Minnesota has progressive income tax rates from 5.35% to 9.85% — making it one of the highest-tax states in the nation. That 9.85% top rate is the 5th highest in America, behind only California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Oregon.
But here’s what the headlines miss: Most Minnesota residents don’t pay anywhere near 9.85%. The median household income in Minnesota is around $80,000, which puts a typical married couple in the 6.80% bracket — still high, but not extreme. The top rate only kicks in at $193,240 (single) or $304,970 (married).
Minnesota residents do get something for those taxes: consistently top-ranked public schools, strong infrastructure, and quality healthcare. Whether that tradeoff works for you depends on your income level and priorities.
See how Minnesota compares to all states: State Income Tax Rates
Minnesota Income Tax Rates for 2026
Minnesota uses a four-bracket progressive system. Your income is taxed at each rate as it passes through the brackets — not all at the top rate you reach. This means the effective rate (what you actually pay as a percentage of total income) is always lower than your marginal rate (the rate on your next dollar of income).
For context on where you fall nationally, check our income percentile calculator.
Single & Married Filing Separately
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $31,690 | 5.35% |
| $31,690 - $104,090 | 6.80% |
| $104,090 - $193,240 | 7.85% |
| Over $193,240 | 9.85% |
Married Filing Jointly
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $46,330 | 5.35% |
| $46,330 - $184,040 | 6.80% |
| $184,040 - $304,970 | 7.85% |
| Over $304,970 | 9.85% |
Head of Household
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $39,010 | 5.35% |
| $39,010 - $156,570 | 6.80% |
| $156,570 - $256,610 | 7.85% |
| Over $256,610 | 9.85% |
Minnesota Tax Calculator Examples
Example 1: $75,000 Single Filer
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $75,000 |
| Tax on first $31,690 | $1,695 |
| Tax on $31,690 - $75,000 | $2,945 |
| Total MN state tax | $4,640 |
| Effective rate | 6.19% |
A single filer earning $75,000 pays just over 6% of their income in state tax — not the headline 7.85% bracket rate. See our detailed breakdown of what $75,000 a year means for take-home pay.
Example 2: $150,000 Married Filing Jointly
| Component | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Taxable income | $150,000 |
| Tax on first $46,330 | $2,479 |
| Tax on $46,330 - $150,000 | $7,050 |
| Total MN state tax | $9,529 |
| Effective rate | 6.35% |
Even at $150,000 combined income, the effective rate stays in the low 6% range. The painful 9.85% rate only applies to income above roughly $305,000 for married couples.
Minnesota Standard Deduction (2026)
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $14,575 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,150 |
| Married Filing Separately | $14,575 |
| Head of Household | $21,900 |
Minnesota’s standard deduction matches the federal amounts.
Tip: Most Minnesotans benefit from taking the standard deduction. Itemizing only makes sense if your mortgage interest, property taxes, and charitable contributions exceed these amounts. With the federal SALT cap at $10,000, itemizing is less common than pre-2018.
Minnesota Tax Credits
Minnesota offers several valuable tax credits that can significantly reduce your tax bill — some are refundable, meaning you can receive money back even if you owe no tax.
Working Family Credit
Minnesota’s version of the Earned Income Tax Credit:
- Based on income and family size
- Refundable credit
- Phase-out at higher incomes
Child and Dependent Care Credit
| AGI Range | Credit Rate |
|---|---|
| Under $27,760 | 33.4% of federal credit |
| $27,760 - $61,000 | Gradually reduced |
| Over $61,000 | No credit |
K-12 Education Subtraction
- Up to $1,625 per qualifying child (K-6)
- Up to $2,500 per qualifying child (7-12)
- For tuition, textbooks, transportation
This credit is often overlooked. It applies to private school tuition AND public school expenses like curriculum materials, tutoring, and educational software. Families with multiple school-age children can claim thousands in deductions.
What Income is Taxed in Minnesota?
Taxed:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Interest and dividends
- Capital gains
- Retirement income (401k, IRA distributions)
- Rental income
- Business income
Not taxed:
- Social Security benefits (partially — see below)
- Municipal bond interest (MN bonds)
- Military retirement pay (limited exemption)
Social Security Taxation
Minnesota taxes Social Security benefits but provides a subtraction:
- Single filers: Full subtraction if federal AGI < $82,770
- MFJ: Full subtraction if federal AGI < $105,380
- Partial subtraction at higher incomes
Good news for most retirees: If your income is below these thresholds, Minnesota effectively doesn’t tax your Social Security. Higher-income retirees will still pay some tax on benefits. For more on retirement benefits, see our Social Security benefits guide.
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States
| State | Top Income Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | 9.85% |
| Wisconsin | 7.65% |
| Iowa | 5.7% |
| North Dakota | 2.5% |
| South Dakota | 0% (none) |
Minnesota has significantly higher income taxes than all neighbors. If you live near the border, this matters. Remote workers with the flexibility to live in South Dakota can save tens of thousands in state taxes over a career.
However: Lower-tax states often have higher property taxes or sales taxes to compensate, and may offer fewer public services. South Dakota has no income tax but property taxes can exceed Minnesota’s in some areas. See cost of living by state for the full picture.
Local Income Taxes
Minnesota does not have local income taxes. Only the state tax applies.
Filing Minnesota State Taxes
| Filing Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | M1 |
| Due date | April 15 (with federal) |
| E-file | Yes, through MN DOR |
| Extension | Automatic if federal extension filed |
Minnesota Property Tax
While not income tax, Minnesota’s property taxes are relevant:
- Average effective rate: 1.02% (above national average)
- Property Tax Refund programs available for low-income
Tips to Reduce Minnesota Taxes
- Max retirement contributions — 401(k), IRA contributions reduce taxable income directly
- Use HSA — Triple tax advantage (deductible, grows tax-free, tax-free withdrawals for medical)
- Itemize if beneficial — SALT, mortgage interest, though the $10,000 federal cap limits this
- Claim education subtraction — K-12 expenses including tutoring and educational materials
- Working Family Credit — If income-eligible, don’t miss this refundable credit
- Municipal bonds — MN bonds are state tax-free, but compare yields to taxable alternatives
Is Minnesota Worth the High Taxes?
Pros:
- Excellent public schools
- Strong healthcare system
- Good infrastructure
- Low unemployment
- Quality of life
Cons:
- 5th highest marginal rate in US
- Cold winters
- Property taxes also above average
Minnesota Tax Authority
Minnesota Department of Revenue
- Website: revenue.state.mn.us
- Phone: 651-296-3781
- For refunds, returns, and questions
Minnesota Retirement Income Taxes
Minnesota taxes retirement income more aggressively than most states, but partial exemptions exist for lower and middle-income retirees.
Social Security Taxes in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of only 9 states that taxes Social Security benefits. However, most retirees qualify for a full or partial exemption based on income:
| Filing Status | Full Exemption Below | Partial Exemption | No Exemption Above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $75,000-$100,000 | $100,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $95,000 | $95,000-$120,000 | $120,000 |
For a married couple with $80,000 in combined income (including Social Security), Minnesota’s Social Security tax is zero. The tax only bites at higher incomes — retirees with pensions, substantial investment income, or large RMDs.
Pension and Retirement Account Income
Minnesota taxes pension income and traditional IRA/401(k) withdrawals as ordinary income at full state rates (5.35%-9.85%). There is no blanket exclusion for pensions the way states like Georgia or Illinois offer. However, the standard deduction and personal exemptions reduce the taxable amount.
For retirees with significant pension income, Minnesota’s tax burden can be substantial compared to neighboring states like South Dakota (no income tax) or Wisconsin (doesn’t tax Social Security). Some high-income retirees choose to establish residency in South Dakota or Florida before retirement specifically to reduce Minnesota income tax on pension and IRA distributions — a legal strategy if the domicile change is genuine and complete.
Minnesota Remote Work Tax Rules
Minnesota taxes income earned while physically working in Minnesota, regardless of where your employer is located. For Minnesota residents working remotely for out-of-state companies, all wages are Minnesota-taxable.
Non-residents working remotely from Minnesota (e.g., temporarily staying while working) may owe Minnesota tax on income earned during that period if they spend sufficient time in the state. Minnesota does not have broad reciprocity agreements eliminating this obligation, though it does have agreements with select neighboring states that may reduce filing complexity for border workers.
Bottom Line
Minnesota has progressive income tax rates from 5.35% to 9.85%, with the top rate applying to income over $193,240 (single) or $304,970 (married). While high compared to most states, Minnesota provides education tax credits and a Working Family Credit. High earners pay some of the highest state taxes in the country.
For most households: Your effective rate will be 6-7%, not the scary 9.85% headline rate. The real pain hits at incomes above $200,000 (single) or $300,000 (married).
Related: State Income Tax Rates | Income Percentile Calculator | 401(k) Contribution Limits | Michigan Income Tax Guide | Missouri Income Tax Guide | Cost of Living by State
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