How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Vermont?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Vermont is $125. This fee is paid to the Vermont Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Vermont?
Vermont LLC Online Filing Fee: $125
The main cost to start an LLC in Vermont is the $125 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Vermont Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Vermont
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Vermont, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Vermont.
The cost for registering a Vermont foreign LLC is $125. You can register a foreign LLC through the Secretary of State website.
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation online with the Secretary of State and paying the $20 filing fee.
Assumed Business Name
File an Assumed Business Name Registration online and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Vermont LLC Ongoing Fees
When considering the establishment of a limited liability company (LLC) in Vermont, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining compliance and the legal status of your LLC.
By being aware of these expenses, you can effectively plan your LLC's budget and ensure its long-term financial stability.
Here are the primary ongoing fees for a Vermont LLC:
- Annual Report: Vermont LLCs are required to file an annual report. This report provides updated information about the LLC's ownership and management to the state. The filing fee for the annual report is $35.
- Annual Business Entity Income Tax: Vermont LLCs are subject to an annual business entity income tax. The specific amount of the tax may vary based on the LLC's income and tax bracket, but the minimum fee is $250.
- Assumed Business Name Renewal: Vermont ABNs must be renewed with the state every five years for a $40 fee.
- Registered Agent Fee: Vermont LLCs must appoint a registered agent to accept service of process from the state. While there are no state-required fees for appointing an agent, many businesses choose to hire a third-party registered agent service to fulfill the role. The annual cost of this averages around $100–$200.
It is crucial to consider these ongoing costs when planning your LLC's budget in Vermont. By accounting for these expenses, you can make informed financial decisions and maintain the fiscal health of your LLC.
How to Register a Vermont LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Vermont is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Vermont LLC Cost FAQ
To start an LLC in Vermont, you need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can file this document online or by mail, and the filing fee is $125.
A registered agent for a Vermont LLC is a person or entity that is designated to receive important tax and legal documents on behalf of the business. In Vermont, the registered agent doesn't need to provide official consent when they are initially assigned or if the role is changed later on.
Yes, a Vermont LLC can operate under an assumed business name. This can be beneficial for marketing purposes or if the original name of the LLC changes over time. This is also referred to as a DBA or "doing business as" name.
Every year, Vermont LLCs must file an annual report. The fee for this report is $35. Additionally, Vermont LLCs must pay an annual Business Entity Income Tax, which starts at $250.
An LLC formation service can offer several benefits for a Vermont LLC. It can provide assistance with filing the Articles of Organization, help maintain compliance with annual reporting requirements, and often offer Registered Agent services. This can make the process of starting and maintaining an LLC easier and more efficient.
In Vermont, you can use the Business Entity Search tool on the Secretary of State's website to check if a business name is already in use. This tool lets you search the database of registered Vermont businesses to ensure your desired name isn't already taken.
A Certificate of Good Standing in Vermont is a document that shows an LLC is legally registered in the state and has fulfilled all its state requirements. This certificate is often necessary when applying for business loans or when the business is engaging in transactions with other businesses or government entities.
Article Sources
Vermont Department of Taxes:
https://tax.vermont.gov/
IRS - Employer ID Number:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Vermont Secretary of State Corporations Division:
https://bizfilings.vermont.gov/online
SBA - Applying for licenses and permits
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Vermont Chamber of Commerce List:
http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Vermont.html