How much does it cost to start an LLC in Vermont in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Vermont requires a one-time initial filing fee of $125 paid to the Vermont Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $164.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Vermont LLC?

Vermont charges an annual report fee of $35 filed on a annual basis (due Within 3 months after fiscal year end). Additionally, Vermont imposes a franchise tax: Minimum business entity tax of $250 applies to LLCs doing business in Vermont.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Vermont LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Vermont LLC is approximately $1,710. This includes initial formation ($125), recurring annual reports ($35), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Vermont?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Vermont, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Vermont. In Vermont, the foreign qualification filing fee is $125 plus ongoing maintenance of $35/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Vermont LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $125. Ongoing annual report fee: $35 (annual). Franchise tax: $250/yr minimum.

Compare Vermont vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Vermont costs $125 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $35/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Vermont LLC costs an estimated $1,710, including mandatory annual franchise taxes.

Initial State Filing$125One-time payment

Annual Report$35Due Within 3 months after fiscal year end

Franchise Tax$250/yrminimum

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Vermont Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Vermont LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $125

Approval speed: 1-2 business days•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Vermont Tax Rule: Minimum business entity tax of $250 applies to LLCs doing business in Vermont.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

Vermont already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Vermont vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$414

Initial formation fee ($125) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$324 /yr avg

Annual report ($35/yr) + franchise tax

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$1,710(~$29/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Vermont.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($414)

$414

Year 1Formation

$324

Year 2Renewal

$324

Year 3Renewal

$324

Year 4Renewal

$324

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $414

State Filing$125

Franchise Tax$250

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$125

7% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

$1,250

73% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$140

8% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

11% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

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.

Free Home Address RedactionInstant Vermont Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

Get Started for $39 + State FeesRated 4.8/5 by 10,000+ founders • No hidden renewal spikes

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Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Vermont LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

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Vermont LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Vermont Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateWithin 3 months after fiscal year endFrequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround1-2 business daysExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax3.35% to 8.75%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

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.

Compare Vermont with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70