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Freelance payment laws · Minneapolis · Checked

Minneapolis freelance worker protections.

Since January 1, 2021, a business that hires you for work in Minneapolis, at $600 or more in a year or $200 in a week, must sign a written contract and pay within 30 days of hearing the work is done.

What happens when

  1. Before you startGet it in writing The contract, with the payment date. Ask for it in writing, so there's a record you did.
  2. Work doneSend your invoiceInvoice the day you finish, so the 30 days and your due date line up.
  3. Day 30Payment dueOr the date you agreed in writing.
  4. Not paidRemind, then complain Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, within 2 years (3 if willful).

What the law says

Minneapolis

Freelance Worker Protections · since

Applies at
$600: with this client in a calendar year, or $200 for work within 7 days
Who
A person or one-person company, incorporated or not, for work done in Minneapolis. Not lawyers, licensed medical professionals or sales representatives.
Contract
In writing, signed by you, a copy to you, with:
  • both names and addresses
  • the work, itemized
  • the amount or rate, or how it's worked out
  • the payment date, or how it's set
City sample contract (PDF)
Paid by
As agreed, or within 30 days after you tell them the work is done.
Records
No set period.
Also
  • They can't make paying on time depend on you taking less.
  • They can't punish you for using the law.
If not
  • What's unpaid, plus up to double it or $500, whichever is more
  • Up to $250 for no written contract, if you asked for one
  • Up to $1,000 for retaliation, plus city fines
Complain to
Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, within 2 years (3 if willful)
The law
Minneapolis Code Title 2, ch. 40, art. VI. Minneapolis Code ยงยง 40.700-40.850 (Municode)

Two thresholds

Minneapolis counts either $600 with one client in a calendar year, or $200 for work done within 7 days in a row, so a one-week job is covered too. Minnesota has no statewide law.

General information from the law's own text, not legal advice. For your case, ask the agency named above or a lawyer.

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