How Vermont compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | VT | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 644,663 | 49th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 48.4 | 50th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $82,730 | 19th highest of 50 | 9 of 11 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 2.6% | tied 3rd lowest of 50 | 1 of 11 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 4.5% | tied 44th highest of 50 | 11 of 11 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the Vermont legislature | 1.59% | 44th lowest of 50 | 8 of 11 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Vermont legislature | 14 | tied 1st lowest of 50 | 1 of 11 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Vermont legislature | 30 | tied 2nd highest of 50 | 2 of 11 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Vermont apart
- Paid sick leave required: yes20 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Vermont legislature.
What's changing in Vermont
Enacted changes with a fixed effective date. Contracts, payroll and leases signed now may run past these dates.
Took effect in the last 12 months
- January 1, 2026Minimum wage rose to $14.42/hr
The 2027 rate had not been published when this page was checked.
Source ↗
Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.
How long you have in Vermont
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 14 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 30 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 3–5 days
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week (FLSA)
AI Legal Insights — Vermont
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Vermont operates under a legal system that emphasizes strong consumer protections and robust environmental regulations. The state's judiciary includes the Vermont Supreme Court, which oversees significant case law regarding land use and<pad> environmental stewardship.
Vermont offers a stable environment for small businesses, particularly in the green energy, agriculture, and tourism sectors. While the state maintains a progressive income tax structure, its low unemployment rate and highly educated workforce support a specialized niche economy.
Vermont has a relatively small foreign-born population of 5.2%, but it maintains a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants through various community integration programs. There are no state-level sanctuary laws, but local municipalities often implement inclusive policies to support diverse populations.
- ›Ensure compliance with the Vermont Earned Sick Time Act when drafting employment agreements to account for mandatory accrual rates.
- ›Include specific provisions for environmental compliance to mitigate risks associated with Vermont's strict land-use and conservation statutes.
- ›Verify that all consumer contracts adhere to Vermont's specific consumer protection laws regarding unfair or deceptive trade practices.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Vermont labor regulations
Vermont has strong worker protections for a small state. The minimum wage is $14.42/hr as of January 1, 2026, and it is adjusted each year for inflation. Vermont requires paid sick time under the Earned Sick Time Act; paid family leave is available only through a voluntary insurance program. Employers with 5 or more employees must include pay ranges in job postings.
| Law | VT Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $14.42/hr (since Jan 1, 2026); adjusted annually for inflation | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (some exemptions differ from FLSA) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | Earned Sick Time Act: accrues 1 hr per 52 hrs worked, up to 40 hrs/year; covers most employees | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No mandatory program; voluntary Family and Medical Leave Insurance that employers or individuals may buy | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for employers with one or more employees | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes; statutory exceptions for discrimination, whistleblowing, and retaliation | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | Within 72 hours if discharged; by the next regular payday if the employee quits | Next regular payday |
| Meal & Rest Breaks | Employees must have reasonable opportunities to eat and use toilet facilities; no fixed break schedule | No federal requirement |
| Pay Transparency | Employers with 5+ employees must include a pay range in job advertisements (since July 1, 2025) | No federal requirement |
- The Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, place of birth, age, disability, and HIV status, among other characteristics.
- The Earned Sick Time Act applies to employers of all sizes; some workers, such as those under 18 and certain seasonal or per-diem workers, are excluded.
- The Vermont Parental and Family Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave — parental leave at employers with 10+ employees and family leave at employers with 15+ employees.
- Vermont restricts employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications ("ban the box").
- Employers may not retaliate against employees for discussing their wages or for reporting violations to state agencies.
- Since July 1, 2025, employers with 5 or more employees must disclose a good-faith pay range in job advertisements.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Vermont rental regulations
Vermont residential rental law gives tenants solid habitability protections. There is no rent control. Security deposits have no statutory cap, but they must be returned with an itemized statement within 14 days after the tenant leaves. Nonpayment of rent requires a 14-day notice, a lease violation generally requires 30 days' notice, and no-cause terminations require longer notice.
| Topic | VT Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap |
| Deposit Return | Within 14 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized statement of any deductions (60 days for seasonal rentals); willful withholding can cost the landlord double the deposit |
| Rent Control | No statewide or local rent control |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 14-day written notice to pay or vacate |
| Eviction Notice (Lease Violation) | 30 days' written notice for breach of the rental agreement (shorter for certain criminal activity or threats to health and safety) |
| Eviction Notice (No Cause) | For monthly tenancies without a written lease: 60 days' notice if the tenant has lived there 2 years or less, 90 days if longer |
| Rent Increases | At least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase |
| Habitability | Implied warranty of habitability; landlord must keep the unit safe, clean, and fit to live in and comply with health and housing codes |
| Entry Notice | At least 48 hours' notice, and entry only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., except in emergencies |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, organizing, or exercising legal rights |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Vermont law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Vermont LLC formation guide
Vermont is a small, stable economy built on agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and a large captive insurance industry. Corporate income tax rates range from 6% to 8.5%, and individual rates from 3.35% to 8.75%. Forming an LLC costs $155, and LLCs file an annual report ($45) each year. Larger development projects may need an Act 250 land-use permit. Vermont has about 82,000 small businesses, which employ 62.1% of the private workforce.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability with the Vermont Secretary of State
- 2File Articles of Organization online with the Vermont Secretary of State Corporations Division
- 3Pay the $155 LLC filing fee
- 4Designate a registered agent with a physical Vermont address
- 5Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov — free and required for banking and tax registration
- 6Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes (tax.vermont.gov) for sales and use tax, meals and rooms tax, and employer withholding as applicable
- 7File the annual report with the Secretary of State each year — $45 fee
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed formation documents
- 9Check local zoning and licensing requirements with your town or city clerk; some projects require an Act 250 state land-use permit
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Vermont taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Vermont
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
Vermont legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Vermont residents.
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