I have read a lot of this and I am confused. I just need a simple question answered.
No problem! Call us at 804-786-6585 and we will be glad to help.
How do I register my business name?
Sole proprietorships would register their company’s business name via a fictitious name or "Doing Business As" (or “dba”) filing with the State Corporation Commission.
You can create an LLC, partnership, or corporation with the State Corporation Commission to use your business name is throughout the Commonwealth.
How do I get a business license?
Business licenses are issued by the city or county where the business is based.
Contact the Commissioner of Revenue, Business License and Permits, or the Department of Finance or the Zoning Office for each city, county, and town in which your
business will have an office or physical location to check local permits and licensing requirements.
How do I get a grant and/or financing to start my business?
What is the difference between an LLC, a corporation, a partnership, sole proprietor, etc.?
Business entity types differ in the liability for the owners, filing requirements, funding options, reporting requirements,
tax implications, etc. You can read about business entities from the US
Small Business Administration
(SBA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
How does an out-of-state business register to do business in Virginia?
Register your business with the State Corporation Commission.
Click here for Non-Virginia business registration forms.
Virginia Statutory Provisions
Click here for statutory provisions applicable to non-Virginia Corporations.
Click here for statutory provisions applicable to non-Virginia Limited Liability Companies.
Do I need a license for _________? (home handyman, mortgage broker, local health department, cigarette retailer, contractor, etc.)
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates more than 30 occupations and professions through 19 boards composed of practitioners and
citizens appointed by the Governor. DPOR licenses or certifies over 300,000 individuals and businesses ranging from architects and contractors to cosmetologists and professional
wrestlers. If you believe your industry sector is regulated by the state, visit DPOR’s website.
If the business is an LLC or Corporation, you will need to…
Dissolve the business with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) by filing Articles of Cancellation (LLC) or Articles of Dissolution (Stock Corporation).
You can reach them at (804) 371-9733.
Contact the IRS at (800) 829-4933 to deactivate the (EIN# or Federal tax ID#) if you applied for one.
Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8037 to deactivate your VA. State Tax Account # and settle any outstanding tax debts if necessary.
Contact your local Business Licensing Agency to cancel any active Business Licenses or Permits.
If the business is a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, you will need to...
Contact the IRS at (800) 829-4933 to deactivate the (EIN# or Federal tax ID#) if you applied for one.
Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8037 to close out your VA. State Tax Account # and settle any outstanding tax debts if necessary
Contact your local Business Licensing Agency to cancel your Business License if you applied for one.
I am a Sole Proprietor and want to know how to register a Fictitious Name?
The Clerk’s Office of the State Corporation Commission is the central filing office in Virginia for all certificates of assumed or fictitious name.
How can I obtain a Resale Certificate?
To use a Virginia resale certificate, you generally must also be registered to collect Virginia sales tax from buyers in the state. To obtain a Virginia resale
certificate, fill out Virginia form ST-10 accurately and completely, and present it to the retailer from which you are making your tax-free purchase.
The form is located on the Virginia Department of Taxation website at https://www.tax.virginia.gov
How can I reinstate my business?
You must contact the State Corporation Commission (SCC).
Toll Free (800) 552-7945
Phone: (804) 371-9733
Website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/
