Minnesota Promissory Note




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A Minnesota Promissory Note functions much like a formal IOU, only better structured. Imagine two friends striking a deal: one loans money to the other, who then promises to pay it back. This pledge encompasses key specifics like the payment method and any additional fees.

What is the Usury Rate for Minnesota?

Put simply, a usury rate acts like a speed limit for loan interest rates. If you exceed this, you plunge into "usury" zone—a zone ideally skirted. Remember, these thresholds aren't fixed; they fluctuate from state to state. Thus, grasping your state's rules is vital. Staying aware of your usury rate ensures just lending, steering your business clear of probable snares. So, when contemplating a business loan, it's smart to know this number well.


For Minnesota, the legal rate of interest is 6%. For written contracts, the usury limit is 8%, unless for an amount over $100,000, in which case there is no limit. (Minn. Stat. § 334.01)

 

What's included in a Minnesota Promissory Note?

Here are some key components that are typically included in a Minnesota Promissory Note:

  1. Amount and Terms of the Loan
  2. Closing and Delivery
  3. Representations, Warranties the Company
     
    1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification
    2. Corporate Power
    3. Authorization
    4. Compliance with Laws
    5. Use of Proceeds

1. Amount and Terms of the Loan

"The Loan" illuminates the precise amount of money you're investing in the business. This provision is essential as it garners transparency and protections for all parties. To have this in order, just insert the loan quantity into the allotted space. Also, take a look at "Exhibit A", which authenticates the promissory note as the formal validation of the loan's journey.

Fundamentally, this vital term sheds light on the bucks you're parting with, laying a solid groundwork for your promissory note pact.

The Loan.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Purchaser agrees to lend to the Company at the Closing $_________ (“Loan Amount”) against the issuance and delivery by the Company of a promissory note for such amount, attached as EXHIBIT A (“Note”). 

2. Closing and Delivery

The CLOSING AND DELIVERY section highlights the final stages of your promissory note arrangement. Closing is simply about pinpointing the date when the agreement concludes. Just remember, this date isn't set in stone; it doesn't need to match the starting date of the pact.

Contrarily, Delivery paints the picture of the transaction process: the lender transfers the loan amount to the business, and reciprocally, the business gives the finalized promissory note to the lender, solidifying the pledge to repay. This reciprocal trade instills confidence among all parties, ensuring they comprehend and are dedicated to the process, step by step.

CLOSING AND DELIVERY


Closing.  The closing of the sale and purchase of the Notes (the “Closing”) will be held on the Effective Date, or at such other time as the Company and Purchasers may mutually agree (such date is referred to as the “Closing Date”).

 

Delivery.  At the Closing (i) Purchaser will deliver to the Company a check or wire transfer funds in the amount of the Loan Amount; and (ii) the Company will issue and deliver to Purchaser a Note in favor of Purchaser payable in the principal amount of Purchaser’s Loan Amount.

3. Representation, Warranties The Company

This section zeroes in on the business's responsibility to handle crucial matters aptly. Staying on track is legally vital to dodge potential legal snags. Make a point to disclose essential info regarding the company's financial health, processes, or legal concerns. Maintaining the agreement honest and clear-cut is extremely significant.

a. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

The Organization, Good Standing, and Qualification section attests to the business's legal standing. It pinpoints where the business conducts its activities, enhancing work process productivity and building confidence among all parties.

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of [State].  The Company has the requisite corporate power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.  The Company is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its activities and of its properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business.

b. Corporate Power

The Corporate Power section verifies the business's legal capacity to carry out this agreement and meet commitments. It essentially says: "Our business is legally allowed to make this deal." This part is vital in building trust and ensuring legality. So, take care to include and comprehend this provision.

Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue the Note and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Note.  

c. Authorization

The Authorization section secures the company stakeholders' consent and the note's legal status. It's an essential piece of your contract that confirms the required corporate steps have been followed. This provision safeguards both parties and lays a strong groundwork for your agreement.

Authorization.  All corporate action has been taken on the part of the Company, its directors and its stockholders necessary for the authorization of the Note and the execution, delivery and performance of all obligations of the Company under the Note.  The Note, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, the relief of debtors.

d. Compliance with Laws

The Compliance with Laws section declares your enterprise isn't consciously defying any laws potentially detrimental to its operations. Integrating this stipulation offers assurance to all involved about your company's dedication to legal adherence.

Compliance with Laws.  To its knowledge, the Company is not in violation of any applicable statute, rule, regulation, order or restriction of any domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or agency in respect of the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties, which violation would materially and adversely affect the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or operations of the Company.

e. Use of Proceeds

The Use of Proceeds section defines the loan as solely for business endeavors, not for personal activities. This part is pivotal for guaranteeing transparency and preserving trust with lenders.

Use of Proceeds.  The Company will use the proceeds of the Note for the operations of its business, and not for any personal, family or household purpose.

Can a promissory note be used without a mortgage?

Absolutely, a promissory note can stand alone without a mortgage. Think of a promissory note as a legal agreement outlining loan details, while a mortgage serves to back up the loan with an asset like property. Promissory notes cover both secured and unsecured loans, so it's entirely feasible to have one without a mortgage, making it an unsecured loan. However, you can't usually separate a mortgage from a promissory note, as the note clarifies the repayment conditions and includes the borrower's pledge to pay back the loan.

How do you collect from a promissory note?

To retrieve funds from a promissory note, tally up the total due, adding in interest and fees. Reach out to the debtor formally in writing. If they remain unresponsive to pay, ponder over resorting to a legal course. Make certain that all pertinent documents are handy and seek legal advice as regional regulations may differ. Stay clear of bombarding the debtor with communications as this could cross legal boundaries. It's always wise to consult with a legal professional to steer clear of potential hitches.