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The following is a list of business licenses, permits and registrations for: Vermont and General Licensing

Step 1: Tax Permits and Registration

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations, must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4.

U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone: 1-800-829-4933

Vermont Tax Permits and Registration

Businesses that operate within Vermont are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller's permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the following agency for more information about business registration and your tax obligations:

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Step 2: State Licenses and Permits

General Business Licenses

Information about how to obtain business and occupational licenses and permits.

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Step 3: Local Licenses and Permits

Your business may be required to apply for permits from your local government (e.g., city or county). Permit and license requirements vary across jurisdictions. The following are common types of permits and licenses issued by your local government:

  • Business License
  • Occupation Permit
  • Regulation
  • Health Permit
  • Zoning Permit

Contact your local government for more information about required permits:

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Step 4: Business Entity Filing

If your business is a corporation, a non-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability) you must register with the following state agency. If your business is a sole proprietorship, you do not need to register your business with the state. However, many states require a sole proprietor to use their own name for the business name unless they formally file another name as a trade name, or fictitious name.

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Step 5: Fictitious Name Filing (Doing Business As)

A fictitious name filing, also known as Doing Business As or DBA, allows you to create name for your business that is different than your personal name, the names of your partners or the officially registered name of your LLC or corporation.

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Step 6: Employer Requirements

This section describes basic registration requirements for businesses with employees. If you are a new employer, check out Ten Steps to Hiring Your First Employee

Withholding Income Taxes

The IRS states that you must keep records of employment taxes for at least four years.  Also, keep good records for your business to help you monitor the progress of your business, prepare your financial statements, identify source of receipts, keep track of deductible expenses, prepare your tax returns, and support items reported on tax returns. 

Federal Income Tax Withholding (Form W-4)

Every employee must provide an employer with a signed withholding exemption certificate (Form W-4) on or before the date of employment. The employer must then submit Form W-4 to the IRS to ensure. For specific information on employer responsibilities regarding withholding of federal taxes, read the IRS' Employer's Tax Guide.

Federal Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2)

On an annual basis, employers must report to the federal government wages paid and taxes withheld for each employee. This report is filed using Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Employers must complete a Form W-2 for each employee to whom they pay a salary, wage, or other compensation.

Employers must send Copy A of Forms W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the last day of February (or last day of March if you file electronically) to report the wages and taxes of your employees for the previous calendar year. In addition, employers should send copies of Form W-2 to their employees by January 31 of the year following the reporting period.

Visit the Social Security Administration's Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information for further guidance and assistance.

State Taxes

Depending on the state where your employees are located, you may be required to withhold state income taxes. Visit your state tax agency for further information.

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Employee Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)

Employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Federal law requires employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States. Within three days of hire employers must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form, commonly referred to as an I-9 form.

New Hire Reporting

All employers are required to report newly and re-hired employees to their state's Directory of New Hires within 20 days of their hire or re-hire data.

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Insurance Requirements

Unemployment Insurance Tax

Businesses with employees are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes under certain conditions. If your business is required to pay these taxes, you must register your business with your state's workforce agency:

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Businesses with employees are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through the state Workers' Compensation Insurance program.

For guidance on obtaining general business and liability insurance, visit SBA's Guide to Business Insurance

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Workplace Poster Requirements

Employers are required by state and federal laws to prominently display certain posters in the workplace that inform employees of their rights and employer responsibilities under labor laws.

Federal Posters

The U.S. Department of Labor provides the following resources and tools to help employers obtain required posters:

State Posters

Obtain workplace posters required under state labor laws:

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