Vermont LLC Filing Fees and Requirements
Forming an LLC in Vermont costs $125 online or $155 by mail. Learn the filing fees, annual report requirements, and what you need to stay in good standing with the Vermont Secretary of State.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Vermont LLC filing fees at a glance
Filing fee: $125 online / $155 by mail
Processing time: A few business days for online filings; longer for paper
State agency: Vermont Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Annual report due: Within 2.5 months after the end of the LLC's fiscal year; $45 fee
State tax rate: No state-level LLC franchise tax; Vermont corporate income tax applies if taxed as a corporation
Vermont LLC filing fees and requirements
Forming an LLC in Vermont requires filing Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State and paying a state filing fee — $125 if you file online, $155 if you file by mail. After formation, Vermont LLCs must file an annual report each year to stay in good standing. The annual report fee is $45.
Articles of Organization
To form an LLC in Vermont, you file Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Articles must include your LLC's name and the address of its principal office.
Your LLC name must include the words "limited liability company" or "limited company," or an approved abbreviation like "LLC" or "L.L.C." It also needs to be distinguishable from other business names already on file with the Secretary of State. Vermont's name search tool lets you check availability before you file.
Online vs. mail filing
Vermont offers 2 ways to file your Articles of Organization, and the method you choose affects both the cost and the timeline.
- Online filing: $125 state fee, processed within a few business days through the Vermont Secretary of State's Business Services portal. You'll need to create an account and pay by credit card or another accepted electronic method.
- Mail filing: $155 state fee, longer processing time. Vermont does not offer a rush or expedited service for paper filings.
Filing online saves $30 and gets your LLC approved faster — it's the better option for most people.
Annual report requirement
Every Vermont LLC must file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year to stay in good standing. The filing fee is $45 for domestic LLCs and $170 for foreign LLCs registered in Vermont.
Vermont's annual report deadline is tied to your LLC's fiscal year, not a single fixed calendar date. The report is due within 2.5 months after the end of your fiscal year. If your LLC uses a calendar year, that means the report is due by mid-March. Vermont lets you choose your fiscal year when you form your LLC, so the deadline varies by business.
If you miss the deadline, your LLC falls out of good standing. If you don't catch up, the Secretary of State can administratively dissolve your LLC after going through the required notice process. Filing on time is the simplest way to avoid that.
Employer Identification Number
Every LLC should get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file federal taxes, and hire employees. The IRS issues EINs at no cost — you can apply directly at irs.gov. We can also get your EIN for you as part of the formation process.
Vermont business licenses and permits
Vermont doesn't issue a single general business license, but many businesses need industry-specific or local permits to operate. The requirements depend on what your business does, where it's located, and which state or federal agencies oversee your industry.
Common examples include licenses for cleaning businesses, landscaping operations, food service, and contractors. Some licenses are one-time; others renew annually. Running your business without the required licenses can mean fines from state, local, or federal agencies. Check with the Vermont Secretary of State and your local municipality to figure out what applies to your business.
Foreign LLCs doing business in Vermont
If your LLC was formed in another state but you want to do business in Vermont, you need to register as a foreign LLC with the Vermont Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs also have ongoing filing requirements, including an annual report with a $170 fee — higher than the $45 fee for domestic LLCs.
FAQ
It costs $125 to file Articles of Organization online with the Vermont Secretary of State, or $155 if you file by mail. That's the one-time state fee to form your LLC. After formation, you'll also owe a $45 annual report fee each year to keep your LLC in good standing.
It depends on your LLC's fiscal year. Vermont requires the annual report to be filed within 2.5 months after the end of your fiscal year. If your LLC uses a calendar year, the report is due by mid-March. The filing fee is $45 for domestic LLCs. Missing the deadline puts your LLC out of good standing.
Your LLC falls out of good standing with the Vermont Secretary of State. If you don't file after the required notice period, the state can administratively dissolve your LLC. That means your LLC loses its legal status in Vermont. Filing on time — and catching up quickly if you miss — is the way to avoid that outcome.
No. Vermont does not offer a rush or expedited processing option for LLC formation. That said, filing online through the Vermont Secretary of State's Business Services portal is processed within a few business days — faster than paper filings — at no extra charge.
It depends on your industry and location. Vermont doesn't have a single statewide general business license, but many businesses need industry-specific permits or local licenses. Cleaning businesses, landscaping operations, food service providers, and contractors are common examples. Check with the Vermont Secretary of State and your local municipality to figure out what your business needs.
We charge you the Vermont state filing fee at cost and pay it directly to the Secretary of State on your behalf. The state fee is $125 for online filing. Our formation service is $0 — you pay only the state fee. There are no markups on the state fee.
Yes. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. The IRS issues EINs at no cost. You can apply directly at irs.gov, or we can get your EIN for you as part of the LLC formation process.
