Sales Tax in Forest Lake, Minnesota in 2025

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

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. 

Forest Lake Sales Tax Rate 2025

Forest Lake is located in Washington County in Minnesota, United States, and has a sales tax rate of 8.375%. This includes local and state sales tax rates.

Here is the breakdown of the Forest Lake's sales tax:

Tax Jurisdiction	Sales Tax Rate
State Tax	6.875%
Special Tax	1.50%
Combined Rate	8.375%

This rate applies to the following zip codes in Forest Lake:

District	Zip Codes	Combined Sales Tax Rate
Washington County	55025	8.375%

How Does the Forest Lake Sales Tax Compare to the Rest of Minnesota?

Forest Lake’s 8.375% sales tax rate is 1.50% lower than the highest sales tax rate in Minnesota, which stands at 9.875% in cities like Saint Paul.

It is 1.50% higher than the lowest sales tax rate in Minnesota, which stands at 6.875% in cities like Aitkin.

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

City	Sales Tax Rates
Saint Paul	9.875%
Garrison	8.375%
Forest Lake	8.375%
Elko New Market	8.375%
Aitkin	6.875%

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Forest Lake?

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

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

You have a sales tax nexus in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake Sales Tax?

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

The items exempt from sales tax in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake?

You’ll need to sales tax permit in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake

Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake, 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 Forest Lake

You can file Forest Lake 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!