COVID 19 Business Relief Payments for MN Businesses

The MN Department of Revenue Has Released Their Process.

While the MN SBDC is not playing a role in the process for the COVID 19 Business Relief Bill recently passed by our state legislature and Governor Walz, we are working to stay informed so that we can help you stay informed.

The $216 million economic relief package was signed into law December 16.

Eligible business owners do not need to take any action to receive this aid.

The Department of Revenue will determine eligibility and payment amounts based on program requirements in the law.

Executive Order 20-99

Eligible Businesses

• Full- and limited-service restaurants
• Cafeterias and buffets
• Caterers
• Bars
• Breweries with taprooms
• Family wineries with tasting rooms
• Distilleries with tasting rooms
• Bowling centers
• Gyms and fitness centers

See Dept. of Revenue page for more information.

Program Requirements

• Located in Minnesota
• Had at least $10,000 in taxable sales in 2019
• Filed monthly or quarterly Sales Tax returns in 2019 and 2020
• Experienced a 30% drop in year-over-year taxable sales (April-September)
• Required to temporarily close or reduce services by Executive Order 20-99

Note: Annual sales tax filers are not eligible for this program.

See Dept. of Revenue page for more information.

Relief Payment Amounts

Eligible businesses will receive a payment based on their number of employees and participation in the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program. The payments are considered taxable income and will be calculated as shown above.

Eligible small businesses not in the state Unemployment Insurance program will receive $10,000.

Payment Process

• DOR will determine what businesses are eligible and their aid amount based on their sales tax and unemployment records as of November 1, 2020. 
• DOR will notify eligible businesses though their e-Services account by December 31, 2020.
• DOR will mail payments to eligible businesses in early-January 2021, to the the main address on their Sales Tax account. Electronic payments are not available for this program.

Note: To verify business addresses, log in to e-Services. For questions about your business category or number of employees, contact Minnesota Unemployment Insurance. 

For questions about this program or your payment, email us at salesuse.tax@state.mn.us or call 651-282-9999.