Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Vermont?
Filing it yourself, a Vermont LLC costs $125 to start (about $170 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $125 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $45/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Vermont: $45 annual report, due within 3 months of fiscal year end. Typical processing: ~a few business days ($155 by mail). Figures are estimates — verify with the Vermont Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Vermont LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Vermont?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Vermont is $125. The recurring cost is $45/year ($45 annual report, due within 3 months of fiscal year end). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Vermont Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Vermont?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $125 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Vermont Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full Vermont LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Vermont, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.