How to Start an LLC in Vermont (VT LLC 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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How to Start an LLC in Vermont: If you’re looking to start a Vermont LLC, you’ve come to the right page. Setting up an LLC is easy and cost-effective. To form an LLC, you must follow a few steps that include naming your LLC, hiring a registered agent, filing your formation documents, doing the operating agreement, and finally obtaining the EIN. You can easily set up your LLC at a very low cost in Vermont. Though, you must pay the mandatory state filing fee. These fees and charges can be tax deductible, making the LLC formation cost almost negligible.

On this page, You’ll find all the steps that must be taken to ensure that your Vermont LLC has been correctly formed. We recommend you read the whole article very carefully, word by word, don’t miss anything 🙂

How to Start an LLC in Vermont

An LLC (aka Limited Liability Company) is a hybrid business entity combining a corporation’s characteristics with a partnership or sole proprietorship. It separates your personal assets from your business assets, thus giving you personal asset protection.

If you wish to start an LLC in Vermont, you must file your Articles of Organization with the State and pay a filing fee of $125. While it’s the most important step, it’s not the only one. There are 4 other crucial steps to follow to get your LLC formed in Vermont. Below are all 5 steps that explain everything you need to do to start a Vermont LLC in 2024. Let’s get started! You can always hire a professional LLC formation service in Vermont to set up your LLC instead of doing it alone; a Pro service will ensure everything is done properly.

Step 1: Decide a Name for Your Vermont LLC

Vermont name your llc

The first step while forming a limited liability company in Vermont is to give a proper name to your LLC. Before you name your business, you must know that the name should be easy to remember, available in the state, and follows all the LLC naming guidelines.

Vermont LLC Naming Guidelines

There are a few specific requirements all the LLCs in Vermont have to follow while naming their Company. Some of the most important requirements are as follows:

  • Your business name should be available and no other existing business in Vermont can have the same name. ZenBusiness offers unlimited business name searches without any hassle.
  • “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, and “L.L.C.” – any one of these has to be used as a suffix in your business name.
  • You cannot use any name for your business that is confusing or misleading. Terms such as “Treasury”, “State Department”, “FBI”, “CIA”, etc. shouldn’t be included.
  • Terms like “Bank“, “University“, “Attorney“, “Doctor“, etc can be added only after the additional requirements by Vermont State Government are fulfilled.
  • (Optional) It’s better to name your business something for which your desired domain is available.
Important Links –
Vermont Business Entity Search – Online Name Search
Name Reservation Form – Online
Name Availability Standards – Guidelines
Vermont LLC Name Search – Instructions

Reserve Business Name for Future

If you do not wish to file your LLC right now but want to hold the name you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 120 days. To keep the name, you must file a name reservation application and pay $20 to reserve your name with the Vermont Secretary of State.

Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name

Once you have a legal name for your LLC, you can register it. However, it is not mandatory. You can, instead, use DBA, Fictitious Name, or Trade Name. In that case, you must register your name with the Vermont Secretary of State by submitting an Application to Register Trade Name in Vermont, along with the filing fee of $50.

Recommended: You can do name search, business domain, website, emails, and a lot more in one place by hiring a professional service. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

ZenBusiness($0 for LLC Formation)

Apart from LLC formation, ZenBusiness offers customized website templates and business emails at a very reasonable price. If you plan to get a website, then it is wise to have a “.com” domain for your business, but these days you can also use other TLDs like “.io”, “.company”, “.xyz,” etc. Here you can get everything you need for your business in one dashboard.

Do I have to include LLC in my company email/domain?

It is not legally mandatory to use the word LLC in your domain name or email. If you want, you can use it. However, it is recommended not to use LLC in the domain name. A domain name should be short and easy to remember.

Step 2: Assign a Registered Agent in Vermont

Vermont registered agent

The second step to forming an LLC in Vermont is to appoint a Registered Agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity working on your LLC’s behalf. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents, all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Vermont. Hence, hiring a competent Vermont Registered Agent for your LLC is necessary.

Make sure your registered agent is a resident of Vermont or has a physical street address. This address will be used as the principal address of your LLC to receive any legal documents. Most LLC formation companies also provide registered agent services. Below are two great LLC formation services; even if you buy their cheapest plan (normally $0/year), you also get registered agent service and other services at a very reasonable price.

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

These two are our top recommendations for registered agent service, as they are competent and authorized to conduct business in Vermont. Some LLC formation services also offer standalone Vermont registered agent services. You can purchase only Registered Agent services without purchasing any other LLC formation services. This standalone service might become handy if you are doing it yourself and don’t want to disclose your home address or you don’t want to pierce the corporate veil.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent?

A person above 18 years of age with a physical address in the state of Vermont can be a Registered Agent. A Registered Agent can be an independent person or can be a business entity. One is responsible for handling all the legal documents on the LLCs behalf.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent if you are a resident of the state of Vermont and you are above 18 years of age. To become a registered agent, you must have the authority to conduct any type of business in Vermont.

Why Shouldn’t I be My Own Registered Agent?

There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t be your own registered agent. The address of the registered agent is used to communicate with the SOS or for any legal activities. If you are your own registered agent, you might have to upload your personal address to the public forum. Besides, the registered agent must be at the address during business hours. It won’t be easy for you as you also have to take care of other things in your LLC. Hence, it is wiser to appoint a separate entity as your registered agent.

What is Piercing the Corporate Veil in LLC?

If an LLC is sued in Vermont, in some cases, courts might decide to lift the corporate veil, which means the owners of the LLC will be personally liable for their business debts. They might have to forgo their personal assets to repay their business debts. This is called piercing the corporate veil, where personal and business assets are not separated anymore. Your personal assets can be protected if you have enough capital and all your LLC documents are properly filed.

Registered Agent Consent Application

In Vermont, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. At the time of change of Registered Agent (or the name or address), the new Registered Agent has to sign the consent letter. It comes with the Application form to Change the Registered Agent. The filing fee of $25 should be paid for it. For more information on the same, read our guide on Vermont Registered Agent.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization in Vermont

Vermont certificate of formation

The third and most important step in forming a Vermont LLC is to file the Articles of Organization. This Vermont Articles of Organization is a legal document that is required to register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State. It costs $125 (by mail and online) to file your formation certificate in Vermont.

The Articles of Organization include details like the name of the LLC, the registered agent’s name, address, employees’ details, and company structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Before hiring employees in Vermont LLC, one should know about the rules and regulations thoroughly. Also, if you are expanding your existing business (an LLC) in other states to Vermont, you must register as a Vermont Foreign LLC.

How to File Online

Go to the Secretary of State Online Service. You will get the online service page. If you are already a subscriber, then click on the “log in to Subscribe Account” option and log in with your credentials. If you’re not subscribed, then you can directly start filing your LLC by clicking on the “Online Filing” button below. Read more about the Vermont Certificate of Formation for online registration.

How to File by Mail

If you prefer filing real-life forms for your Vermont LLC registration, then you can download Domestic LLC Formation Form. Read the form thoroughly, fill it out, and mail it to the following address,

Mailing Address:

Vermont Secretary of State
Corporations Division
128 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05633.

Processing Time: Normally, it takes around 7-10 business days (approx) to get your LLC formed in Vermont. The processing time for online filing might be a little faster than offline filing. With an additional cost, you can get expedited filing as well. However, the document processing time can be changed due to various factors.

Recommended: Online LLC Formation service can provide all these documents way faster than usual time with lifetime customer support and 100% accuracy. We recommend using –

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ZenBusiness – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

Every LLC owner has to pay the filing fees to register their business in Vermont. This fee is mandatory but also tax deductible. If you’re doing it yourself (filing on your own), it will not cost you any additional service fee. However, it is not feasible to do that as the DIY process might be delayed, complicated, and messy, especially if you’re a novice entrepreneur. Hence, it is recommended to get professional guidance to get your LLC formed in Vermont.

Step 4: Create Your Vermont LLC Operating Agreement

Vermont operating agreement

Moving on to the fourth step, filing your operating agreement. An operating agreement is a document that legally outlines the proprietorship and operating procedures of your LLC. This document is vital as it ensures that all business owners are on the same page regarding how they operate, thus reducing future conflicts.

When it comes to filing a Vermont LLC Operating Agreement, the state does not require you to have a comprehensive operating agreement, but it is ideal to have one that contains all the details of your business operation that helps in taking future business decisions, especially if you decide to dissolve Vermont LLC later. Hence, having an operating agreement may not be necessary, but it is surely ideal.

Recommended: You can get a professionally made operating agreement for very less cost with ZenBusiness. You don’t need to worry about drafting it as they will take care of it on your behalf. We recommend using –

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ZenBusiness – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

The operating agreement draft can be created for free if you don’t hire a professional. However, there is an advantage to appointing a proficient person/service. You will get a businesslike quality operating agreement at a very cheap fee, which will help you in the future. Hiring a professional service means you can sleep well at night 🙂

Step 5: Filing a Vermont LLC EIN

Vermont file EIN for llc

The Employer Identification Number (aka EIN) is a nine-digit number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make it easier to identify the type of business for tax purposes and taxes in general. The EIN is necessary for any active business or any form of business for that matter.

EIN is needed when the LLC hires employees. Hiring employees in Vermont LLC requires following specific rules and regulations. On the other side, EIN for Vermont foreign LLC should be obtained if your LLC is based in other states.

To obtain EIN (aka FEIN), one must fill up a form (Online or by mail) and submit it to the IRS. Enter details of your LLC, and finally, complete the form and send it to the address given. You can also get an EIN Assistant to help you with the process.

Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935 | Fee: Free

Recommended: This hassle will be reduced when you hire an LLC formation service. They take care of obtaining EIN and all other things for your LLC. We recommend using –

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ZenBusiness – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

Note: You don’t need a Social Security number when getting an EIN. You can proceed to fill out I.R.S. Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. You must then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application. Agents or employees will help you with that.


Congratulations, you are now done with all the necessary steps to form your Limited Liability Company in Vermont. If you do it yourself, it should take you a long time to understand and do all the steps properly.

However, if you use ZenBusiness, it should be way faster. You will always have a live chat option and phone support with experts for any help you need. Their worry-free service will make things easier for you.


After Starting Your Vermont LLC

After forming your LLC, there are still some things that you will need. The most important thing is to separate your business and personal assets. LLCs have limited liability protection that protects your personal assets from business liability. This is called a corporate veil. However, the corporate veil can be lifted or pierced by the court if the LLC is sued. In that case, the owners of the LLC become personally liable for their corporate debts. A few things like appointing a legit registered agent, having enough capital, and filing all the major documents with the state can save the LLCs from being pierced into the corporate veil.

Apart from that, there are a few things you need to take note of,

This page has provided you with steps to LLC formation and filing processes. You now have to remember upcoming filing deadlines and filing fees or filing costs, including fees for late filings to make sure your LLC is up-to-date.

Cost of Vermont LLC

LLCs can be formed by spending very less price. Apart from the mandatory state filing fees, you don’t have to bear additional service charges if you do it yourself. Following are the fees and taxes LLCs in Vermont must pay to register and run a business in the state. Forming an LLC is no doubt cost-effective compared to other business structures. However, the fees and charges (tax-deductible) that you must pay to the state, such as name reservation fee, name filing fee, LLC filing fee, and Franchise Tax & Sales Tax (If applicable). Here are the main fees and taxes you must pay while forming your limited liability company in Vermont,

Fees/TaxAmount to be Paid
Name Reservation Fee$20
Articles of Organization Fee$125
LLC Annual Fee$35
Sales Tax6%

In Vermont, an LLC name reservation is not mandatory. You can register your LLC name at the time of registering your LLC. If you wish to hold the name for some time without registering your LLC, then you can do that online. Your LLC name will be reserved for 120 days without registering your LLC. It can be done by paying $20.

In Vermont, an Annual Report has to be produced every year. It costs $35. Also, the State of Vermont requires LLCs to pay a Sales Tax of 6% every year. Read our guide on LLC costs in Vermont for more information.

Vermont Foreign LLC

If you are interested in forming a Foreign LLC in Vermont, then you need to file the Certificate of Foreign LLC to the Vermont Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs allow you to operate your business in more than one state. Along with the Certificate of Foreign LLC, you need to submit some more documents like the Certificate of Good Standing, etc. to the Vermont SOS to form your foreign LLC in Vermont. To know more in detail, check out our guide on Vermont Foreign LLC.

Reasons to Start an LLC in Vermont

The establishment of startup companies in Vermont is increasing rapidly and has left behind the large corporation establishment. This has become a major source of income and development for the state. No matter which field it belongs to, any business idea is welcomed in Vermont and is appreciated by the incentives offered. The state offers diverse business funding options along with a massive reduction in tax liabilities. Read more on Vermont’s classification of LLC tax.

If you own a low-profit LLC, then it will be wise to start your LLC in Vermont. You will be eligible for business loans and advances. One can get a business credit card in Vermont. This helps the entrepreneurs to distinguish between personal and business expenses.

That is why if you want to start an LLC in Vermont and have a unique idea, then there are some benefits that you will also enjoy.

Tax Incentives offered in Vermont

When an LLC in Vermont is established, it automatically gets eligible for many tax advantages. These advantages are provided in rebates and credits to the businesses after paying the tax they are liable for. Some of the advantages that they will enjoy are mentioned below.

  • The first is the Newport City Tax Stabilization. This is given to those LLC who are establishing in the city of Newport in Vermont. In this, a startup company is given some rebates to stabilize themselves in the initial stages without any tension of taxes.
  • The Downtown designation program is another scheme in which LLCs are given assistance and incentives for improving their buildings and housing, which will help them expand. Any training and technical support required are also provided under this program.
  • After that, a new market tax credit program helps a business establish a new market and boosts their motive by providing them various tax credits.
  • Vermont Employment Growth Incentive is given to an LLC after they start crediting some jobs for the state. On every full-time job created in the state, some incentive is given to the LLC, which helps them create more job opportunities. The value of money that an LLC gains will depend on the payroll given to the candidate, the job they are qualified for, and the company’s capital investment. For many years an incentive for an employee is gained by the LLC.

Vermont Opportunity Zone

Some special areas in Vermont are not as economically stable as other areas. These are listed in the opportunity zones by the government. When a business comes to these opportunity zones and starts a Vermont LLC, they provide many incentives.

All they need to show is their capital gains for deferral of many taxes. The main motive for starting this program is to grow those backward areas and make them economically stable.

Top Businesses in Vermont

If you want to form an LLC in Vermont, you sure have a great knowledge of businesses and the state’s economic environment. Here are the best businesses in Vermont.

Tourism businesses

The tourism business in Vermont is providing jobs to around 26,000 people who have catered to around 13.4 billion people who came to the state. There are some attractive snow trails and trout fishing points where people like to spend their holidays. Moreover, the hotels and restaurants in the state are made in a very aesthetic way that provides a welcoming environment to the people coming to visit them.

This sector’s total contribution to the GDP of Vermont is around 15%, and the main reason behind this is the skiing businesses.

Manufacturing Businesses

The manufacturing firms in Vermont are purely based on the latest trends that are seen around the country. Earlier, Vermont’s textile industries are a greater contributor to manufacturing businesses, but this focus has shifted to the wood manufacturing firms with time.

Many manufacturing plants in Vermont are making the latest design and strong furniture and hockey sticks. Along with that, the paper industry is also an emerging part of the industry of Vermont. The contribution of the sector is around $2.9 billion.

Forestry Businesses

Forestry is known to produce around 1% of the total GDP generated by the state. There is a well-established business of timber, and it’s dying that supports the manufacturing sector of the state. NGOs handle these forest covers in the state with that help, which has now increased to around 78% compared to 38% in the 1880s.

Some small business ideas that can work well in the state are:-

  • Retail services
  • Water cruise selling and renting
  • Dairy farming

Vermont LLC Formation Review

Time needed: 5 minutes

Just to recap, here are the easy steps again when forming an LLC in Vermont. Click on the steps in this list to read the full detail.

  1. Name your Vermont LLC

    The first thing you must do is to choose a company name, which should be unique, easy to find, and available in the state.
    name your llc

  2. Choose a Registered Agent

    In Vermont, it is mandatory to select a registered agent for your LLC. Get a professional Registered Agent from LLC formation services to get things done hassle-free.
    registered agent

  3. File a Formation Certificate

    Filing a formation certificate is necessary when forming an LLC in Vermont. Depending on the state, it could be called any of the following: Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Certificate of Organization.
    articles of organization

  4. Create an Operating Agreement

    An operating agreement is not a strict requirement in Vermont but something encouraged when you start an LLC to avoid future conflicts.
    operating agreement

  5. Get an EIN

    The Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called Federal Tax Identification Number, serves to identify a business entity like a social security number but for a company.
    file EIN for llc

F.A.Qs

Can I file an LLC in Vermont by myself?

If you are a resident of Vermont, then you can file your LLC by yourself. However, it is always worth having a professional than doing it yourself to handle legal complexities, paperwork, and other documentation.

What is the cost of forming an LLC in Vermont in a year?

Apart from the formation fee of $125 (domestic LLC) and $125 (foreign LLC), LLC costs in Vermont include $35 for Annual Reports every year. LLCs are liable to pay sales tax of 6% every year.

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

It takes 1 to 2 business days to get an LLC in Vermont if you file it online. For the mail filing, it takes 7 to 10 business days to get an LLC. If you hire a professional LLC service, then it might take less than that. We recommend TailorBrands, which has an impeccable turnaround time.

How to renew my LLC in Vermont?

Every year all the LLCs have to submit an Annual Report and pay $35 to the Vermont Secretary of State and renew the LLC. It is mandatory to renew your LLC every year.

What is the tax structure for an LLC in Vermont?

Generally, for LLCs, it is a default tax structure. Once you obtain the EIN, you will get the various tax structure options to select. Sometimes LLCs choose S Corp to reduce federal tax burdens. Read more on the Vermont Classification of LLC Tax.

How Fast Can I Form an LLC in Vermont

The filing process of an LLC in Vermont via mail can take up to 7 to 10 business days. Online filings can be complete within 1 to 2 business days.

One of the main reasons why forming an LLC in Vermont is so fast is the state’s online registration system. With just a few clicks, entrepreneurs can fill out the necessary paperwork, pay the required fees, and receive their LLC certificate in a matter of days. This online system eliminates the need for time-consuming paper forms and snail mail, making the process much quicker and more convenient.

In addition to the online registration system, Vermont has also streamlined its processes for forming an LLC. The state has simplified its requirements for naming an LLC, making it easier for entrepreneurs to choose a name that is both unique and representative of their business. Vermont also offers clear guidelines for drafting an LLC operating agreement, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page from the very beginning.

Another reason why forming an LLC in Vermont is so fast is the state’s commitment to providing excellent customer service. Whether entrepreneurs have questions about the registration process or need help navigating the online system, the Vermont Secretary of State’s office is there to help. With knowledgeable and friendly staff members ready to assist, entrepreneurs can feel confident that they are in good hands as they navigate the process of forming their LLC.

Furthermore, Vermont’s affordable registration fees make it a cost-effective option for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business. Compared to other states, Vermont offers competitive pricing for LLC registration, making it a budget-friendly choice for entrepreneurs with limited resources. By keeping fees low, Vermont makes it easier for entrepreneurs to take that first step towards building their dream business.

Ultimately, the speed at which an entrepreneur can form an LLC in Vermont is a testament to the state’s dedication to supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth. By providing a user-friendly online registration system, streamlining processes, offering excellent customer service, and keeping registration fees affordable, Vermont has created an environment where entrepreneurs can easily bring their business ideas to life.

So, for those looking to start their own business in Vermont, the process of forming an LLC is fast, efficient, and hassle-free. With the support of the state government and a commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to all, Vermont is a great place to turn your business dreams into reality.

In Conclusion

LLCs are easier to establish than other business structures. Small businesses, especially start-ups, can easily start their LLCs in Vermont at a bare minimum cost. LLCs have a ‘pass-through taxation’ advantage for which they are excluded from certain taxes. The formation of limited liability companies requires much lesser documents and legal processes. Share your queries with us, and leave a comment below.

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