How to Find a Registered Agent in Vermont (Step-by-Step Guide)

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by LLC.org Team
Last updated: July 2nd, 2024
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Vermont registered agent requirements

Registered agents in Vermont need to meet several requirements.

Being your own registered agent

If you plan to appoint yourself as your company’s own registered agent, you must be at least 18 years old or older. You must also be a Vermont resident. Finally, you must be in possession of a physical address in Vermont.

It is a requirement of all registered agents in Vermont that they be at the physical address that is listed as their registered agent office address during normal business hours. This generally means that registered agents need to be at their physical registered agent addresses from 9am until 5pm every day, Monday through Friday, and all throughout the year.

Hiring a registered agent service

The same requirements must be met by commercial registered agent companies (where applicable). Commercial companies must also be legally registered to do business with the state.

Why use a registered agent service

Many companies aren’t sure whether they want to hire a registered agent service. After all, it costs nothing for a business owner to be their own registered agent.

On the other hand, hiring a registered agent company is generally the best decision for most companies — big and small. Here are some reasons why you might consider using a registered agent service over being your own registered agent.

  • You don’t want to risk non-compliance.

Registered agent companies can help you stay compliant and in good standing with the State of Vermont. Without this assistance, it can be extremely difficult to keep up with all of the paperwork and tax filing due dates required throughout the year.

  • You want to be sure sensitive documents are kept private.

If your company is sued and served legal papers, those legal papers will go to your registered agent address. If you are your own registered agent and using your home address as your registered agent address, the paperwork will go directly to your home. Naturally, this is not ideal for most people.

  • You don’t want to use your home address.

If you operate a home-based business, you likely won’t want to be your own registered agent because you’ll have to use your home address as your registered agent address. That’s because all registered agents in the State of Vermont must be listed publicly. Anyone would be able to easily find your name and address on public record.

  • You hope to grow your business over time.

As time goes on, you may decide to start doing business in other states. When this happens, keep in mind you’ll need to register your business in those states. Working with a registered agent company makes this far easier because most companies have offices in every state. You’ll be able to do business with one company and not have to find a brand-new registered agent in every new state.

  • You plan on changing your address soon.

Lastly, it’s important that you have a current address associated with your registered agent. Therefore, if you already know that you’ll be moving and changing your address soon, you might as well go with a registered agent company so that you can use their steady address. It will certainly save you some hassle.

Vermont registered agent costs

Registered agent companies will charge an annual fee for their services. This fee usually ranges from $50 a year to $300 a year. Keep in mind that some registered agent services will charge more because they offer more services.

For example, you might find a registered agent company who will help you with Annual Report due dates and tax deadlines. Other companies will forward other business mail for free. If you prefer a more basic plan, you can usually pay less and only get standard service.

The state does not charge registered agent fees. If you are your own registered agent, there are no fees either.

How to change a registered agent in Vermont

In order to change who your registered agent is in Vermont, you will have to complete a special form, which can be obtained from the Vermont Secretary of State, Corporate Division.

Some business owners may decide to perform this filing on their own, which is certainly an option. However, there are registered agent companies who will also perform the filing for you.

It’s worth asking your new registered agent company. If they are will to do the filing, they will often pay the filing fee as well — ultimately, saving you both time and money.

To perform the change of agent filing on your own, follow these steps:

  • Update the current registered agent you are using, and let them know you’re switching agents. If they have any important business documents that you’ll need copies of, be sure to obtain these before switching agents officially.
  • Get a copy of the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form from the Corporations Division of the Vermont Secretary of State. Fill out this form with your new registered agent’s information.
  • File your completed Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Businesses will need to pay a small filing fee in order to make the switch official. Most filing fees to the state can be paid by credit card.

Why you need a registered agent

Are you incorporating a new business in Vermont? If so, you will need to find a registered agent.

Not sure what a registered agent is? You’re not alone. Many new business owners are confused about this position. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

Essentially, a registered agent is either an individual or a business entity that accepts business mail for your company. The State of Vermont wants to be sure that if any important documents (tax notifications, legal notices, service of process, etc.) are sent to your business, you will receive them.

For example, if you are served legal papers because someone is suing your company, you will want to know right away. This would give you an opportunity to take the appropriate actions and would help you avoid a default judgment being made because you didn’t take action in time.

Your registered agent needs to accept these time sensitive documents and forward them to you right away.

Some business owners choose to be their own registered agent, but hiring a commercial registered agent company is generally the best option.

When you need a registered agent

You will need to select your registered agent when incorporating your LLC (limited liability company) or corporation. During the incorporation process, your main task will be filling out your Articles of Organization (Articles of Incorporation).

Your Articles of Organization are a set of documents that include all of the critical information about your business that the state wants to know during the registration process. One point that you’ll need to include in your Articles is who your registered agent will be. You will need to know their full name, their phone number, and their physical address.

In addition to appointing a registered agent, the incorporation process also requires that new LLCs and corporations include their new business name, their corporate bylaws, their Board of Directors, and several other pieces of information. Before you can fully incorporate, you need to obtain an employer identification number (EIN), hold your first board meeting, and do several other things as well.

Useful links

The following list of government links can help you as you select a registered agent and register your new Vermont business.

FAQs

Do I need a registered agent in Vermont?

Yes, all businesses (LLCs and corporations) need to have a registered agent in Vermont. This is a requirement from the very beginning. Registered agents must be listed on your business formation documents.

How does a registered agent work for my company?

Registered agents accept important documents and legal notifications for other businesses. Your registered agent will be available to accept paperwork such as service of process, tax documents, and more.

Who can be a Vermont registered agent?

Any individual can be a registered agent as long as they are a Vermont resident and 18 years old or older. They must also have a physical address in Vermont. Keep in mind that this cannot be a P.O. box address. It has to be a physical (street) address. There are also registered agent businesses.

Why choose a registered agent company over being my own registered agent?

Registered agent companies offer numerous benefits. First, you’ll have more freedom to move about and travel as you please. Next, you can be sure you’ll get important documents straight away after they are delivered. Finally, registered agent companies can help your business with compliance and staying in good standing with the state.

What’s the difference between a statutory agent and a registered agent?

A statutory agent and a registered agent are the same things. Depending on the state, one or the other may be used. Another word for this term is resident agent.

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