Key Points:
- Tax Rates: Cannabis products are subject to a 6.875% state sales tax plus a 10% cannabis tax, with some exemptions for medical cannabis and specific non-intoxicating products.
- Difference in Provided Services: Cannabis businesses face stricter tax limitations, complex inventory accounting, and rigorous regulatory compliance compared to CBD and hemp businesses.
Purpose of a CPA in Cannabis Business Operations
They are accounting professionals trained to address the regulatory and financial challenges of the cannabis sector. In Minnesota, these CPAs ensure cannabis businesses stay compliant with complex state and federal regulations, especially in an industry with unique financial demands.
CPAs and Accounting Firms Offering Services to Cannabis Businesses in MN |
CannaCPAs |
Puff Puff Accounting |
BGM CPA |
Dope CFO |
- Are you a Minnesota-licensed CPA offering services to cannabis-related businesses? Request to be listed .
Tax Rates in Minnesota
- Sales Tax: Minnesota’s standard sales tax rate is 6.875%, applying to most goods, including taxable cannabis products.
- Cannabis Tax: A 10% tax is added to gross receipts from retail cannabis sales. Notably, non-intoxicating topical products are exempt from this tax, as are sales on tribally regulated land and medical cannabis.
Difference in Accounting Needs:
Aspect
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Cannabis Businesses
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CBD/Hemp Businesses
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Taxation
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Subject to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 280E, disallowing deductions for ordinary business expenses; only Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is deductible.
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Not subject to IRC Section 280E; can deduct ordinary business expenses and COGS.
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Inventory Accounting
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Must adhere to IRC Section 471 for inventory accounting; complex cost accounting required.
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Also follows IRC Section 471; however, more deductions are permissible due to federal legality.
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Regulatory Compliance
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Subject to stringent state and local regulations, including licensing and reporting requirements.
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Also regulated but typically face less stringent requirements compared to cannabis businesses.
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Services Offered by Cannabis Accountants in Minnesota
Cannabis accountants in Minnesota deliver a wide range of tailored services to meet the unique needs of cannabis businesses, including:
- Tax Planning and Compliance: Cannabis CPAs help businesses navigate Section 280E restrictions, limiting deductions for cannabis businesses, and create tax strategies to reduce liabilities within federal and state regulations.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping: Accountants manage transactions, track records, and prepare reports to provide an accurate financial overview.
- Business Consulting: They offer insights on market trends, compliance, and best practices to help businesses adapt to Minnesota's cannabis industry.
- Fractional CFO Services: For businesses not ready for a full-time CFO, fractional CFOs provide financial planning, cash flow management, and investment support.
- Regulatory Compliance: CPAs ensure compliance with licensing and reporting standards specific to cannabis.
- Risk Management: They set financial controls to protect against fraud and non-compliance, crucial for cash-based operations.
The Importance of Working with a Cannabis-Specific Accountant
Hiring an accountant versed in Minnesota’s cannabis regulations and tax laws is vital. These specialists ensure compliance, minimize legal risks, use industry-specific deductions for tax optimization, and implement strong financial controls to secure cash management. With cannabis-specific expertise, they help businesses capitalize on growth opportunities in Minnesota’s market.