Starting a Business in Virginia Checklist

Check business name availability with the Virginia State Corporation Commission Search online to see if your business name is available: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/bussrch.aspx Virginia State Corporation Commission Office of the Clerk Tyler Building, 1st floor 1300 E. Main St. Richmond, Virginia 23219 P.O. Box 1197 Richmond, Virginia 23218 P: (804) 371-9733 sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov
File paperwork to form your business You can form your Virginia corporation or Virginia LLC by filing online at https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/ You can file a paper form, but filing online is instant. The SCC will take about 3 days to process your articles of incorporation or organization if you file the paper form. The filing fee is $75 for an Virginia corporation or $100 for a Virginia LLC. If filing legal documents on behalf of you business sounds intimidating or like something you’d rather not do, you can incorporate in Virginia with Northwest Registered Agent. Virginia State Corporation Commission Office of the Clerk Tyler Building, 1st floor 1300 E. Main St. Richmond, Virginia 23219 P.O. Box 1197 Richmond, Virginia 23218 P: (804) 371-9733 sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov
Register with the Department of Taxation You can apply for income tax withholding and a sales tax account online or by filing the Business Registration form. You can mail or fax the sales tax account application form to the Department of Taxation. Forms are available on the Department of Taxation website https://www.ireg.tax.virginia.gov/VTOL/Login.seam Sales Tax: Virginia has a 5.3% state sales tax. Income Tax: Corporate income tax rate is 6% Individual income tax rates – If income is less than $3000, tax is 2% If income is more than $3,000 but not over $5,000, tax is $60 plus 3% of excess over $3,000 If income is more than $5,000 but not over $17,000, tax is $120 plus 5% of excess over $5,000 If income is more than $17,000, tax is $720 plus 5.75% of excess over $17,000 Virginia Department of Taxation Virginia Department of Taxation 1957 Westmoreland Street Richmond, VA 23230 P.O. Box 1115 Richmond, VA 23218-1115 P: (804) 367-8037 F: (804) 254-6111
Get a business license There is no general state business license but you may need a business license based on your location or occupation. Always check with your city and county government for details.Virginia’s online business OneStop can help you determine which licenses and permits your business needs. Any other registration requirements? City of Virginia Beach You need to get a business license from the Commissioner’s Office. You have to go in person to the office and they will help you determine which class of business license you need. Some licenses will require additional documentation. City of Norfolk You need a license to do business in the city. You can apply for your Norfolk business license online or in person. Local License Info City of Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue Business License 2401 Courthouse Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456 P: (757) 385-4515 F: (757) 385-4183 http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/commissioner-of-the-revenue/business-license/Pages/default.aspx City of Norfolk Commissioner of Revenue Business License 810 Union Street Norfolk, VA 23510 P: (757) 664-7886 http://www.norfolk.gov/index.aspx?NID=744
Collect and Charge Sales Tax Do I need to collect Virginia sales tax? There is a tax on the sale, lease, rental, use, or consumption of tangible personal property in Virginia, as well as certain services. What is the Virginia sales tax rate? Virginia has a 5.3% state sales tax. How do I register for Virginia sales tax? You can apply for a Virginia sales tax account online https://www.ireg.tax.virginia.gov/VTOL/Login.seam or by filing the Business Registration form. Sales tax account application forms are available on the Department of Taxation website. You can mail or fax the completed form to the Department of Taxation. How much does a Virginia sales tax permit cost? No fee. Virginia Department of Taxation Virginia Department of Taxation 1957 Westmoreland Street Richmond, VA 23230 P.O. Box 1114 Richmond, VA 23218-1114 P: (804) 367-8037 F: (804) 254-6111 http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=SalesUseTax