return, make sure you have the necessary details and documentation ready to ensure your report is accurate.

• Minnesota Tax ID Number (Sales Tax Permit) – You need your seven-digit Minnesota Tax ID number to file and pay sales tax. This number is issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) after registration approval and can be found on your sales tax permit.
• e-Services Account Log-in Details – Minnesota requires all sales tax returns to be filed online through e-Services. Make sure you have your username and password ready. If you’re logging in for the first time, use the temporary password sent in your DOR confirmation letter and follow the instructions to create your own password.
• Total Sales – Gather the total revenue your business earned during the filing period. This includes all taxable and exempt sales.
• Taxable Sales and Purchases – Compile your taxable sales and any purchases subject to use tax. Include both in-state and out-of-state taxable transactions.
• Local Sales Tax Report – Minnesota has several local sales and use taxes. You must break down your sales and use tax by jurisdiction (city, county, or special district).
• Bank Account and Routing Number – You’ll need these to make electronic payments through e-Services.
• Filing Frequency Schedule – Minnesota assigns filing frequencies based on your average monthly sales tax liability. Refer to your sales tax permit or the table below to confirm your schedule.

Step-by-Step: How to File Minnesota Sales Tax Online

The online filing process is a logical progression of data entry and verification. While the exact screen layouts may evolve with updates to the e-Services platform, the core workflow remains the same.

Step 1. Prepare your ecommerce sales data (for example, your Shopify or POS tax report) for the filing period.

Step 2. Go to the Minnesota e-Services Portal https://www.mndor.state.mn.us/tp/eservices/.

Step 3. Log in using your username and password. If applicable, check your shared email or phone number for an OTP and enter it to continue.

Step 4. On the dashboard, click “Returns and Periods.”

Step 5. Locate the reporting period you’re filing for, then click “File Return” next to it.

Step 6. Review your Certificate Number and Collection Period to ensure they match the return you’re filing. Click Next.

Step 7. On the tax return form, enter your Gross Receipts and Sales for each applicable city and county. This includes all taxable and exempt sales made during the filing period. Click Next.

Step 8. Verify the calculated totals on the review page. Make sure the balance matches your sales data. Click Next.

Step 9. When prompted, select “Yes” to make your payment.

Step 10. Enter your payment amount, select your bank account, and confirm your payment date (no later than the due date). Click Next.

Step 11. Review your entries and click Submit to file your return and authorize payment.

Step 12. Once processed, save or print your confirmation page as proof of submission and payment.

Step 13. Store your confirmation securely in Google Drive using the following naming format:

[Client Name] – Minnesota – Sales Tax Return Confirmation – [Period]

Helpful Tip: If your filing session is interrupted due to internet issues, downtime, or other disruptions, click “Save and Submit Later” to avoid losing progress. 

Due Dates

In Minnesota, your sales and use tax return due dates depend on your filing frequency, which is determined by your average monthly tax liability. The Minnesota Department of Revenue automatically assigns your schedule when you register for your Sales Tax Permit.  If you collect less than $100 in sales tax per month, you’ll file annually. Those collecting between $100 and $500 file quarterly, while businesses with a monthly tax liability of more than $500 must file monthly.  Here’s a breakdown of how each filing schedule works:

FREQUENCY	REQUIREMENT	DUE DATE
Monthly	$600 or more collected sales tax per month	20th day of the following month
Quarterly	More than $500 per month	April 20, July 20, October 20, January 20
Annual	For very small sellers with low tax liability	February 5 of the following year

 

Timely Filing Discount

Some states provide a discount for timely filing, but Minnesota does not currently offer a timely filing discount. You must file and pay on time to avoid penalties and interest.

Filing Amended Returns

 If you discover an error on a previously filed return, you must file an amended return through e-Services.

You may amend a return up to 3.5 years from the original due date. Common reasons to amend include:

• Reporting too much or too little tax.
• Charging tax incorrectly and refunding it to the customer.
• Reporting tax on the wrong line.
• Receiving a valid Form ST3 Certificate of Exemption after reporting taxable sales.

To file:

1. Log in to e-Services
2. Select “Change a Return.”
3. Enter your name, phone number, and reason for amendment.
4. Enter your corrected total taxable sales or purchases (not just the difference).
5. Review and submit your amended return.

Keep all supporting documentation from your original and amended returns.

Filing Zero Returns in Minnesota

Even if you had no sales during the filing period, you are still required to file a zero return through e-Services. Simply enter “0” in all applicable sales fields and submit your return normally.

Failing to file a zero return may result in penalties or your sales tax account being flagged as inactive.

Other Filing Methods in Minnesota

If you’re having difficulties filing your Minnesota sales tax return online, you can try other options.

• File with TaxHero – Let expert accountants in TaxHero prepare your sales tax returns for you. We’ll take everything off your hands so that you can spend your time more efficiently managing your business.
• File Online (Recommended): The primary method is through Minnesota e-Services. This online platform lets you file current, past due, and amended returns, as well as make secure electronic payments. Filing online ensures faster processing, automatic calculations, and instant confirmation of submission.
• Simplified Electronic Return (SER): The Minnesota Department of Revenue accepts Simplified Electronic Returns (SER) filed through a web service from all taxpayers, which is primarily used by filers using third-party compliance software and those registered with the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program. This method uses the SST Schema set.

Let TaxHero Manage Your Minnesota Sales Tax Returns

TaxHero doesn’t just handle your Minnesota sales tax return; we manage filings across every state where your business has nexus, ensuring each return is filed accurately and on time at the frequency required.

This means you stay compliant nationwide without having to track multiple rules and deadlines yourself.

Don’t wait until the next deadline, schedule your demo today!