INSTRUCTIONS: MINNESOTA CORPORATION FRANCHISE TAX RETURN (Form M4)

Corporations doing business in the state of Minnesota use a form M4 in order to file their franchise tax owed to the state. This document is found on the website of the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 1: At the top of the form, give the beginning and ending dates of your tax year.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 2: Give the name of your corporation or its designated filer, your current address, your former name if you previously filed under a different name, and your federal consolidated common parent name if different, along with that parent company's federal employer identification number.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 3: Give your federal employer identification number and state tax identification number. Give your business activity code. Indicate with a check mark if you are filing a combined income return. If you are filing a final return, indicate whether this is due to being withdrawn, dissolved, merged or taking on S corporation status.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 4: If a federal examination has been finalized or is in progress, give the applicable years. Give the tax years and expiration dates of any federal waivers that have been issued.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 5: Skip to form M4I on the second page. Follow the instructions to determine your Minnesota apportionable income. Transfer this to line one of form M4T on the last page.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 6: Follow the instructions for form M4T to determine your Minnesota tax liability and transfer this to the first line of the first page.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 7: Complete lines 2 through 13 to determine the amount due.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 8: Complete lines 14 through 17 if you are filing late and must pay penalty and interest.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 9: If you have overpaid and are due a refund, complete lines 18 through 20.

Minnesota Corporation Franchise Tax Return M4 Step 9: If you are owed a refund, you may elect to receive it as a direct deposit. If so, provide your account and routing number. Indicate with a check whether this is a checking or savings account.