How much does it cost to start an LLC in Vermont?

The Vermont Secretary of State charges a $155 filing fee for the Certificate of Formation, Vermont's name for the LLC formation document. Your total first-year cost reaches $200 once you add the $45 annual report fee due in your anniversary month. For example, forming your LLC in April means your first $45 annual report fee is due the following April. Additional costs may include registered agent services, operating agreement preparation, and business licenses for your industry. Members pay 3.35% to 8.75% on pass-through profits. File online through the Vermont Secretary of State's portal. It states online filing normally takes less than one business day, against 7-10 business days for filings received by mail.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Vermont?

Vermont publishes this figure, which many states don't: under 1 business day online; 7-10 by mail. In the Vermont Secretary of State's own words: Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day; allow 7-10 business days for filings received by mail. The channel you choose matters, online filings from immediate up to 1 business days; paper and mail filings in 7-10 business days. Treat this as a genuine planning figure rather than a guarantee, and confirm it on the Vermont Secretary of State's own site before committing to a date.

Do I need a registered agent for my Vermont LLC?

Yes, Vermont law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Vermont street address at all times. The registered agent receives legal documents, service of process, and official government notices on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent's name and address are listed in your Certificate of Formation filed with the Vermont Secretary of State and become part of the public record. For example, if your LLC is sued, the plaintiff's attorney serves legal papers to your registered agent's address, so that person or service must be reliably present during business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you've a Vermont street address and are available during regular business hours. Exception: out-of-state owners must hire a professional Vermont registered agent service since they lack a Vermont address. File at vermontbusinessregistry.sec.state.vt.us to get started.

When is my Vermont LLC annual report due?

Vermont LLC annual reports are due during the anniversary month of your LLC's original formation, filed with the Vermont Secretary of State. The annual report fee is $45, payable online. For example, if your LLC was formed in September, your $45 annual report is due every September thereafter. The report updates key information including your registered agent's contact details, principal office address, and the names of members or managers. Filing on time keeps your LLC in good standing and avoids administrative dissolution. Exception: if you miss your anniversary month deadline, Vermont may place your LLC in delinquent status and assess additional fees before allowing reinstatement. Reinstatement is generally available but adds cost and paperwork. File your Vermont annual report online through the Vermont Secretary of State's eCorp portal at vermontbusinessregistry.sec.state.vt.us to maintain active status.

Does Vermont require LLC publication?

No, Vermont doesn't require LLCs to publish formation notices in any newspaper or legal periodical. Filing your Certificate of Formation with the Vermont Secretary of State is the only required public disclosure step for forming a Vermont LLC. This stands in sharp contrast to states like New York, which mandates publication in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks at rates the newspapers set, and to Arizona, which requires three consecutive newspaper publications unless the LLC's statutory agent has a street address in Maricopa or Pima County, where the state currently posts the notice online for free. Vermont founders avoid these costs entirely and can complete their entire formation for the $155 state filing fee. For example, a Vermont LLC formed today is fully active and legally operational as soon as the Secretary of State processes the Certificate of Formation, no waiting for newspaper deadlines. Exception: certain regulated industries may have separate disclosure requirements imposed by their licensing boards. Confirm with your specific regulator.

Can I form a Vermont LLC if I live in another state?

Yes, you can form a Vermont LLC regardless of where you personally reside. Vermont imposes no residency requirement on LLC owners or organizers. However, you must designate a registered agent with a physical Vermont street address listed in your Certificate of Formation filed with the Vermont Secretary of State. For example, an entrepreneur based in Florida can form and own a Vermont LLC by hiring a professional Vermont registered agent service to satisfy this requirement. Members pay 3.35% to 8.75% on pass-through profits, so out-of-state owners should also consult a tax advisor to understand their obligations in both Vermont and their home state, since operating in multiple states can create nexus and additional tax filing requirements. Verify your specific situation with a CPA.

How to Start an LLC in Vermont: Complete 2026 Guide

Form your Vermont LLC quickly and affordably with our step-by-step process designed for first-time business owners.

By Edmond Hui · Last updated: October 2026

Filing an LLC in Vermont costs $155 upfront and has an annual report due within 3 months of fiscal year end ($45). Processing time: Under 1 business day online; 7 to 10 by mail. See breakdown below.

Vermont publishes its LLC filing turnaround as under 1 business day online; 7-10 by mail

That's the Vermont Secretary of State's own published figure, online filings from immediate up to 1 business days; paper and mail filings in 7-10 business days.

Source: MyStateLLC 50-state primary-source processing verification, July 2026

Read this guide for another state:

Choosing an LLC formation service for Vermont?

We compared Northwest Registered Agent, Bizee, ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, the formation services we partner with, on 3-year cost, BBB rating and Trustpilot score.

Compare Services →

$39 with Northwest, plus your $155 state fee. Northwest's $39 includes a year of registered agent service.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee)Includes a year of registered agent service. After year one, registered agent service is $125/yr. That enrolls you by default in annual report filing at $100 plus state fees, charged automatically to your saved payment method and cancellable any time.

Forming in Vermont? Compare the best LLC services in Vermont.

Prefer to file directly? File yourself at the Secretary of State → ($155 state fee, no service fee)

Not sure which service is right? Compare formation services →

Quick Facts

State filing fee	$155
Processing time	Under 1 business day online; 7 to 10 by mail
Annual report due	Within 3 months of fiscal year end
Annual report fee	$45
State income tax	Members pay 3.35% to 8.75% on pass-through profits. A multi-member LLC also owes a $250 annual business entity tax

Source: Vermont Secretary of State (verified July 2026)

Step diagram for forming an LLC in Vermont, showing the 7 required steps, $155 state filing fee, $45 annual report. — The 7 steps to form an LLC in Vermont, with the state's own filing fee and annual report cost. Source: Vermont Secretary of State, verified July 2026.

How to Form an LLC: Step-by-Step

1
Choose Your LLC Name
Your Vermont LLC name must include 'LLC' or 'Limited Liability Company' and be distinguishable from existing business names. Check name availability using the Vermont Secretary of State's business name search tool.
How to search Vermont's business entity records →
Pro tip: Reserve your chosen name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form with a $20 fee if you're not ready to file immediately.
2
Designate a Registered Agent
Vermont requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Vermont address to receive legal documents. You can serve as your own registered agent or hire a professional service.
Vermont registered agent rules, costs and options →
Pro tip: A professional registered agent service puts its address, not yours, on the registered agent line of the public filing, and accepts legal papers during business hours.
3
File Articles of Organization
Submit your Articles of Organization to the Vermont Secretary of State with the $155 filing fee. You can file online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State's office.
What You File in Vermont
In Vermont, the formation document is the Articles of Organization, filed with the Vermont Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $155. Vermont lets you fill in and file the Articles of Organization online. The state's published processing time: Under 1 business day online; 7 to 10 by mail. The form itself requires the LLC's name, the registered agent's name, the registered office address, the organizer's name and an email address. Every line of the Articles of Organization, field by field →
Processing Times
- Online: 0-1 business days. Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day
- Mail: 7-10 business days, allow 7-10 business days for filings received by mail
- Expedited: No paid expedite option is published for LLC filings
Pro tip: Online filing is fastest and provides immediate confirmation of your submission status.
4
Create an Operating Agreement
This page has not confirmed whether Vermont law requires an LLC to have an operating agreement. A written agreement signed by every member is worth having either way: it records who owns what share, who makes decisions and how profits are divided.
Vermont LLC operating agreement: what to include →
Pro tip: Even single-member LLCs benefit from operating agreements to maintain clear separation between personal and business affairs.
5
Obtain an EIN from the IRS
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) directly through the IRS website at no cost. Most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account, and the IRS requires one if the LLC hires employees, owes certain employment or excise taxes, or is taxed as a partnership or corporation.
How to get your LLC's EIN from the IRS, free →
Pro tip: Get your EIN immediately after your LLC is approved - the IRS website processes applications instantly during business hours.
6
Open a Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated business bank account using your Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Vermont banks typically require these documents to verify your LLC's legal status.
Business bank accounts for Vermont LLCs →
Pro tip: Compare business banking options from Vermont community banks and credit unions, which often offer better rates and personalized service than national chains.
7
Obtain Required Business Licenses
Research and obtain any licenses or permits required for your specific business type. Vermont's licensing requirements vary by industry, and many businesses need both state and local permits.
Does your Vermont LLC need a business license? →
Pro tip: Use Vermont's Business License Information Center to identify all licenses you need based on your business activities and location.

Watch: How to Start an LLC in Vermont (2026): Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. It reports what each Secretary of State publishes for forming an LLC, with the sources this page cites. It cannot tell you what your own filing needs: fees and forms change between our reviews, several occupations cannot use an ordinary LLC at all and must use a professional entity, and your city or county may require a registration of its own. Confirm the current fee and form with the filing office named on this page before you send anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

: The Vermont Secretary of State charges a $155 filing fee for the Certificate of Formation, Vermont's name for the LLC formation document. Your total first-year cost reaches $200 once you add the $45 annual report fee due in your anniversary month. For example, forming your LLC in April means your first $45 annual report fee is due the following April. Additional costs may include registered agent services, operating agreement preparation, and business licenses for your industry. Members pay 3.35% to 8.75% on pass-through profits. File online through the Vermont Secretary of State's portal. It states online filing normally takes less than one business day, against 7-10 business days for filings received by mail.
: Vermont publishes this figure, which many states don't: under 1 business day online; 7-10 by mail. In the Vermont Secretary of State's own words: Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day; allow 7-10 business days for filings received by mail. The channel you choose matters, online filings from immediate up to 1 business days; paper and mail filings in 7-10 business days. Treat this as a genuine planning figure rather than a guarantee, and confirm it on the Vermont Secretary of State's own site before committing to a date.
: Yes, Vermont law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Vermont street address at all times. The registered agent receives legal documents, service of process, and official government notices on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent's name and address are listed in your Certificate of Formation filed with the Vermont Secretary of State and become part of the public record. For example, if your LLC is sued, the plaintiff's attorney serves legal papers to your registered agent's address, so that person or service must be reliably present during business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you've a Vermont street address and are available during regular business hours. Exception: out-of-state owners must hire a professional Vermont registered agent service since they lack a Vermont address. File at vermontbusinessregistry.sec.state.vt.us to get started.
: Vermont LLC annual reports are due during the anniversary month of your LLC's original formation, filed with the Vermont Secretary of State. The annual report fee is $45, payable online. For example, if your LLC was formed in September, your $45 annual report is due every September thereafter. The report updates key information including your registered agent's contact details, principal office address, and the names of members or managers. Filing on time keeps your LLC in good standing and avoids administrative dissolution. Exception: if you miss your anniversary month deadline, Vermont may place your LLC in delinquent status and assess additional fees before allowing reinstatement. Reinstatement is generally available but adds cost and paperwork. File your Vermont annual report online through the Vermont Secretary of State's eCorp portal at vermontbusinessregistry.sec.state.vt.us to maintain active status.
: No, Vermont doesn't require LLCs to publish formation notices in any newspaper or legal periodical. Filing your Certificate of Formation with the Vermont Secretary of State is the only required public disclosure step for forming a Vermont LLC. This stands in sharp contrast to states like New York, which mandates publication in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks at rates the newspapers set, and to Arizona, which requires three consecutive newspaper publications unless the LLC's statutory agent has a street address in Maricopa or Pima County, where the state currently posts the notice online for free. Vermont founders avoid these costs entirely and can complete their entire formation for the $155 state filing fee. For example, a Vermont LLC formed today is fully active and legally operational as soon as the Secretary of State processes the Certificate of Formation, no waiting for newspaper deadlines. Exception: certain regulated industries may have separate disclosure requirements imposed by their licensing boards. Confirm with your specific regulator.
: Yes, you can form a Vermont LLC regardless of where you personally reside. Vermont imposes no residency requirement on LLC owners or organizers. However, you must designate a registered agent with a physical Vermont street address listed in your Certificate of Formation filed with the Vermont Secretary of State. For example, an entrepreneur based in Florida can form and own a Vermont LLC by hiring a professional Vermont registered agent service to satisfy this requirement. Members pay 3.35% to 8.75% on pass-through profits, so out-of-state owners should also consult a tax advisor to understand their obligations in both Vermont and their home state, since operating in multiple states can create nexus and additional tax filing requirements. Verify your specific situation with a CPA.

Sources

9 documents

Each entry below is a document recorded in our verified Vermont sources, and each entry says what the document is. Some statutory text is read from an accurate mirror rather than from the state's own host, and those say so.

sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/domestic-formation/llcVermont Secretary of State: business entity filings
sos.vermont.gov/business-services/fees-statutesVermont LLC filing fees
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/11/025/04033Vermont statute: Annual Report
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/11/025/04023Vermont statute: Annual Report
sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/annualbiennial-reports/Vermont agency guidance: Annual Report
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/11/025Vermont statute: Annual Report
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/11a/016/00016.22Vermont statute: Annual Report
bizfilings.vermont.govVermont agency guidance: Annual Report
sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/annualbiennial-reportsVermont Secretary of State: file the Annual Report

More for Vermont LLCs

Ready to Form Your Vermont LLC?

$39 with Northwest, plus your $155 state fee. Northwest's $39 includes a year of registered agent service.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Prefer to file directly? File yourself at the Secretary of State → ($155 state fee, no service fee)

Not sure which service is right? Compare formation services →

Edmond Hui · Founder, MyStateLLC

Edmond Hui is a software engineer and serial entrepreneur based in New York who has founded multiple online businesses across e-commerce, media, and information publishing. Before transitioning into tech, he spent years as a commercial real estate professional closing deals totaling over 100,000 square feet, giving him firsthand experience with business formation and entity structuring. He built MyStateLLC to provide the free, state-specific LLC guidance he wished existed when forming his own companies.

How we check facts

How to Start an LLC in Vermont: Complete 2026 Guide

Quick Facts

How to Form an LLC: Step-by-Step

Choose Your LLC Name

Designate a Registered Agent

File Articles of Organization

What You File in Vermont

Processing Times

Create an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN from the IRS

Open a Business Bank Account

Obtain Required Business Licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

More for Vermont LLCs

Start and set up

Taxes, money and growth

Stay compliant

Operate in other states

Compare structures

By owner type

By profession

Ready to Form Your Vermont LLC?

Quick Facts

How to Form an LLC: Step-by-Step

Choose Your LLC Name

Designate a Registered Agent

File Articles of Organization

What You File in Vermont

Processing Times

Create an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN from the IRS

Open a Business Bank Account

Obtain Required Business Licenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

More for Vermont LLCs

Start and set up

Taxes, money and growth

Stay compliant

Operate in other states

Compare structures

By owner type

By profession

Ready to Form Your Vermont LLC?

More Vermont LLC Guides

Related guides