Photo: Page Township, Mille Lacs County
Photo: Mille Lacs Township
Providing Township Officers With Resources & Support
The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) supports and promotes the township form of local government in Minnesota through educational programs, structured advocacy, vital collaboration, and procurement of critical resources fundamental to local governments.
Photo: Page Township, Mille Lacs County
Photo: Mille Lacs Township
The MN Department of Employment and Economic Development- Paid Leave Office offers various webinars and webinar recordings. See their website here for information and material to guide townships through the process.
Paid Leave Help line: 651-556-7777 or 844-556-0444.
Minnesota Paid Leave: Employer Responsibilities & Penalties
Covered Employment
Election judges are considered covered employees underMinnesota Paid Leave. Their wages must be reported and are subject to premiums. Individuals may qualify for benefits if they meet eligibility requirements, including earning at least 5.3% of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). Benefits are based on total wages from all jobs in the prior year.
Employer Reporting Requirements
* Employers must submit quarterly wage detail reports.
* If no wages are paid in a quarter, a Zero Wage Report is still required for active accounts.
Compliance Approach
Minnesota Paid Leave prioritizes helping employers achieve compliance. Employers demonstrating a good-faith effort are less likely to face penalties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to File Wage Reports: $10 per employee May be waived if corrected within 30 days (up to twice per year) Minimum penalty may increase to $250 Late fees apply and may increase over time
Missing or Incorrect Information: $25 per employee
Failure to Notify Employees: $50 per employee (first violation) $300 per employee (subsequent violations)
Employment Protections Violations: Includes retaliation, denial of reinstatement, or failure to maintain benefits $1,000 to $10,000 per employee
Fraud or False Information: $500 or more depending on financial impact Includes false statements or collusion to obtain benefits
Misclassification of Workers: $25 per employee for incorrect reporting Up to $1,000–$10,000 per employee if used to interfere with benefits
Failure to Pay Premiums: May trigger additional penalties tied to wage reporting violations
Key Takeaways: Employers must:
* File accurate and timely wage reports
* Inform employees of their rights
* Comply with all Paid Leave requirements.
Failure to comply may result in significant financial penalties. For additional guidance, employers are encouraged to consult Minnesota Paid Leave resources or contact the Paid Leave team for support.
Prepare for Paid Leave today. Use this list to get ready.
