How to Form an LLC in Vermont

Here are the steps you need to take to form an LLC in Vermont. For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, see Nolo's article How to Form an LLC. 

1. Choose a Name for Your LLC

Under Vermont law, an LLC name must  contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or "Limited Company," or the abbreviations "LLC," "LC," "L.L.C.," or "L.C." The word "Limited" may be abbreviated as "Ltd." and the word "Company" may be abbreviated as "Co."

Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Vermont Secretary of State. Names may be checked for availability at the Vermont Secretary of State business name database.

You may reserve a name for 120 days by filing an Application to Reserve a Name with the Vermont Secretary of State. The application must be filed by mail. The filing fee is $20.

2. File Articles of Organization 

A Vermont LLC is created by filing Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State. The articles must include: the LLC's name and address; the name, address, and signature of the LLC’s registered agent; its purpose; its fiscal year; whether the LLC will be member-managed or manger-managed; the names and addresses of the managers; whether the organizers will be personally liable for LLC debts; and the organizer's address. The articles must be filed by postal mail. The filing fee is $100.

3. Appoint a Registered Agent

Every Vermont LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on the LLC’s behalf if it is sued. The registered agent may be a Vermont resident, or a corporation or LLC registered do business in Vermont. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Vermont. 

All of the paperwork and procedural steps to start a limited liability company in Vermont can be done online using Nolo's Vermont Online LLC Formation application.

4. Prepare an Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement is not required in Vermont, but is highly advisable. For help creating an LLC operating agreement, see Form Your Own Limited Liability Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo) or use Nolo’s Online LLC. If an operating agreement is created, it need not be filed with the Articles of Organization. 

5. Publication Requirements

None.

6.  Comply With Other Tax and Regulatory Requirements

Additional tax and regulatory requirements may apply to your LLC. These may include:

EIN: If your LLC has more than one member, it must obtain its own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN),  even if it has no employees. If you form a one-member LLC, you must obtain an EIN for it only if you elect to have it taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). You may obtain an EIN by completing an online EIN application on the IRS website. There is no filing fee.

Business Licenses: Depending on its type of business and where it is located, your LLC may need to obtain other local and state business licenses. 

7. File Annual Reports

All Vermont LLCs and Foreign LLCs authorized to do business in the state must file an annual report with the Vermont Secretary of State Corporations Division. The report is due within 2 1/2 months of the end of the LLC's  fiscal year.  The report may be filed online at the Vermont Secretary of State Limited Liability Company-Annual Report webpage, or by mail. The filing fee is $25 for a Vermont LLC and $125 for a foreign LLC.

8. Foreign LLCs Doing Business in Vermont

To do business in Vermont, all LLCs organized outside of the state must register with the Vermont Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs must appoint a registered agent for service of process. The agent may be a Vermont resident, or a corporation or LLC authorized to do business in Vermont.

To register, file Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State. The articles must be filed by mail. The filing fee is $100.

The completed application must be accompanied by a certificate of legal existence or good standing from the foreign LLC’s home state, dated no more than 30 days prior to the filing of the certificate.