December 17, 2024
Vermont Sales Tax Guide 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Table of contents
Vermont Sales Tax: 2025 Overview
Sales tax in Vermont is a 6% statewide rate in 2025, with additional local taxes possible. As of 2025, Vermont does not participate in the Streamlined Sales Tax initiative (SSUTA). Historically, Vermont has consistently maintained one of the most predictable sales tax structures in the United States.
Vermont Sales Tax Due Date
In Vermont, sales tax due dates depend on your assigned filing frequency, which is based on the amount of sales tax your business collects. Here’s a breakdown:
Filing Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|
Monthly | Due on the 25th of the month following the taxable month. |
Quarterly | Due on the 25th of the month following the taxable quarter. |
Annually | Due on January 25th of the following year. |
Key Points
If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is typically due the next business day.
Late filings or payments may incur penalties and interest, and obtaining a refund may be challenging, so timely submission is critical.
All sales tax returns must be filed electronically through Vermont’s myVTax portal.
Vermont Sales Tax Rate in 2025
In Vermont, certain municipalities impose a 1% Local Option Sales Tax in addition to the state's 6% sales tax, resulting in a total of 7% in these areas.
Tax Type | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
State Sales Tax | 6.0% | Applies to most retail sales of tangible personal property, taxable services, and digital goods. |
Local Option Tax | 1.0% (additional) | Imposed by certain municipalities on top of the state sales tax. |
Below is a table of municipalities that have adopted this tax, along with their effective dates:
Municipality | Effective Date |
|---|---|
Barre City | October 2022 |
Berlin | January 2025 |
Brandon | October 2016 |
Brattleboro | July 2019 |
Burlington | July 2006 |
City of Essex Junction | October 2022 |
City of Rutland | July 2023 |
Colchester | October 2015 |
Dover | July 2007 |
Manchester | April 1999 |
Middlebury | October 2008 |
Montgomery | October 2022 |
Rutland Town | April 2009 |
Shelburne | July 2023 |
St. Albans City | October 2020 |
St. Albans Town | July 2014 |
South Burlington | October 2007 |
Stowe | July 2023 |
Stratton | July 2004 |
Waterbury | July 2024 |
Williston | July 2003 |
Wilmington | July 2012 |
Winhall | July 2010 |
Winooski | July 2019 |
Woodstock | July 2024 |
Notes
Not all municipalities in Vermont impose the Local Option Tax; verify if it applies to your location.
Note that the City of Burlington and the City of Rutland administer and collect their own local meals, entertainment, lodging, or alcoholic beverage taxes.
Certain exemptions exist, such as for groceries, prescription medications, and some manufacturing equipment.
For the most current information, you can use the Vermont Department of Taxes' Local Option Tax Finder to determine if a specific address or town has a Local Option Tax.
For city-based tax rates in Vermont, visit our Vermont City Directory and search for your city.
Vermont Sales Tax Calculator Example
An online retailer based in New York establishes economic nexus in Vermont by exceeding $100,000 in annual sales, requiring them to collect and remit sales tax for purchases made by Vermont residents. The retailer must collect and remit Vermont sales tax for all taxable sales made to Vermont customers.
Detail | Description |
|---|---|
Business | Online retailer based in New York with economic nexus in Vermont. |
Customer Purchase | $1,200 total, including $800 taxable items and $400 exempt items (e.g., groceries or medications). |
Customer Location | Burlington, VT (subject to a 1% local option tax in addition to the 6% state sales tax). |
State Sales Tax (6%) | $800 (taxable amount) × 6% = $48.00 |
Local Option Tax (1%) | $800 × 1% = $8.00 |
Total Sales Tax Due | $48.00 (state tax) + $8.00 (local option tax) = $56.00 |
Key Considerations for Businesses
Location Accuracy: Verify the customer’s location to apply the correct local option tax rate.
Exemption Management: Identify and apply exemptions, such as for groceries or prescription medications, and ensure proper use of a resale certificate for qualified purchases.
Tax Reporting: Track taxable and exempt sales for accurate reporting and timely remittance.
Kintsugi Intelligence automates location-based tax rate application, exemption management, and accurate reporting across all your one-click integrations to ERP, HR, and eCommerce systems like Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, Quickbooks, and Rippling.
Is there a Vermont SaaS sales tax?
Yes, Vermont imposes sales tax on certain Software as a Service (SaaS) products. In Vermont, SaaS is generally classified as "tangible personal property" when delivered electronically, and sales tax applies.
Category | Details | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Taxable SaaS | Software delivered electronically that provides access to functionality or applications hosted by the seller. | Cloud-based accounting software subscription. |
Non-Taxable SaaS | Services primarily considered personal or professional, without substantial reliance on software. | Custom software development or consulting services. |
Additional Considerations
SaaS providers may need to collect and remit sales tax if they have nexus in Vermont.
Businesses purchasing SaaS should review applicable exemptions, like those for manufacturing or educational purposes, which might apply.
For more details on Vermont SaaS sales tax, read Kintsugi's guide: What Vermont SaaS Sales Tax Means for Your Business Today.
Is there sales tax on clothing in Vermont?
Vermont generally does not impose sales tax on clothing, making most clothing purchases tax-exempt. However, there are a few important exceptions and details to keep in mind:
Category | Details | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Exempt Clothing | Most clothing and footwear items are exempt from sales tax. | Shirts, pants, shoes, winter coats, etc. |
Taxable Exceptions | Certain items related to clothing are taxable, even though general clothing is exempt. | Jewelry, handbags, wallets, ski boots, helmets. |
Protective Equipment | Gear designed for safety purposes is taxable. | Hard hats, goggles, protective gloves. |
Thresholds and Business Purchases | Businesses purchasing clothing for resale or uniforms may have specific tax considerations. | Uniforms for employees or resale inventory. |
For more details on sales tax on clothing in Vermont, read Kintsugi's guide: Is There Sales Tax on Clothing in Vermont? A Guide for 2025.
FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in Vermont?
The sales tax rate in Vermont is 6%, with some municipalities adding a local option tax of up to 1%. This applies to most retail sales, leases, and taxable services in the state.
How do you calculate Vermont sales tax?
To calculate Vermont sales tax, multiply the item's sale price by the 6% statewide tax rate. If applicable, add up to 1% for local option taxes based on the municipality where the sale occurs.
Sales Tax Nexus in Vermont
Sales tax nexus in Vermont establishes a business's obligation to collect sales tax, triggered by physical presence, economic activity, or relationships with in-state entities.
Type of Nexus | Description | Threshold/Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Physical Nexus | Created by having a physical presence in Vermont, such as a location, employees, or inventory. | Office, warehouse, or storefront in Vermont. Employees or agents working in the state. |
Economic Nexus | Triggered by making substantial sales into Vermont, even without a physical presence. | More than $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in the current or previous year. |
Affiliate Nexus | Created through relationships with in-state businesses that help facilitate sales. | A Vermont-based affiliate promotes or sells products for the out-of-state retailer. |
Marketplace Nexus | Applies to sales made through marketplace facilitators operating in Vermont. | Facilitators must collect and remit sales tax on behalf of sellers. |
Click-Through Nexus | Established through online referrals by Vermont-based individuals or businesses. | Sales exceed $10,000 annually from Vermont-based referrals. |
Inventory Nexus | Triggered by storing inventory in Vermont, even if through a third party (e.g., warehouses). | Any physical inventory located in Vermont. |
Employee or Agent Nexus | Having employees, independent contractors, or agents perform services in Vermont. | Sales or service activities conducted by representatives in Vermont. |
Notes
Vermont uses both physical presence and economic presence to determine nexus.
Businesses with nexus in Vermont must register for a sales tax permit and collect sales tax on taxable sales.
Marketplace facilitators are responsible for sales tax collection for third-party sales made through their platforms.
FAQs
What is the sales tax nexus in Vermont?
Sales tax nexus in Vermont is established through physical presence, such as offices or warehouses, or economic thresholds, like exceeding $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions annually. Businesses meeting these criteria must collect Vermont sales tax.
Vermont Sales Tax Exemptions in 2025
In 2025, Vermont maintains its 6% state sales tax, with exemptions for groceries, clothing, prescription, and non-prescription drugs.
What is a Vermont state tax-exempt certificate?
A Vermont sales tax exemption certificate, also known as Form S-3, is a document that allows eligible buyers to make tax-exempt purchases in Vermont. It certifies that the buyer qualifies for an exemption under Vermont sales tax law.
Purpose: Used for transactions exempt from sales tax, such as purchases by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or resale purposes.
Usage: The buyer provides the certificate to the seller at the time of purchase to avoid paying sales tax.
Retention: Sellers must keep a copy of the certificate on file to validate tax-exempt transactions in case of an audit.
Valid Reasons for Exemption
Exemption Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Resale | Items purchased for resale. | Products bought by retailers for inventory. |
Manufacturing | Qualifying equipment and materials used in production. | Machinery, raw materials for production. |
Nonprofit Organizations | Tax-exempt entities making qualified purchases. | Purchases by charitable organizations. |
Government Agencies | Federal, state, or local government entities. | Office supplies bought by government offices. |
What is exempt from sales tax in Vermont?
Nearly 85% of business leaders prioritize cost savings when managing business expenses, making Vermont's sales tax exemptions and use tax considerations critical.
This table outlines key exemptions to help businesses optimize their tax strategies:
Category | Exempt Items |
|---|---|
Essential Goods | Most groceries (excluding prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks) |
Prescription medications | |
Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, medically necessary devices) | |
Clothing and footwear (under $110 per item) | |
Utilities | Residential heating fuel (oil, propane, firewood) |
Electricity and natural gas for residential use | |
Residential water charges | |
Agriculture and Manufacturing | Farming supplies (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, farm equipment) |
Manufacturing machinery used directly in production | |
Nonprofit and Government | Purchases by qualifying charitable organizations |
Government purchases (federal, state, and local) | |
Educational Materials | Textbooks for educational use |
Occasional Sales | Casual sales by individuals not engaged in a regular business (e.g., yard sales) |
For more details on Vermont sales tax exemptions, read Kintsugi's guide: What is Exempt from Sales Tax in Vermont? A 2025 Guide for Businesses.
Vermont Sales Tax Permits, Registration, and Filing in 2025
This section simplifies obtaining permits, filing returns, and meeting payment deadlines effectively for businesses with buyers in Vermont.
How do I get a Vermont sales tax permit?
To obtain a sales tax permit in Vermont, follow these steps:
Register Online: Visit Vermont’s myVTax portal to start your registration.
Provide Business Details: Submit information such as your business name, address, type of business entity, and federal EIN or Social Security number.
Pay the Registration Fee: Vermont does not charge a fee for obtaining a sales tax permit.
Receive Your Permit: Once approved, you'll receive a Vermont Business Tax Account number, which allows you to collect and remit sales tax.
How do I submit a Vermont sales tax registration?
To register for Vermont sales tax, follow these steps. Vermont also offers customer support for registration through their website or by phone at (802) 828-2551.
Determine if You Need to Register
Businesses with nexus (physical or economic presence) in Vermont must register.
Nexus may result from:
A physical location or employees in Vermont.
Remote sales exceeding $100,000 in gross revenue or 200 transactions annually into Vermont.
Gather Required Information
Business name, address, and contact details.
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) for sole proprietors.
Legal structure of the business (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation).
Estimated monthly taxable sales in Vermont.
Register Online
Visit the Vermont Department of Taxes website.
Navigate to the “Business Taxes” section and select “Register for a Business Tax Account”.
Complete the online registration form through the myVTax portal.
Submit Registration
Ensure all information is accurate before submission.
You’ll receive a confirmation email or letter with your Vermont Business Tax Account number once approved.
Begin Collecting and Remitting Sales Tax
After registration, you can start collecting sales tax.
Use the myVTax portal to file returns, remit collected taxes, and manage use tax obligations.
Vermont Sales Tax Filing
This section breaks down Vermont’s sales tax requirements, including filing rules, taxable items, and permits.
What are the main Vermont filing requirements?
Vermont sales tax filing requirements depend on the size and frequency of taxable sales:
Filing Frequency: Businesses must file monthly, quarterly, or annually based on their total sales tax liability.
Due Date: Returns are due on the 25th of the month following the reporting period.
Filing Method: Returns must be filed electronically through Vermont’s myVTax portal.
Additional Requirements: Businesses must report all taxable and exempt sales and remit payment for collected taxes by the due date to avoid penalties and interest.
Filing Frequency | Criteria |
|---|---|
Monthly | For businesses collecting more than $500 in tax per month. |
Quarterly | For businesses collecting $500 or less in tax per month but more than $50 per quarter. |
Annually | For businesses collecting $50 or less in tax per quarter. |
What does Vermont sales tax apply to?
Vermont sales tax applies to the following categories, along with specific Vermont food tax considerations. Certain exemptions apply, such as for groceries, prescription medications, and manufacturing equipment.
Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Tangible Personal Property | Most goods, unless exempt. | Furniture, electronics, clothing (if taxable). |
Taxable Services | Certain services are subject to sales tax. | Amusements, telecommunications, some repairs. |
Digital Goods | Digital products transferred electronically. | Prewritten software, e-books, digital media. |
Leases and Rentals | Rentals of equipment and property. | Equipment rentals, car rentals. |
Prepared Foods | Meals and drinks sold by food service businesses. | Restaurant meals, takeout, catering. |
How to file sales tax in Vermont
To file sales tax in Vermont, follow these steps:
Log in to myVTax: Access Vermont’s online tax portal myVTax using your credentials.
Complete the Sales Tax Return: Enter total taxable sales, exempt sales, and any applicable local option taxes.
Calculate Tax Due: myVTax automatically calculates the sales tax owed based on your entries.
Submit Payment: Pay electronically via the portal or by other approved methods.
Meet Deadlines: Returns are due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period (monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your assigned frequency).
Maintain Records: Keep copies of filed returns and payment confirmations for audit purposes.
FAQs
What day is Vermont sales tax due?
Vermont sales tax is due on the 25th day of the month following the taxable sales period. For example, sales made in January must have taxes filed and paid by February 25th.
Does Vermont have a sales tax holiday?
No, Vermont doesn't currently have a sales tax holiday. Unlike some states like Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts, Vermont does not offer a designated period where certain items can be purchased tax-free.
Automate Your Vermont Sales Tax with Kintsugi
Managing Vermont sales tax compliance can be complex, from verifying local tax rates to tracking exemptions and meeting filing deadlines. Kintsugi simplifies this process with powerful automation tools designed for modern businesses.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Accurate Tax Rate Calculations | Automatically apply the correct state and local sales tax rates based on your customer’s location. |
Exemption Management | Seamlessly identify and apply exemptions for groceries, prescription medications, and other qualifying items. |
Effortless Filing | Streamline your tax reporting and filing process with integrations that calculate, track, and submit sales tax payments. |
ERP and eCommerce Integration | Connect with platforms like Shopify, QuickBooks, Amazon, and more for seamless tax data management. |
Let Kintsugi handle the complexities of Vermont sales tax so you can focus on growing your business. Visit our Product Platform and Pricing pages to learn more and get started today!




