Vermont State Filing Requirements

Nonprofits in Vermont must complete state formation, charitable registration, and annual reporting to remain in good standing and legally operate.

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Required Non-profit Forms

Nonprofits in Vermont must complete the following forms:

Secretary of State – Corporations Division	Office of the Attorney General – Charitable Registration	Department of Taxes	Federal Forms (Required for State Compliance)
Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit Corporation Annual Report Note: These forms can be submitted both online: State Portal	Charitable Registration Application Charitable Organization Annual Renewal	Application for Vermont Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Form S-3)	Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code): For most charitable organizations Form 1024 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code): For other types of nonprofits. Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax): Annual information return for tax-exempt organizations.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

To operate legally in Vermont, follow these steps:

File Articles of Incorporation – File with the Vermont Secretary of State (fee: $150).
Appoint a Registered Agent – Must have a physical address in Vermont.
Adopt Bylaws & Hold Initial Meeting – Elect directors and approve governing documents.
Apply for EIN – Required from the IRS.
Apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status – IRS recognition is required before state tax exemptions.
Register as a Charitable Organization – Required before soliciting contributions in Vermont.
Apply for Vermont Sales Tax Exemption – File Form S-3 with the Vermont Department of Taxes.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Tax Exemption Requirements

Federal: Must obtain IRS 501(c) status for exemption from federal income tax.
State: Vermont exempts 501(c)(3) nonprofits from state corporate income tax automatically.
Sales Tax: Nonprofits must file Form S-3 to be exempt from paying Vermont sales and use tax on purchases.

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Secretary of State
Articles of Incorporation	Due at formation.
Annual Report	Due each year by the last day of the nonprofit’s anniversary month ($35 fee).

Attorney General
Charitable Registration	Must be filed before soliciting contributions.
Annual Renewal	Due within 6 months after fiscal year end, with most recent IRS Form 990 attached.

Department of Taxes
Sales Tax Exemption	File any time after IRS determination letter is issued.

Federal Deadlines
Form 990 Series	Due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's accounting period ends Example: For calendar year organizations, Form 990 is due by May 15
Form 1023/1023-EZ	Must be filed within 27 months of incorporation to receive retroactive exemption to the date of incorporation

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Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

Initial Registration

File Articles of Incorporation
File the Articles of Incorporation – Nonprofit Corporation with the Vermont Secretary of State to legally create your nonprofit.
Fee: $155
File online at Vermont Corporations Division Online Services.
Or Mail to
Vermont Secretary of State – Corporations Division
128 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1104
Obtain an EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Required for opening a bank account, hiring employees, and applying for tax exemption.
Apply for Federal Tax-Exempt Status
File IRS Form 1023, 1023-EZ, or 1024 to obtain your 501(c) status. The IRS Determination Letter is needed for state charitable registration and tax benefits.
Register as a Charitable Organization:
Before fundraising, register with the Vermont Attorney General – Charities Division.
Form Required: Charitable Corporation Registration Application
Fee: $25
Submit with:

Articles of Incorporation
IRS Determination Letter (or pending application acknowledgment)
Most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements
Fee: No fee.

File Online: Charitable reistration Portal

Paper Filing Mailing Address:

Vermont Attorney General’s Office – Charities Division
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609

Apply for Sales & Use Tax Exemption
After receiving IRS 501(c)(3) status, apply for state sales tax exemption.
Form Required: Form S-3 – Application for Sales & Use Tax Exemption
Fee: No fee
Mail To: Vermont Department of Taxes
133 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1401

Annual Filing Requirements

1. IRS Form 990 (Federal)

File the appropriate IRS Form 990 series annually by the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends.

Example: Fiscal year ending Dec 31
→ Due May 15.

2. File Vermont Annual Report

Keep your nonprofit in good standing by filing the annual report with the Vermont Secretary of State.

Fee: $35
Due Date: file a biennial report between January 1 and April 1.
File Online: Vermont Annual Report Filing

3. Renew Charitable Registration

Renew charitable registration annually to maintain authority to solicit contributions.

Fee: $25

Submit with:

Most recent IRS Form 990 (or financial statements if exempt)
Updated list of directors/officers
Amended bylaws or articles, if any changes

File Online: Charitable Renewal Portal

Or Mail to:

Vermont Secretary of State – Corporations Division
128 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1104

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to register my nonprofit before fundraising in Vermont?

Yes. All nonprofits must register with the Attorney General’s Office – Charities Division before soliciting contributions.

2. How much does it cost to incorporate a nonprofit in Vermont?

The filing fee for Articles of Incorporation is $155.

3. When is the Vermont annual report due?

Your annual report is due by the last day of the anniversary month of your incorporation date each year.

4. What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

The Secretary of State may list your nonprofit as delinquent. If you continue to miss deadlines, the nonprofit may be administratively dissolved. You can reinstate by filing all past-due reports and paying reinstatement fees.

5. What is the fee for charitable registration renewal?

The annual renewal fee is $25. You must also attach your most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements.

6. Are there organizations exempt from charitable registration?

Yes. Certain religious organizations, educational institutions, and small nonprofits may be exempt but must submit an exemption request form to the Attorney General.

7. How do I apply for sales and use tax exemption?

File Form S-3 with the Vermont Department of Taxes and attach your IRS Determination Letter.

Mailing Address :

Vermont Department of Taxes
133 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1401

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About TaxZerone®

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Non-Profit State Filing

Vermont State Filing Requirements

Required Non-profit Forms

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Tax Exemption Requirements

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

Initial Registration

Annual Filing Requirements

Simplify Your Filing Process with TaxZerone

TaxZerone is the reliable choice for employers looking for accurate,efficient, and compliant tax and information return filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to register my nonprofit before fundraising in Vermont?

2. How much does it cost to incorporate a nonprofit in Vermont?

3. When is the Vermont annual report due?

4. What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

5. What is the fee for charitable registration renewal?

6. Are there organizations exempt from charitable registration?

7. How do I apply for sales and use tax exemption?

About TaxZerone®

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Form 990 | 990-EZ | 990-PF

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Non-Profit State Filing

Vermont State Filing Requirements

Required Non-profit Forms

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Tax Exemption Requirements

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

Initial Registration

Annual Filing Requirements

Simplify Your Filing Process with TaxZerone

TaxZerone is the reliable choice for employers looking for accurate,efficient, and compliant tax and information return filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to register my nonprofit before fundraising in Vermont?

2. How much does it cost to incorporate a nonprofit in Vermont?

3. When is the Vermont annual report due?

4. What happens if I miss the annual report deadline?

5. What is the fee for charitable registration renewal?

6. Are there organizations exempt from charitable registration?

7. How do I apply for sales and use tax exemption?

About TaxZerone®

Forms

Quick Links

Tools

Resources