Virginia Business Licensing Center

How to Get a Business License in Virginia:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact Internal Revenue Service to get an Employer ID Number (EIN), and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Register your business entity through Virginia’s Business One Stop online resource.
• To learn about Virginia’s state business license requirements visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
• To determine if you need a local business license, contact your local Commissioner of Revenue or the Administrators office for your city or county.

Virginia State Sales Tax:

• Virginia has a state sales tax of 4%,
  • An additional 1% local tax applies to most purchases.
  • State sales tax on food is 1.5% (combined tax rate is 2.5%)
• A use tax also applies.

Useful Links:

• Starting a Business
• Business One Stop Registration
• Virginia State Corporation Commission
• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Business Tax Information
• SBA Virginia
• Virginia Small Business Development Center
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business