M4R: Minnesota Business Activity Report (2025)
Minnesota · Minnesota DOR · Used for tax years 2025
Form M4R is Minnesota’s Business Activity Report for corporations. It reports Minnesota sales or receipts, business locations, personnel, property, and other business activities in the state.
Who files this form
Corporations must file Form M4R if they obtain any business from within Minnesota during the calendar or fiscal accounting year, unless an exception applies.
Minnesota business includes sales to customers who receive products or services in Minnesota, services performed elsewhere whose benefits are consumed in Minnesota, income-producing transactions involving intangible property with Minnesota customers, leases of personal property in Minnesota, sales or leases of Minnesota real estate, and deposits by Minnesota customers at financial institutions.
You do not have to file if:
- You are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office to do business in Minnesota. The exemptions specify receiving a certificate of authority by the end of the accounting period.
- Your corporation is an insurance company other than a disqualified captive insurance company.
- You are exempt from taxation under Subchapter F of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Your corporation is a mining business subject to Minnesota’s occupation tax.
- You have filed a timely tax return.
An exemption also applies if your Minnesota activities relate solely to owning interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, securitized loans, secondary loan market assets, or property acquired through default on a secondary loan market asset and disposed of within a reasonable time. Certain contacts needed to acquire, dispose of, service or collect income from these assets, or acquire or liquidate collateral, are included.
The secondary loan market asset exemption does not apply when a member of a unitary business acquires the asset from another member of that business.
When it's due
For tax year 2025: File Form M4R by the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of your calendar or fiscal accounting year.
What you'll need
Have the following information ready to complete the report:
- Corporation name, FEIN, Minnesota Tax ID, mailing address and accounting period.
- Whether the corporation belongs to a unitary business and makes retail sales in Minnesota.
- Minnesota principal office address, principal type of business, and principal product or service.
- Amount of Minnesota sales or receipts.
- Locations and activities of Minnesota offices and other places of business. Attach extra sheets if needed.
- Titles and numbers of officers, employees, agents and representatives with Minnesota activity. Attach a brief job description for each officer and class of employee.
- Details about Minnesota property, assets, merchandise, work, services and income needed to answer the eight activity questions. Attach a separate sheet explaining every “yes” answer to those questions in detail.
The form also requests a signature, title, date and direct phone number, plus preparer signature, PTIN, date and direct phone number.
How to file
Complete the report for your calendar or fiscal accounting year, include the required attachments, and sign the certification that the report and accompanying material are true, correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief.
Mail to:
Minnesota Department of Revenue
Mail Station 5130
600 N. Robert St.
St. Paul, MN 55146-5130
Common mistakes
- Leaving out explanations or job descriptions. Explain every “yes” answer to the eight activity questions on a separate sheet. Attach a brief job description for each officer and class of employee with Minnesota activity.
- Entering an unnecessary Minnesota Tax ID. If you do not have a Minnesota Tax ID and do not need to file Minnesota sales, use or withholding tax, leave that space blank.
- Failing to file when required. The text warns that not filing causes you to lose your right under Minnesota law to file a lawsuit, except lawsuits related to your Minnesota tax liability. It also restricts use of the courts to enforce contracts or settle lawsuits arising before the end of the last accounting period for which a timely report was not filed, with an exception for the listed exempt activities or property.
Questions people ask
Do I need to file if my corporation is registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State?
No. The text says corporations registered to do business in Minnesota are not required to file Form M4R. The exemptions specify receiving a certificate of authority by the end of the accounting period.
Can services performed outside Minnesota count as Minnesota business?
Yes. Sales of services performed outside Minnesota count when the benefits are consumed in Minnesota.
What is my Minnesota Tax ID number?
It is the seven-digit number assigned by the Department of Revenue. It is the same as your Minnesota Sales and Use Tax number or Minnesota employer’s withholding tax number. If you do not have one and do not need to file Minnesota sales, use or withholding tax, leave the space blank.
Where can I get help?
Visit www.revenue.state.mn.us, email BusinessIncome.tax@state.mn.us, or call 651-556-3075. The material is also available in alternate formats.