Vermont LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $125. Ongoing annual report fee: $35 (annual). Franchise tax: $250/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Vermont database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Vermont Secretary of State registry before submitting your $125 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Vermont?
An LLC in Vermont costs $125 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $35 per year in annual report fees. Vermont also charges a $250/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $1,710, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $125 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Vermont Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $35 | annual | Due Within 3 months after fiscal year end | Vermont Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $250/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $125 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Vermont LLC 5-Year Cost Model
VTChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($125) + registered agent
Annual report ($35/yr) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Vermont.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $4145-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Vermont filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Vermont LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Vermont LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Vermont Secretary of State.
Vermont Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
Minimum business entity tax of $250 applies to LLCs doing business in Vermont.
Advantages of a Vermont LLC
- Fast turnaround times
- Accessible state staff
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $250 annual minimum entity tax to the VT Department of Taxes
Founder Pro-Tip for Vermont
File annual reports directly on the VT Secretary of State portal.
Step-by-Step Vermont LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Vermont Secretary of State registry.
Appoint a Vermont Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Vermont (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($125 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Vermont Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Within 3 months after fiscal year end)
Submit the annual report with the $35 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Vermont LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Vermont.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Vermont?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Vermont is $125, paid to the Vermont Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $164 in your first year.
What is the Vermont LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Vermont LLC filing fee is $125. This is a one-time fee paid to the Vermont Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Vermont?
Vermont charges a annual report fee of $35, due Within 3 months after fiscal year end. Additionally, Vermont imposes a franchise tax of $250/year minimum. Minimum business entity tax of $250 applies to LLCs doing business in Vermont.
How much does it cost to maintain a Vermont LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Vermont LLC includes the annual report fee ($35), the state franchise/entity tax ($250/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $1,710.
Does Vermont have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. Vermont imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: Minimum business entity tax of $250 applies to LLCs doing business in Vermont. The minimum annual franchise tax is $250.
Can I form an LLC in Vermont if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Vermont regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Vermont, foreign LLC registration costs $125 plus $35/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Vermont with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: