Minnesota

Minnesota's North Star was named the second best governmental website by researchers at Brown University. The criteria they used to come to this determination included such things as the number of services available, ease of navigation, ability of the user to offer feedback, and stated policies, such as a privacy policy. Theirs is a content heavy site where material is presented on such subjects as Minnesota culture, history, and economic opportunities. It's easy to keep up to date with Minnesota's government through these pages.

Secretary of State

The Secretary of State oversees the Business Services Division. The Division reviews and files applications for incorporation by all business, nonprofit, foreign and professional corporations. Register with this division also for limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships and holders of assumed names and trade and service marks. Their site does include forms. Amendments to business records are also filed there. Check out the Business Services FAQ for more information about the Division.

Business Development

The office which disseminates information concerning locating or relocating your business to Minnesota is the Department of Trade and Economic Development. There is a very good selection of publications on many different topics that can be ordered through the Department's pages.

Taxes

If you are starting a business in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue for information about different business structures and the tax obligations you will face. If you already have a Minnesota tax I.D., but are changing your legal organization (for example, from a sole proprietorship to a corporation), you need to contact the Department of Revenue.

Legislation

At the site of the Minnesota Legislature, you can search for Bills by keywords and access the complete text of the Bills. Information about State Senators, and Representatives is also easy to locate. There is also some interesting reading on the political process and the History of the Minnesota Legislature. Minnesota Statutes are available online. Government at its best is a government that keeps the people informed and makes them capable in taking part of the governing process. The pages of the Minnesota State Legislature aim for that mark, and with the information services and contact information that they provide, they are right on target.