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    Over 4,200 business entities are registered in Vermont yearly, with small businesses accounting for over 95% of new businesses registered in the state. These entities include partnerships, sole proprietorships, nonprofits, MBEs, cooperatives, LLPs, LLCs, and professional corporations. The Vermont Secretary of State’s website provides a comprehensive and reliable source for conducting business entity searches in the state.

    Conducting business entity searches is essential for anyone looking to engage with a business, whether as a customer, consumer, investor, supplier, or legal professional. Business entity searches ensure that consumers deal with reputable entities, building consumer trust. Investors may use entity searches to assess the legitimacy and stability of a business before investing. Furthermore, businesses can vet potential suppliers to ensure they are in good standing.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    • Business Name:
      Business Name:

      Search by the full or partial name of the business or its owners.

    • Record Number:
      Record Number:

      Use the six-digit registration number issued by the state.

    • Registered Agent Name:
      Registered Agent Name:

      Search by the name of the entity’s registered agent.

    Review Search Results

    The search result displays the business name, record number, entity type (e.g., domestic nonprofit, foreign LP), and business address. The status may include inactive, administratively terminated, active-not in good standing, or active in good standing.

    Access Detailed Information

    Clicking on the entity name provides access to detailed information, including:

    • Business Name
    • Business Status
    • Date of Formation
    • Foreign Jurisdiction Country and State
    • Annual Report Information
    • Business Purpose / NAICS Codes
    • Registered Agent Information
    • Principal Information
    • Filing History

    Further Assistance

    For further assistance, you may contact the Vermont Secretary of State’s office.

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Vermont

    • Public Records
      Public Records

      Public records such as tax, court, UCC filings, and real estate records may hold information about business entity owners.

    • Chambers of Commerce
      Chambers of Commerce

      These local community-based organizations provide directories of their members, which may include the names of business owners.

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
      Better Business Bureau (BBB)

      The BBB provides a profile search to view detailed information on business entities, including their past and present owners.

    Why Conduct a Vermont Entity Search?

    Entity searches help verify crucial information about a business. Generally, entity searches are conducted for the following reasons:

    • Verify the legitimacy of business entities
    • Confirming a business status
    • Identify key stakeholders
    • Detect fraudulent business entities
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

    Consumers can verify if a business is active, identify official representatives, and gain insight into the company’s credibility.

    Investor Research
    Investor Research

    Entity searches help investors gain insight into ownership structure, review filings, and confirm compliance with Vermont regulations.

    Supplier Verification
    Supplier Verification

    Entity searches help businesses reduce the risk of working with unreliable suppliers or those with suspended status.

    Fraud Prevention
    Fraud Prevention

    Inconsistencies in filings or lack of registration may reveal fraudulent entities posing as legitimate businesses.

    Who Holds Data for Vermont Business Entity Search?

    The following government agencies hold information on Vermont business entities:

    What Entities Can You Register in Vermont?

    Vermont Entities
    Corporations

    Corporations are legal entities separate from their owners. Vermont recognizes two types of corporations:

    1. C Corporations

      Ideal for larger businesses, C corporations provide strong liability protection for their members and are subject to double taxation.

    2. S Corporations

      Limited to one hundred shareholders, S corporations avoid double taxation by passing profits and losses to shareholders’ personal tax returns.

    Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

    LLCs combine the benefits of corporations and partnerships. Members are not personally liable for business debts and benefit from pass-through taxation.

    General Partnerships

    Formed by two or more individuals, general partnerships share profits, responsibilities, and liabilities equally among partners.

    Limited Partnerships (LPs)

    LPs include general partners who manage the business and limited partners who invest but have limited liability.

    Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

    LLPs protect partners from liabilities associated with business debts and the actions of other partners.

    Sole Proprietorship

    Owned by an individual, sole proprietorships are simple to form but offer no liability protection to the owner.

    Nonprofit Corporations

    Nonprofits are formed for charitable, religious, or educational purposes and reinvest profits into their mission. They are exempt from taxes.

    Professional Corporations (PCs)

    PCs are used by licensed professionals such as doctors or lawyers and provide liability protection, except in cases of malpractice.

    Cooperative Corporation

    Co-ops are owned and operated by members, who share profits and decision-making power equally.

    Mutual Benefit Enterprises (MBE)

    MBEs blend features of co-ops and traditional business, distributing profits among members and outside investors.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Vermont?

    Use the Business Search page to see if your desired business name is available.

    It’s also recommended to check naming rules and search external databases like:

    How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Vermont?

    1. Identify your business type and legal structure (e.g., profit, nonprofit, foreign, or professional).
    2. Choose a unique name and review Vermont’s Business Name Rules.
    3. File incorporation documents online.
    4. Register for an EIN with the IRS.
    5. Submit BOI filings to FINCEN.
    6. Set up an employer tax account with the Department of Labor.
    7. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes.
    8. Use the Register a Business in Vermont guide for further help.

    How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Vermont?

    Costs vary by entity type and business size. Typical filing fees include:

    • LLPs
      LLPs

      Domestic: $75; Foreign: $100

    • All Other Entities
      All Other Entities

      Corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, and others: $125

    • Annual Reports
      Annual Reports

      Filed by most businesses between $15 and $200 depending on entity type

    Additional Information Available on the Vermont Secretary of State’s Website

    Vermont Entities
    • Business Updates

      Includes mergers, amendments, and agent changes.

    • Reports & Renewals

      Manage renewals, annual reports, and reinstatements.

    • End Registration

      Terminate domestic or foreign entity registrations.

    • Copies and Certificates

      Request certified or plain copies of filings.

    • Other Services

      Access trademark filings and data broker listings.

    FAQs about Business Entity Searches in Vermont

    1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in Vermont?

      To confirm ownership, status, and evaluate investment potential.

    2. What types of entities can I search for in Vermont?

      LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, MBEs, corporations, and more.

    3. Where can I perform a business entity search in Vermont?

      Use the Business Search page.

    4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Vermont?

      Business name, record owner, or registered agent.

    5. How do I find the official name of a Vermont business?

      Search with full or partial name on the Business Search page.

    6. Can I search for foreign entities in Vermont?

      Yes, foreign entities operating in Vermont are searchable.

    7. What information can I find in the Vermont entity search?

      Status, business type, NAICS code, agent info, filings, and more.

    8. How do I verify if a Vermont business is in good standing?

      Look for 'Active' status in the Business Search results.

    9. Can I search for an entity in Vermont by its owner’s name?

      Yes, you may use owner name if known.

    10. How often is the Vermont business entity database updated?

      Regularly, with updates for new filings, amendments, and renewals.

    11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in Vermont?

      Use the Certified Copies page or submit an apostille request.

    12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a Vermont business is?

      Search via the Business Search page.

    13. How can I search for Vermont businesses by their tax ID number?

      This is not supported in Vermont’s entity search tools.

    14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Vermont search?

      Check spelling, use variations, or search by registered agent.

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