Vermont Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Vermont is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state obtains permission to operate in Vermont. This allows the business to legally conduct operations in Vermont and ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.

Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Vermont or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Vermont.

Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.

Get started Learn more

Vermont Foreign Registration for LLP, Corporation, LLC

Foreign entities "doing business" in Vermont must register with the State's Secretary of State by applying for a certificate of authority. "Doing business" is defined by the Vermont Secretary of State as "each act, power, or privilege exercised or enjoyed by a foreign entity in this State," (11A V.S.A. § 15.01).

Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
Vermont requires that the Certificate of Good Standing (or equivalent) from your home state be within 30 days for corporations and nonprofits or 90 days for limited liability companies from filing. Note: Limited liability partnerships are not required to provide a certificate.
Establish a Registered Agent
You must continually maintain a registered agent in Vermont to accept service of process at your registered office in Vermont. The registered agent must also sign a written consent to the appointment.
Apply for a Certificate of Authority Online
Create an account at the Secretary of State's Online Business Service Center and file for a certificate of authority.

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Vermont.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Vermont.

Vermont's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Vermont Secretary of State

Digital Mailroom and Compliance: The Mosey Mailroom Advantage

Effectively managing business communication is a massive challenge for any organization. But for companies handling multi-state compliance, the stakes are especially high, where unorganized communication management—from daily mail to digital notifications—can lead to disastrous results. Today, we’re exploring digital mailrooms—their benefits, limitations, and why the Mosey Mailroom stands out for businesses managing multi-state compliance requirements. Key Takeaways Digital mailrooms streamline mail handling, offering increased efficiency, cost savings, improved security, and better information access for businesses.

Holiday Pay: An HR Guide To Creating Your Holiday Pay Policy

Holiday pay can be a cornerstone of workplace satisfaction and competitive hiring. If you’re running a business or managing a team, you already know the stakes — morale, retention, and compliance. A holiday pay policy can be a successful HR strategy. At its core, holiday pay is straightforward. It means compensating employees on recognized holidays, whether they’re clocking in or taking the workday off. It may sound simple, but it isn’t.

What is an LLC Annual Report? What's Included & How to File

The limited liability company (LLC) entity type provides many advantages—like reducing the owners’ personal liability, and providing flexibility in tax classification and management structure. Once you’ve established LLC status, you’ll need to comply with ongoing LLC compliance requirements to maintain LLC protections and avoid any penalties against your business. In most states, this includes filing an LLC annual report. What is an LLC annual report? An LLC annual report is a brief overview of key facts about a limited liability company (LLC).

The Platform for State and Local Compliance