How much should freelancers in Minnesota set aside for taxes?

As an estimate, a self-employed person in Minnesota with $50,000 of profit should set aside about 25% of that profit, rising to about 28% at $100,000. That covers federal income tax and self-employment tax, plus Minnesota state income tax. Here's where the numbers come from.

Minnesota's 2026 income tax at a glance

Rates and brackets are as of January 1, 2026, for single filers, from the Tax Foundation's annual state survey. Married couples filing jointly usually get wider brackets.

	Minnesota
Structure	Graduated, 5.35% to 9.85% across 4 brackets
Top rate	9.85% on single-filer income over $203,150
Planning rate at $50,000 profit	5.8%
Planning rate at $100,000 profit	6.3%

Picking a planning rate for a graduated tax

Minnesota taxes each slice of income at a higher rate as you earn more, so there isn't one number. Our calculator takes a single state rate, so use your planning rate: the average Minnesota rate on your income, before state deductions and credits. Because it skips those, it leans slightly high, which is the safe direction for a set-aside.

At $50,000 of profit that's about 5.8%; at $100,000 it's about 6.3%. Don't use the top rate (9.85%) unless your income is above $203,150. It would make you over-save.

Single-filer taxable income over	Rate
$0	5.35%
$33,310	6.8%
$109,430	7.85%
$203,150	9.85%

How much to set aside in Minnesota

Estimated total tax as a share of profit for a single filer with no other job: federal income tax, self-employment tax and Minnesota income tax, using 2026 rules and the standard deduction. Save this share of each payment after business expenses.

Profit	Federal + SE tax	MN tax (est.)	Set aside
$30,000	$5,181	$1,492	22%
$50,000	$9,732	$2,677	25%
$75,000	$15,495	$4,257	26%
$100,000	$22,365	$5,837	28%
$150,000	$37,608	$9,311	31%

Minnesota estimated tax payments

Minnesota expects freelancers who will owe state tax to pay during the year too. Most states use the same four dates as the IRS, but a few don't, so confirm the dates and payment options with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

An easy habit: when you make each federal quarterly payment, make the state one the same day.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Minnesota have a state income tax?

Yes. For 2026 it's graduated, 5.35% to 9.85% across 4 brackets, according to the Tax Foundation's survey of rates as of January 1, 2026.

What percentage should I set aside for taxes in Minnesota?

As an estimate, a single freelancer with no other job should save about 25% of profit at $50,000 and 28% at $100,000, covering federal income tax, self-employment tax and state income tax. A day job, a spouse's income or big write-offs change the number, so use the calculator for yours.

What state rate should I enter in a tax calculator for Minnesota?

Use your planning rate: about 5.8% at $50,000 of profit or 6.3% at $100,000. It's the average Minnesota rate on that income before deductions and credits, so it leans slightly high.

Sources

Estimates and general information, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your situation.