Vermont
Business Broker in Vermont
Michael Kelly, a TrueWave broker, covers Vermont. He is your point of contact from the first valuation call through closing, working by phone and video and in person when it matters.
The Vermont business landscape
Vermont’s strong “buy local” culture means Vermont brands carry real value. Food, beverage and outdoor-product companies with a recognized name are worth more than their equipment and inventory.
Ski-resort and foliage seasons drive the tourism economy. Because the market is small and distances are long, most buyers are lifestyle buyers relocating from out of state, which shapes how we market a Vermont business.
Key local industries
- Tourism. Ski-area and foliage-season lodging, restaurants and services.
- Specialty food and craft beverage. Dairy, maple, breweries and food brands.
- Outdoor recreation. Outfitters, rentals and outdoor-product makers.
- Manufacturing. Small manufacturers with Vermont-made products.
- Healthcare and higher education. Practices and services around hospitals and colleges.
Selling a business in Vermont: rules and taxes
Income tax. Vermont’s 2026 income tax rates are 3.35%, 6.60%, 7.60% and 8.75%. A large sale in one year can push much of the gain into the top bracket, so ask your CPA about timing and structure.
Bulk sale notice. When existing business assets are sold, the buyer must notify the Vermont Department of Taxes at least 10 days before the purchase. If the notice isn’t given, the buyer may become liable for the previous owner’s outstanding business taxes. Expect the buyer’s attorney to ask for this early; having your sales, meals and withholding filings up to date keeps it simple.
Important: The tax and legal information on this page is general information as of October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. TrueWave Business Brokers is not a CPA firm or a law firm. Tax rates and rules change often, and how they apply depends on your situation and how your sale is structured. Before making any decisions, consult your CPA, attorney and financial advisor. For the most current information on Vermont income tax rates and any notice or clearance requirements for business sales, visit the Vermont Department of Taxes: https://tax.vermont.gov/
Recent deals and listings in Vermont
We don’t have closed deals or open listings to show near you in Vermont yet, and we won’t post any until they’re real. Buyers can browse businesses for sale and join our buyer list to hear about new ones first. Owners can start with a free, confidential valuation: you’ll see what your business is likely worth and what buyers will ask about.
Local resources
Useful places for owners getting ready to sell:
- Vermont Small Business Development Center
- SBA Vermont District Office (Montpelier)
- Vermont Department of Taxes
- Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Areas we serve in Vermont
We work with owners across Vermont, including Burlington, Central Vermont and Southern Vermont.
Nearby:
Selling a business in Vermont: FAQ
How is a business sale taxed in Vermont?
Vermont taxes income at rates from 3.35% to 8.75% in 2026, and federal tax applies too. How the sale is structured, and in which year it closes, changes the result, so involve your CPA early.
Do you sell food and beverage brands?
Yes. A recognized Vermont brand can be worth more than the equipment and inventory behind it. We document the brand, the recipes and processes, and the wholesale and retail accounts so buyers can see what they are paying for.
How do you value ski-season businesses?
We look at several years of monthly results so buyers see the full cycle, including a weak snow year. Leases or agreements with ski areas get reviewed early.
How long does a Vermont business sale take?
Usually 6 to 12 months from valuation to closing. Preparation, the type of business, financing and any state tax clearances all affect the timeline. We map the steps out with you at the start so nothing surprises you at the end. The buyer’s 10-day notice to the Department of Taxes goes on the timeline too.
Can out-of-state buyers purchase my business?
Yes. Most Vermont buyers come from out of state, so we market well beyond Vermont and help buyers understand the local market.
Answers above that touch on taxes or legal rules are general information as of October 2026, not tax, legal or financial advice. TrueWave Business Brokers is not a CPA firm or a law firm. Confirm anything that affects your sale with your CPA and attorney. Official source: Vermont Department of Taxes.
Find out what your business is worth
Get a free, confidential valuation from a TrueWave broker. No obligation, no listing agreement.
TrueWave Business Brokers · Quincy, MA · 978-289-3115 · Experienced business brokers and a licensed real estate agency, working with owners and buyers across the U.S.
