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Written by: Natalie Fell
Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on August 13, 2022
Updated on April 9, 2024
If you’re starting an LLC in Vermont, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex and time-consuming, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to professional formation services.
But which are the best LLC formation services in Vermont? This article takes a closer look, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes, to help you choose the service that puts you on the road to success.
Here we summarize our top picks of business formation services in Vermont.
Best for New Businesses
Best Registered Agent Service
Best Turnaround Time
Best for Small Budget
Best Variety of Legal Services
Best for Ensuring Compliance
Best for Speedy Processing
For those considering a business venture in Vermont, ZenBusiness presents tailored plans to fit the unique requirements of a Vermont LLC.
The Starter plan, priced at $0 plus Vermont state fees, covers a business name availability search specifically for Vermont and assists with the formation process, backed by comprehensive support.
Their Pro plan, valued at $199 plus Vermont state fees, builds on the Starter plan services, including a Vermont-centric operating agreement template, an EIN, an annual compliance service suitable for Vermont regulations, and rush filing.
The Premium plan, at $349 plus Vermont state fees, extends all Pro services and offers a business document template library, domain name, website, and email to cater to the Vermont market.
ZenBusiness emerges as our top pick for the best overall LLC filing company, particularly for Vermont, with its affordable base service that integrates Vermont LLC filing and a 100% accuracy guarantee, starting at just $0 plus Vermont state fees.
Moreover, ZenBusiness functions as a Public Benefit Corporation, signifying its for-profit structure aligned with a community-centric mission resembling a nonprofit.
While ZenBusiness excels in facilitating Vermont LLC formation, they also offer a range of supplementary services, from registered agents tailored to Vermont to diverse business tools. However, potential Vermont LLC owners should note that opting for these additional services might elevate costs.
Over time, ZenBusiness has consistently received favorable feedback from its clientele, solidifying its reputation in the Vermont business community.
ZenBusiness offers valuable services for budding entrepreneurs. While registered agent services are an add-on, their excellent customer support, user-friendly site, and positive reviews make them a top choice.
Northwest offers a specialized plan priced at $39 plus Vermont state fees. This plan encompasses business formation tailored to Vermont’s regulations, a year of complimentary registered agent services, a dedicated business address within Vermont, an operating agreement crafted for a Vermont LLC, and some additional benefits.
For Vermont LLCs, this package represents outstanding value, particularly with the inclusion of registered agent services and an operating agreement — both crucial elements for the smooth operation of an LLC within the state of Vermont.
However, potential Vermont business owners should note that even if you opt-out of the registered agent services, the total cost remains unchanged.
As the moniker “Northwest Registered Agent” suggests, this firm is predominantly recognized for its registered agent services. Serving Vermont businesses, they are acclaimed for delivering personalized customer support and swift correspondence notifications, ensuring that Vermont LLCs remain compliant and well-informed.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because of their transparent pricing, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to maintaining your privacy. They pride themselves on personalizing their approach to meeting your registered agent needs, which are their specialty.
Swyft Filings offers an enticing Basic package at just the cost of Vermont state fees. This package covers verification of your business name, tailored to Vermont’s unique naming criteria, the preparation of the articles of organization in accordance with Vermont regulations, and the filing of these documents with the Vermont state authorities. Additionally, clients can enjoy online access to all their Vermont LLC documents and benefit from lifetime customer support.
For a more comprehensive service, Vermont entrepreneurs can opt for the Standard package at $199 plus Vermont state fees. This includes all offerings from the Basic package, complemented by a custom operating agreement designed for a Vermont LLC, a federal tax ID or EIN, and access to custom banking resolution services. Additionally, this package provides custom organizational minutes to assist Vermont LLC owners in organizing their inaugural business meetings.
Vermont LLCs seeking a premium touch might consider Swyft Filings’ Premium package. It envelops everything in the Standard package but boasts the added convenience of expedited filing with Vermont’s state office. Moreover, it provides access to a rich business document library, timely compliance notifications, a business domain name, and a website tailored for the Vermont market. The package is rounded off with a digital LLC kit featuring a digital company “seal,” a ledger for managing ownership transfers, and personalized ownership certificates for your Vermont LLC. This Premium package can be acquired for $299, in addition to Vermont state filing fees.
Historically, Swyft Filings has received commendations for its exceptional customer support, and many Vermont business owners have positively reviewed their experiences.
Swyft Filings offers fast processing but doesn’t include registered agent services in their packages, making additions somewhat costly. However, they provide good value overall and strong customer support.
The Silver package, priced at just Vermont state fees, provides preparation and filing of the articles of organization, business banking account offer, unlimited name searches, a year of free registered agent services within the state, lifetime company alerts keeping you updated on reporting due dates, and a business tax consultation. You’ll also get access to a personalized online dashboard and unlimited phone and email support.
In the Gold package, priced at $199, you’ll receive everything from the Silver package, tailored for Vermont. Added benefits include a Vermont-specific operating agreement template, banking resolution, an EIN tax number, and the filing of IRS Form 2553, which allows LLCs to reap the tax benefits of an S Corporation.
For those desiring a premium touch for their Vermont LLC, the Platinum package, priced at $299, includes everything in the Gold package with the advantage of free expedited filing, as well as a domain name and business email. You’ll also receive access to business contract templates, which can be extremely helpful for new business owners. There are over 25 different contracts, all created and reviewed by attorneys.
Bizee provides substantial value, especially with their Silver package that costs only state fees and includes a year of registered agent service. For first-time entrepreneurs looking to save, Bizee stands out in the competition.
LegalZoom’s Basic plan for Vermont LLCs is priced at the state fees only and encompasses a business name availability search in Vermont. This package ensures your desired business name is available in the state and provides comprehensive business formation services. Customers will also benefit from full customer support, a digital welcome packet tailored for Vermont businesses, and a dedicated business website. Access to your Vermont LLC’s formation documents online anytime is a standard feature.
The Pro plan, priced at $249, builds on the Basic plan’s offerings. It includes a custom operating agreement suited for Vermont LLCs, an EIN, a Vermont-specific business license guide, and initial phone consultations with specialists familiar with the Vermont business environment.
For those seeking an all-inclusive package, the Premium plan, at $299, provides everything from the Pro plan. Additionally, Vermont LLC owners can benefit from unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations and make changes to their Vermont LLC for 30 days, backed by hands-on guidance from a business attorney well-versed in Vermont’s legal landscape.
What sets LegalZoom apart is the breadth of additional legal services and documents they provide, specifically catered to entities like Vermont LLCs.
LegalZoom’s services are easy to use and they offer great customer experience. They offer a wider variety of legal services and have been in business for more than 20 years. Overall, they’re a great one-stop shop for all of your business formation and legal needs.
Harbor Compliance doesn’t provide packaged solutions for Vermont LLCs; instead, they offer individual a la carte services. Establishing a Vermont LLC with Harbor Compliance is priced at $99 plus Vermont state fees.
Entrepreneurs in Vermont can also opt for additional services, such as registered agent services, annual reports, and EIN. Registered agent service is $99 annually ($50 off if you pay for five years upfront, $100 off if you pay for 10). Annual report filing services are available at a rate of $175 plus any associated Vermont filing fees annually (you’ll get $250 off if you purchase ten years’ worth of annual report filing). EIN starts at $99.
Furthermore, Harbor Compliance presents business license management tools and a variety of other services tailored to the specific needs of a Vermont LLC.
What makes Harbor Compliance stand out, especially for Vermont LLCs, is their rapid processing time and the extensive range of services they offer, often exceeding what many competitors bring to the table. Their registered agent services for Vermont are also competitively priced.
Harbor Compliance provides extensive services, including comprehensive annual compliance and business license guidance, surpassing competitors. Though on the pricier side, they cater to most needs of new business owners.
Filenow presents a Starter plan specifically for Vermont LLCs at just $49, encompassing company compliance alerts, a tax consultation, and a business bank account tailored for Vermont businesses.
For those seeking a more comprehensive package, their Premium plan, priced at $199, is enriched with a complimentary year of registered agent services in Vermont, an operating agreement crafted for Vermont LLCs, an EIN, a banking resolution, business contract templates ideal for Vermont businesses, and a commitment to 24-hour processing.
Filenow sets itself apart by offering rapid processing times ideal for the Vermont market, backed by a money-back guarantee. Particularly for Vermont LLCs, their Premium plan offers unmatched value.
Filenow’s Premium plan is an exceptional value based on what you get for the price. It’s less expensive than similar plans offered by competitors. They also offer fast turnaround times, and a money back guarantee.
A business formation service handles the business formation process for you, making it nearly seamless while offering additional services that can make life easier for a new business owner. Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, a business formation service takes care of all the red tape, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
With so many business formation services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There are four essential elements that can help you make your decision.
Each service offers various products and services, and their plans are all designed differently. You may need some services but not others, so you need to choose the service that offers everything you need. For example, only some of the providers offer annual report filing.
If it’s important to you to get that task off your plate, you’ll want a service that offers that feature. Another feature you might need is a digital dashboard where you can always access your business formation documents.
You’ll want to choose a service that has everything you need to make starting and running your business as easy as possible.
Of course, you’ll want to get the best value for your money!
Compare the cost of each service for everything you need. The price can really add up when you start adding extras, so be careful not to go too far. You also want to get good value and great customer service, so if you’re considering the cheapest service, check the reviews to see how people feel about it.
Business formation turnaround times vary with each service, so if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, you’ll want to look for the quickest service. You don’t want your order to sit in an office too long before your paperwork gets filed with the state. Some services differentiate themselves with fast turnaround times, so if they also offer good value, that might be your best choice.
One good way to learn about the quality of anything you’re buying is to listen to what people are saying about it. When we review services we look at Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot ratings and reviews. It’s wise to look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service, and about issues customers have encountered.
Remember that fake reviews are common, so you’ll have to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt.
As an entrepreneurial advisory site, we take our responsibilities seriously. We understand that countless entrepreneurs, and potential entrepreneurs, rely on our judgments and insights, particularly when it comes to creating their business.
As a result, our writers do their utmost to gain a comprehensive understanding of the services offered and the actual customer experience. In nearly every case, we:
Thanks to this full immersion in the actual customer experience, our reviewers are able to provide the most complete and insightful analysis of various LLC formation services.
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