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The Minnesota Department of Revenue will send COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to eligible businesses under a $216 million economic relief package signed into law December 16.
Eligible business owners do not need to take any action to receive this aid. Aid will be disbursed in the form of a grant and does not need to be repaid. The state will determine eligibility and payment amounts based on the program requirements outlined on this page. You can also
view this information in a visual format (PDF).
Eligible Businesses
This program provides direct payments to businesses required to temporarily close or reduce services in November under
Executive Order 20-99. Businesses in the following categories — as reported by the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program — may be eligible:
- 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
Program Requirements
The Dept. of Revenue will send payments to eligible businesses that meet the rest of the program requirements:
- Located in Minnesota
- Had at least $10,000 in taxable sales in 2019
- Filed 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
- Good standing with the Dept. of Revenue
Relief Payment Amounts
Eligible businesses will receive a payment based on their number of employees and participation in the state Unemployment Insurance system. The payments are considered taxable income and will be calculated as shown below.
Employees (Full-and part-time) Payment Amount
1 to 20: $15,000
21 to 100: $25,000
101 to 300: $35,000
301 or more: $45,000
Small businesses not in the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance system will receive $10,000.
Payment Process
- The Department of Revenue will use current tax and unemployment records to determine what businesses are eligible and the amount of their aid payment.
- The Department of Revenue will notify eligible businesses though their e-Services account by December 31, 2020.
The Department of Revenue 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. Updates or questions, visit: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/covid-19-business-relief-payments. You may also review the updated business guidance and FAQ’s. If you have any questions, please call our office and we will try to get answers quickly. Our team can help you navigate your options and help support you through this time. You can reach us by calling our main phone line (218) 623-5747 or reaching out directly to our staff. |
