Form Your Vermont Nonprofit Corporation
Launch your mission in the Green Mountain State with a $155 state filing, fast 1-3 day online processing, and a clear path to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and tax-deductible donations
Filed in Vermont
The Green Mountain State · VT
- State filing fee$155
- Processing time1-3 business days online; ~7-10 business days by mail
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$20 biennial report — due Biennially (every 2 years)
- State tax rate6%-8.5% graduated corporate income tax
Form your Vermont Nonprofit — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your Vermont Nonprofit
Free formation means you pay only the $155 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) to the Vermont Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in Vermont — we act as your agent for the first year.
EIN from the IRS
Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.
Bylaws
Professionally drafted bylaws — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.
Benefits of forming an Nonprofit in Vermont
Vermont's deep tradition of community organizations, sustainability, and mission-driven work makes it a natural home for nonprofits serving social, environmental, and charitable causes. The state pairs a low $20 biennial report and no franchise tax with a tight-knit civic culture, giving Vermont nonprofits a supportive, low-cost environment to operate.
Eligible for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status from the IRS
Donors can make tax-deductible contributions once exempt
Low $20 biennial report keeps ongoing compliance costs minimal
No franchise tax in Vermont
Access to grants and foundation funding reserved for nonprofits
Limited liability protection for directors, officers, and members
Strong fit with Vermont's mission-driven, community-focused culture
Perpetual existence independent of founders or board turnover
Key features of a Vermont Nonprofit
- $155 state filing fee with 1-3 business day online processing
- Pathway to 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption and tax-deductible donations
- Low $20 biennial report, not an annual filing
- No franchise tax in Vermont
- Mission-driven, sustainability-focused state culture
Major industries in Vermont
Form your Vermont Nonprofit in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 1-3 business days online; ~7-10 business days by mail.
- 01
Choose Your Nonprofit Name
Your name must be distinguishable from existing Vermont entities. Check availability through the Vermont Secretary of State's business name search before filing.
- 02
Appoint a Registered Agent and Board of Directors
Vermont requires a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Recruit a board of directors (a minimum of 3 directors is recommended to satisfy IRS 501(c)(3) governance expectations).
- 03
File Articles of Incorporation
Submit nonprofit Articles of Incorporation to the Vermont Secretary of State. The filing fee is $155. Online filing typically processes in 1-3 business days. Include IRS-required tax-exempt purpose and dissolution language.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and a Conflict-of-Interest Policy
Hold an organizational meeting to adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy, elect officers, and document board actions. These governance documents are required before applying for 501(c)(3) status.
- 05
Obtain an EIN and Apply for 501(c)(3) Status
Get a free EIN from the IRS, then file Form 1023-EZ ($275, for smaller organizations) or full Form 1023 ($600) for federal tax exemption. This federal step is separate from your Vermont incorporation.
- 06
Register for State Exemption and Charitable Solicitation
After the IRS grants exemption, apply for Vermont state tax exemption and complete any required charitable-solicitation registration before fundraising in the state.
Vermont Nonprofit costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
Vermont Nonprofit requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a Vermont Nonprofit in 2026.
- File nonprofit Articles of Incorporation with the VT Secretary of State ($155)
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical Vermont address
- Recruit a board of directors (minimum of 3 recommended for 501(c)(3))
- Adopt corporate bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy
- Obtain an EIN and apply for 501(c)(3) status (Form 1023-EZ $275 or Form 1023 $600)
- File the $20 biennial report with the Secretary of State
- Register for Vermont state tax exemption and charitable solicitation
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation)
- Filing agency
- Vermont Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $20 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $155 Vermont state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit Corporation) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in Vermont)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Expedited processing (1–2 days)
- Bylaws
- Priority support
- Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Founder
- Everything in Booster
- Business mailing address
- Bookkeeping — 3 months free
- Dedicated account manager
- Rush processing
- Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Kicker
- Everything in Founder
- ITIN filing & preparation
- Same-day priority processing
- 2nd year annual filing $0
- Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Compare all plans on our pricing page.
Vermont Nonprofit questions, answered
Common questions about forming an Nonprofit in Vermont. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form a nonprofit in Vermont?
The Vermont Secretary of State filing fee for nonprofit Articles of Incorporation is $155. Separately, applying for federal 501(c)(3) status costs $275 (Form 1023-EZ) or $600 (full Form 1023) paid to the IRS.
How long does it take to incorporate a Vermont nonprofit?
The Vermont Secretary of State typically processes online nonprofit filings in 1-3 business days, or about 7-10 business days by mail. IRS 501(c)(3) approval is separate and takes roughly 2-4 weeks for Form 1023-EZ or 3-6 months for the full Form 1023.
What ongoing filings does a Vermont nonprofit have?
Vermont nonprofits file a biennial report (every two years) with a $20 fee, rather than an annual report. Tax-exempt nonprofits also file IRS Form 990 each year with the federal government.
How many directors does a Vermont nonprofit need?
We recommend a board of at least 3 unrelated directors. The IRS expects this minimum for 501(c)(3) governance, and your nonprofit must also adopt bylaws and a conflict-of-interest policy.
Is incorporating in Vermont the same as getting 501(c)(3) status?
No. Filing Articles of Incorporation with the Vermont Secretary of State creates the nonprofit at the state level. Becoming federally tax-exempt is a separate step where you file IRS Form 1023-EZ or Form 1023 to obtain 501(c)(3) status and enable tax-deductible donations.
Does a Vermont nonprofit have to file a BOI report with FinCEN?
No. Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim final rule, U.S. domestic entities and U.S. persons are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. Only foreign-formed entities registered to do business in a U.S. state still file.
What taxes apply to a Vermont nonprofit?
Vermont's corporate income tax is graduated from 6% to 8.5%, but a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status is generally exempt from federal income tax on mission-related activity. Vermont has no franchise tax for LLCs, and the state sales tax is 6%; you should also apply for Vermont state tax exemption after the IRS grants exemption.
Do I need to register before fundraising in Vermont?
Yes. Beyond the IRS 501(c)(3) application and your state tax exemption, Vermont may require charitable-solicitation registration before you solicit donations from the public. This is separate from incorporating with the Secretary of State.
Vermont government filing resources
Filing fees for common Nonprofit services
Official Vermont state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
Reservation lasts 120 days (11 V.S.A.
Flat $25.00 administrative fee per certified copy (does NOT vary by entity type.
$10.00 per document, payable to the Vermont Secretary of State.
No fee to register a Vermont Sales & Use Tax account / seller registration - Vermont has no standalone 'seller's permit' fee.
Learn more$45.00 application for reinstatement following administrative dissolution (11B V.S.A.
Learn moreDomestic voluntary dissolution: Articles of Dissolution $0 / no fee (11B V.S.A.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your Vermont Nonprofit
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your Vermont Nonprofit?
Formation is free — you pay only the $155 Vermont state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 1-3 business days online; ~7-10 business days by mail.
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