State guide · rules version 2026.08-draft
Starting a nonprofit in Vermont
Everything below is generated from the same Vermont rules dataset that powers your guided journey in the platform — filing forms, real fees, and the traps DIY templates fall into.
Incorporation
- Filing
- Articles of Incorporation — Nonprofit Corporation (Title 11B)
- Agency
- Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division
- State fee
- $155 — never marked up by us
- Processing
- About 1 business day online; longer by mail
- Expedite
- Not offered
- Watch out
- Recent sources list the nonprofit filing fee at $155 (older guides say $125) — confirm on the current fee schedule before quoting a customer.
- The online filing wizard collects only the statutory minimum — it does NOT include the IRS-required 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution clauses, which must be added as additional provisions.
- You must designate the corporation as public benefit or mutual benefit; requires at least three directors.
Ongoing compliance
- Registered agent
- Must have a Vermont street address; an individual resident or registered agent company may serve.
- Charitable registration
- Vermont has no general charitable solicitation registration for nonprofits (only paid fundraisers register with the Attorney General).
- Annual report
- Biennial report, filed within the window after fiscal year end in odd-numbered reporting cycles — $25
- State tax exemption
- Corporate income tax exemption follows the IRS determination letter. There is no blanket sales tax exemption on purchases — 501(c)(3)s should confirm treatment with the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Or let the checklist do this for you
Your guided journey sequences every Vermont step — with the federal track (EIN, bylaws, Form 1023) woven in at the right moments. From $499 flat.