Sales Tax in Brainerd, Minnesota in 2025

We'll walk you through how the sales tax rate is determined for Brainerd and address some common questions you may have. We'll also cover how to collect, audit, and remit sales tax in Brainerd.

Plus, we’ll share the best solution that will ensure you are always compliant across the entire sales tax lifecycle.

Disclaimer: Our sales tax data is updated on a quarterly basis. 

Brainerd Sales Tax Rate 2025

Brainerd is located in Crow Wing County in Minnesota, United States, and has a sales tax rate of 7.88%. This includes local and state sales tax rates.

Here is the breakdown of the Brainerd's sales tax:

Tax Jurisdiction	Sales Tax Rate
State Tax	6.88%
City Tax	0.50%
Special Tax	0.50%
Combined Rate	7.88%

This rate applies to the following zip codes in Brainerd:

56425, 56401

How Does the Brainerd Sales Tax Compare to the Rest of Minnesota?

Brainerd’s 7.88% sales tax rate is 2.00% lower than the highest sales tax rate in Minnesota, which stands at 9.88% in cities like St. Paul.

It is 1.00% higher than the lowest sales tax rate in Minnesota, which stands at 6.88% in cities like Alpha.

To give you a better idea, here’s a comparison of Brainerd sales tax rates with a few other cities in Minnesota:

City	Sales Tax Rates
Alpha	6.88%
Brainerd	7.88%
Sunfish Lake	8.13%
Two Harbors	8.38%
Minneapolis	9.03%
St. Paul	9.88%

You can also compare the sales tax rate of Brainerd against the Minnesota cities closest in population size:

• Monticello's sales tax rate is 7.38%
• Hutchinson's sales tax rate is 7.88%

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Brainerd?

Brainerd has the same sales tax nexus rules as Minnesota. It doesn’t have any special rules specifically for Brainerd.

Read More: Check out this detailed guide on Sales Tax in Minnesota.

You have a sales tax nexus in Brainerd if you meet any of the following factors:

• Physical presence: Businesses that sell or lease property in Minnesota, such as offices, healthcare facilities, distribution centers, etc.
• Representatives: Companies with employees, representatives, salespersons, and independent contractors in Minnesota.
• Delivery: Businesses that deliver tangible personal property into Minnesota in their own vehicles.
• Economic nexus: Companies with more than 200 retail sales shipped to Minnesota or that make more than $100,000 in retail sales shipped to Minnesota.

Note: If you’re a remote seller and don’t meet these thresholds, you’ll be eligible for the Small Seller Exception.  

Learn more about sales tax nexus and when you’re required to collect sales tax.

What Products Are Exempt from Brainerd Sales Tax?

Brainerd doesn't have any special exemptions and follows the same sales tax rules as Minnesota.

The items exempt from sales tax in Brainerd are:

• Clothing, like formal wear, sandals, karate uniforms, and more.
• Food, like baking powder, cereals, dairy products, and more.
• Medicines, acne medications, antihistamines, burn drugs, and more.
• Secure firearm storage units.
• Barbershop services, like hair cutting, spa, hair removal, and more.

Who Needs a Sales Permit in Brainerd?

You’ll need to sales tax permit in Brainerd if you meet these two requirements:

• You have a sales tax nexus in Minnesota
• You sell taxable products or services in Minnesota

You can create an account and register online via the Business Tax Registration website. 

How to Collect Sales Tax in Brainerd

Brainerd uses destination-based sales tax sourcing for all businesses located outside and inside the state. This means that if you sell to a customer in Brainerd, you must apply the sales tax rate based on the buyer’s shipping address.

Learn more about origin-based and destination-based sales tax sourcing here.

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Brainerd

You can file Brainerd sales tax returns using the following methods:

• File and pay online: File online at MN e-services as Minnesota requires online filing. 
• Or, let Zamp handle your Minnesota sales tax filing and remittance so you never have to look at a sales tax return again!