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Welcome to our spring issue of the Business Services Newsletter. We’d like to give you an update on how our new Business Identity Recovery process is going.
The new program, which launched on January 1, 2026, offers individuals affected by business identity theft a free way to correct their records. With new legal authority to intervene on behalf of targeted businesses, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State can now investigate and redact illegitimate filings after a business owner reports a wrongful filing.
In the first three months of Business Identity Recovery, our office received 81 requests to review suspected fraudulent business filings and has already resolved 34 of those cases - helping Minnesota business owners correct wrongful filings quickly and at no cost. Our team’s work has provided real relief to businesses facing the stress and uncertainty of business identity theft.
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Are you a victim of business identity theft? Examples of this include:
- Your name was listed as a business’s registered agent or organizer without your permission.
- Your address was used as the business’s principal office or registered office without your permission.
- A business was created using your identity or your business’s information without your permission.
- An existing business record was changed without your permission.
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If you believe your business filings have been wrongfully changed, I encourage you to learn more about this new program. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions. Thank you for doing business in Minnesota.
 Steve Simon, Secretary of State
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If your Minnesota corporation is registered with our office as a public benefit corporation (PBC), please remember to file your annual benefit report by March 31, 2026. The filing fee is $35 by mail or $55 in-person or online. Failure to file by this deadline will result in the need to reinstate your status, with fees of up to $560.
You can now file your annual benefit report online! Other options include filing by mail or in person (by appointment). Learn more about PBCs and annual benefit report requirements:
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Resources for your business
Highlighting other agencies, organizations, and opportunities that may be helpful for Minnesota business owners
Free tax information for Minnesota businesses
It's tax season! The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers free webinars and seminars to help businesses understand state tax requirements.
Topics include:
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Business Income Tax: S corporations, partnerships, and estates
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Sales and Use Tax: Registration, exemptions, and record-keeping
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Employment Taxes and Employer Responsibilities: Worker classification, withholding tax, workers’ compensation insurance
Sessions are available online and in-person across Minnesota. These programs are designed to save you time, reduce errors, and keep your business compliant.
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2026 MN Cup applications are now open
MN Cup is a statewide startup competition organized by the University of Minnesota and open to any Minnesota-based company with less than $1 million in annual revenue. Designed for entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, and small business owners across Minnesota, MN Cup has become a strong first step for launching a new business by offering free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities, and seed funding to those who advance. The competition is free to enter, and applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026!
Click here to start your application
Click here to learn more about MN Cup and their resources
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Connect with the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free, confidential consulting and training to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed. Through nine regional centers, certified advisors provide:
- Business planning and startup guidance
- Financial projections and cash flow analysis
- Preparation for capital access and lender readiness
- Growth and expansion strategy
- Market research and operational planning
With a strong statewide network and local expertise, the SBDC delivers consistent, high-quality guidance to small businesses across Minnesota. Questions? Contact your local Minnesota SBDC:
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We want your feedback
Do you have questions about registering, renewing, or anything else related to Business Services at the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State? Please share them with us!
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Stay in touch!
Follow Business Services on Instagram for business reminders, resources, and education from our office: @mnsecofstate
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