Key Takeaways

  • Vermont requires all business entities, including LLCs, to file annual (or biennial for nonprofits) reports to remain in good standing.
  • The Vermont LLC annual report filing fee is $35, with a $25 penalty if late. Foreign LLCs pay $140.
  • Other entity costs include $45 for domestic corporations, $200 for foreign corporations, and $20 for nonprofit biennial reports.
  • Filing can be done online through the Vermont Business Services Center and involves updating registered agent details, office addresses, and member/manager information.
  • Beyond annual reports, Vermont LLC costs include the $125 Articles of Organization filing fee, optional $50 name reservation, and registered agent fees if using a professional service.
  • Additional compliance costs, such as business licenses, permits, and taxes, may apply depending on the nature of the business.

When filing a Vermont annual report, a standard LLC needs to pay a filing fee of $35. Filing the report is easy, as you just need to confirm or update your company's information, including:

  • The name of your registered agent.
  • Your mailing and principle office addresses.
  • The name of your principal personnel.

Specific Filing Details for Different Entities

Each type of entity has slightly different requirements for filing a Vermont annual report. However, all entities need to send their information to the Vermont Secretary of State Division of Corporations and can find the appropriate pre-populated form for their company by heading to the official Secretary of State website. You can either mail the form or submit it online. Anyone with authority within the company can file the report, and you don't need to collect original signatures from anyone.

Domestic Corporations

If you front a domestic corporation, your state fee is $45. This fee is due two and a half months after the end of the fiscal year, which typically falls on March 15. If you don't pay on time, you'll be penalized with a $25 late fee, and you might put your business at risk for being dissolved by the state.

For more information, refer to Vermont Statutes Title 11A § 16.22.

Foreign Corporations

For foreign corporations that do business in Vermont, your state fee is $200. Like a domestic corporation, you also need to turn in your form two and a half months after the end of the fiscal year. If you're late, you'll also owe an extra $25 and risk having your business dissolved.

Vermont Statutes Title 11A § 16.22 has further details if you'd like more information.

Domestic Limited Liability Companies

Domestic limited liability companies must pay a filing fee of $35. This fee is due three months after the end of the fiscal year, which falls around March 31 for most companies. You'll have to deal with a $25 late fee if you pay after this date and might have your business dissolved.

To learn more about this, read Vermont Statutes Title 11 Ch. 25 § 4012.

Other Vermont LLC Formation and Maintenance Costs

In addition to the $35 annual report fee, LLC owners in Vermont should be aware of other common costs:

  • Articles of Organization: Filing to form a domestic LLC costs $125.
  • Foreign LLC Registration: To register a foreign LLC in Vermont, the filing fee is $125.
  • Name Reservation: Reserving an LLC name before formation costs $50, and the reservation lasts 120 days.
  • Registered Agent Fees: While you may act as your own registered agent, many businesses hire a commercial agent, typically costing between $100–$300 annually.
  • Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry (e.g., food service, professional services), additional state or local license fees may apply.
  • Operating Agreement: Although not filed with the state, many LLCs draft one with the help of an attorney, which may involve legal costs.

These expenses are in addition to the recurring annual report fees that ensure your LLC remains in good standing with the Vermont Secretary of State.

Foreign Limited Liability Companies

A foreign limited liability company in Vermont has a filing fee of $140. This money is due three months after the end of the fiscal year, which is typically around March 31. Again, you'll have to deal with a $25 late fee and the threat of dissolution if you are late with this payment.

Vermont Statutes Title 11 Ch. 21 § 4012 has more details on the subject.

Nonprofit Corporations

Nonprofit corporations are a little different than other entities, as they require a biennial report. All reports are due by April 1, but they can be filed after January 1. The state fee is $20, and there is a $25 late fee as well as the threat of having your nonprofit status revoked if you don't file on time.

Vermont Statutes Title 11B § 16.22 has further information if you require it.

How to Complete Your Vermont Annual Report Online

Follow these steps to file your report online.

  1. Head to the Vermont Online Business Service Center.
  2. Sign in with your username and password, or create a new account if this is your first year using the system.
  3. Take a look at your account dashboard. On the left side, there should be a link that says “VT SEC OF STATE ONLINE SERVICES." Click on it to continue.
  4. On this page, click the “File Your Annual/Biennial Report” link to get started with the form.
  5. Search for your business by entering your LLC's name or ID.
  6. When the search results appear, click on your LLC and hit "Continue."
  7. While you'll see information about your LLC, business ID, and more, you don't have to make any changes. This is just for your knowledge.
  8. You can edit your email address here if you need to. Both work or personal emails are acceptable.
  9. You'll also see your designated office address. Only change this if it's incorrect.
  10. Your mailing address will be here too, and it should only be altered if incorrect.
  11. Enter your name in the "Authorizer Name" box.
  12. Add additional members or managers as necessary on the next page. You can also delete members or managers on this page.
  13. When finished making all changes, click the "Continue" button.
  14. Add your credit card info, and then click the "Pay Securely Using Credit Card" button.
  15. You'll get one last chance to review all your information. If everything is correct, click "File Annual Report." Your annual report will be officially filed.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Failing to file your Vermont annual report on time can lead to financial and legal consequences:

  • Late Fee: A $25 penalty applies to late filings.
  • Administrative Dissolution: Continued noncompliance may result in the state dissolving your LLC or revoking a foreign LLC’s authority to do business.
  • Loss of Good Standing: Without good standing, your business may face challenges securing financing, entering into contracts, or expanding operations.

To avoid these penalties, many business owners set reminders or use professional services to ensure timely compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to start an LLC in Vermont?
    The filing fee for Articles of Organization is $125. Optional services, such as name reservation ($50) or hiring a registered agent, may add to startup costs.
  2. What is the annual cost to maintain a Vermont LLC?
    Domestic LLCs pay a $35 annual report fee. Foreign LLCs pay $140. Late filings add $25 in penalties.
  3. What happens if I don’t file my Vermont annual report?
    You’ll owe a $25 late fee, and your LLC risks administrative dissolution or loss of good standing.
  4. Do nonprofits in Vermont file annual reports?
    No. Nonprofits file biennial reports by April 1, with a $20 fee. A $25 penalty applies if late.
  5. Are there other recurring Vermont LLC costs?
    Yes. Beyond annual reports, costs may include business licenses, permits, and professional registered agent services.

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