How to Pay Minnesota State Taxes and Fees Online
What you can pay through Minnesota Revenue's website
Minnesota Revenue's online payment system lets you send money directly to the state for income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and various fees and licenses. You do not need to create an account or log in — you can make a one-time payment as a guest. The system accepts payments from your bank account (ACH transfer) or by credit or debit card, though card payments charge a processing fee that ACH does not.
The payment goes to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, which means it reaches the right place immediately. You will get a confirmation number on screen and by email, which serves as your receipt. The state processes ACH payments within one to two business days and card payments the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay income tax, sales tax, property tax, and licensing fees through www.revenue.state.mn.us without creating a login or account.
- ACH bank transfers are free; credit and debit card payments charge a processing fee set by the payment processor.
- Save your confirmation number from the payment screen — it is your proof the state received your money.
- ACH payments post within one to two business days, so plan ahead if you are close to a tax deadline.
- If you owe back taxes or penalties, the payment goes to your account but does not automatically stop collection action — contact Revenue directly to confirm the debt is satisfied.
How to make a payment step by step
Go to www.revenue.state.mn.us and look for the "Make a Payment" link, usually on the homepage or under a "Pay Now" section. Click it and you will land on the payment portal. You do not need to log in.
Select the type of payment you are making — income tax, sales tax, property tax, or a specific license or fee. Enter the amount and your personal or business information (name, address, and tax ID or Social Security number). Choose your payment method: ACH (free, from a checking or savings account) or card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, with a fee). If you choose ACH, enter your bank routing number and account number. If you choose card, enter the card details.
Review the information on the confirmation screen. If everything is correct, submit the payment. You will see a confirmation number immediately and receive an email with the same number and a receipt. Keep this number — it proves you paid and when.
When your payment posts and what to expect
ACH payments (from your bank account) typically post within one to two business days. Card payments post the same day. "Posting" means the state's system has received and recorded the money. If you are paying a bill due on a specific date, do not wait until the last day — submit ACH payments at least two business days before the deadline.
Once the payment posts, it goes into your account with the Department of Revenue. If you owe current taxes, the payment reduces what you owe. If you owe back taxes or have penalties, the payment is credited to your account, but you should contact Revenue directly to confirm the total debt is now zero. Do not assume a payment automatically stops a collection action or wage garnishment — those require separate notice to Revenue or the agency handling collection.
ACH versus card payments: cost and timing
ACH transfers are free. The money comes directly from your bank account and takes one to two business days to reach the state. This is the cheapest option if you have time before your deadline.
Card payments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) are processed the same day but charge a fee. The fee is a percentage of the amount you pay, set by the payment processor, not by the state. The fee is added to your total charge — if you pay $1,000 by card, you will be charged the $1,000 plus the processing fee. The exact percentage varies; the payment portal will show you the fee before you confirm.
If you need the payment to reach the state the same day, card is your only option. If you have a few days, ACH saves you money.
What to do if your payment does not go through
If your payment is declined, the portal will show an error message. Common reasons include insufficient funds in your bank account, an incorrect routing or account number, a card that is expired or flagged for fraud, or a mismatch between the name on your account and the name you entered in the payment form. Check each of these and try again.
If the payment still fails, contact your bank to confirm your account is active and the routing number is correct. If you are using a card, call the card issuer to ask whether the transaction was blocked. Once you have fixed the issue, return to www.revenue.state.mn.us and submit the payment again. Each attempt is separate — do not submit multiple times thinking one might go through, or you could be charged multiple times.
If you need help with a payment that failed or have questions about your account, contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue directly. Their phone number and hours are listed on the website.
Payments for back taxes, penalties, and payment plans
If you owe back taxes or have penalties, you can pay through the same online portal. The payment will be credited to your account. However, if you are on a payment plan with Revenue, confirm with them first that a lump-sum payment will not trigger early payoff penalties or change the terms of your plan.
If you cannot pay the full amount and need to set up a payment plan, you must contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue directly — the online payment system does not set up plans. Revenue can work with you on installment options, but you have to request them by phone or mail before you pay.
Keeping records of your payment
Save your confirmation number and the email receipt. These are your proof that you paid and when. The confirmation number is especially important if there is ever a question about whether the state received your money.
Your bank or credit card statement will also show the transaction, but the confirmation number from the state is the official record. If you are paying a bill with a deadline, take a screenshot of the confirmation screen or print the email receipt. If Revenue ever says they did not receive your payment, you have proof of the date and amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Minnesota Revenue account to pay online?
No. You can pay as a guest without logging in or creating an account. You only need your name, address, and tax ID or Social Security number. If you have an existing Revenue account, you can log in first, but it is not required.
Can I pay someone else's taxes through this system?
The payment portal asks for the taxpayer's name and ID. If you are paying on behalf of someone else, use their information. Contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue if you have questions about paying for another person's account.
What if I pay too much by mistake?
If you overpay, the extra amount stays in your account as a credit. You can use it toward a future tax bill, or you can request a refund from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Contact them with your confirmation number and they will process the refund.
Is my bank information safe on this website?
The payment portal is run by the state and uses encryption to protect your information. Your bank details are not stored after the transaction completes. If you are concerned about security, you can also pay by mail or in person at a Revenue office, though online is faster.
What if I need to pay a local property tax, not state tax?
This system is for state taxes and fees only. Local property taxes are handled by your city or county assessor's office. Contact them for payment options — many offer online payment through their own websites.