Vermont Tax Guide
Vermont state tax rates and rules for income, sales, property, gas, cigarette, and other taxes that impact residents.


Kate Schubel
Vermont state tax: Overview
Vermont has four income tax brackets, and the state still taxes Social Security benefits for some filers. Property taxes are high when compared to most other states, and Vermont also has an estate tax.
However, the sales tax rate in Vermont is about average, and many types of essential items are tax-exempt.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Vermont income tax
Vermont has a graduated state individual income tax rate ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%, according to the Tax Foundation.
Vermont tax on retirement benefits: Social Security benefits are exempt for joint filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $65,000 or less.
Additionally, Vermont offers a deduction of up to $10,000 for some types of retirement income. However, income requirements apply. Railroad Retirement benefits are tax-exempt in Vermont.
Vermont sales tax
Vermont's state sales tax rate is 6%. Localities can add up to 0.366% in additional sales taxes.
However, the average combined sales tax rate in Vermont is 6.366%, according to the Tax Foundation. Several types of products are exempt from sales tax.
- Groceries: Exempt
- Clothing: Exempt
- Prescription drugs: Exempt
How much are Vermont property taxes?
Vermont has an average effective property tax rate of 1.56%.
Vermont Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Vermont offers a property tax credit of up to $8,000 to eligible homeowners. Homeowners must meet all of the following requirements to qualify for the credit in 2025.
- Your property must qualify as a homestead (as of April 1), and you must have filed a Homestead Declaration for the current year's grand list.
- You must have been domiciled in Vermont for all of the previous calendar year.
- You must not have been claimed as a dependent on a 2024 tax return.
- Your household income must not have exceeded $115,000 in 2024.
Vermont gas tax
Gasoline: $0.12 per gallon
Diesel: $0.28 per gallon.
Vermont taxes on alcohol and tobacco
Product | Tax Amount |
Cigarettes | $3.08 per pack |
Cigars | $20-$40 per 10 cigars |
Tobacco/Snuff | $2.57 per ounce |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Product | Tax Amount |
Wine | $0.55 per gallon |
Beer | $0.26 per gallon |
Liquor | state-controlled |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Vermont estate and inheritance taxes
Vermont has an estate tax with an exemption of $5 million. The tax rate is a flat 16%.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.
- Kate SchubelTax Writer
-
4 Turnaround Stocks to Consider – and 2 More to Keep an Eye On
A turnaround stock is a struggling company with a strong makeover plan that can pay off for intrepid investors.
By Nellie S. Huang Published
-
Retire in Italy for Culture and Beauty
U.S. citizens retire in Italy for a lifestyle of abundance. If you love history, gastronomy, art and natural beauty, Italy almost always does it better.
By Brian O'Connell Published
-
Tax-Deductible Home Improvements for Retirement in 2025
Retirement Taxes Your aging-in-place plan could benefit from the medical expense tax deduction. But watch out for capital gains and property taxes.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Don’t Make These Five Mistakes on Your Tax Return
Tax Filing The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for these common errors as they prepare to file.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
You Don’t Want to Retire in Portugal: Here Are Three Tax Reasons Why
Retirement Taxes With the NHR benefit retiring and pension taxes increasing, you might rethink your retirement plans in Portugal.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Why Abolishing Florida Property Taxes is Problematic
Property Taxes A bold proposal that aims to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State has roused concerns from economists, and rightly so.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
First-Time Filing Taxes? Key Tax Tips to Know for 2025
Tax Filing Preparing your IRS taxes for the first time may seem daunting, but here are some return preparation and filing tips to start.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Mail Theft Crisis: Why Your IRS Tax Refund Is At Risk
Tax Refunds Millions of dollars in tax refunds were stolen in the mail last year. Here's what you should know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees in 2025
Retirement Taxes Retirees who think they can escape the IRS audit machine should think again.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
States with Emergency and Energy Sales Tax Holidays in 2025
Sales Taxes Save on appliances with a state emergency preparedness or energy-efficient tax-free weekend in February.
By Kate Schubel Published