Obtaining a Business License
Revenue Agents and Investigators of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office interview all applicants for a business license and determine the industry classification. To ensure compliancy with state and local tax laws, certain classifications require additional licenses, permits or documentation to obtain a business license. Certain documentation may be required to be submitted annually.
Tax rates are set by City Council and vary by industry classification. Some manufacturing and non-profit entities may qualify as tax exempt, but all must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Business licenses expire each December 31 and are renewed annually. License renewals and Business Property Returns are mailed to existing businesses during the first week of January. Payment for renewals is due on or before March 1. If payment for the current year license is not received by March 1, penalty and interest may be applied, and the business is considered not licensed.
Certain businesses are required to collect and submit additional taxes, such as the meals tax. These additional taxes are referred to as Trustee Tax. Trustee Taxes may be subject to monthly or quarterly filing, depending on the type. The Trustee Tax type and necessary accounts are determined during the application process. The monthly or quarterly filings of Trustee Taxes are submitted to the City Treasurer.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY ZONING DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING. Please read the related page, "New Businesses Locating near NAS Oceana" at the right of this web page. Home based businesses must provide proof of residency and complete the Restrictions for Home Use form.
Required Information
State and local business application requirements will vary depending on the business entity type:
Sole Proprietor
The individual must apply in person.
Partnership
One of the partners may apply for a Limited Partnership with a registered copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. If not registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, all partners must apply and provide a partnership agreement.
Corporation
An officer must apply for domestic corporations with a registered copy of the Certificate of Corporate Charter filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Foreign corporations must provide a registered copy of a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. A Corporation/LLC Information form, listing officers and home addresses must be submitted.
Limited Liability Company
A member must apply for domestic companies with a registered copy of the Articles of Organization filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Foreign companies must provide a Certificate of Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Professional companies must provide a registered copy of the Articles of Organization for a Professional Limited Liability Company filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. A Corporation/LLC Information form, listing members and home addresses must be submitted.
The following information is required when you apply for a business license:
Cost of Business License
The cost of a business license is determined by gross receipts and the rate applied for the industrial classification. New business applicants must provide an estimate for gross receipts from the beginning date of the business through December 31. The first renewal for a business license is also based on an estimate for gross receipts, since the business most likely has not operated for an entire calendar year. After a business has operated for a full business license term (January 1 – December 31), licenses are based on the gross receipts of the prior calendar year.
Industry classification types and rates
Industry classification is determined during the application process by Revenue Agents and Investigators of the Commissioner of the Revenue. Classification types are Contracting, General Services, Professional, Financial or Real Estate Services, Retail Merchant or Wholesale Merchant. See Business License Tax Rates and Due Dates for classification types and corresponding rates.
Business information changes
If any of the original application information changes, notification is required. Changes to the business license information must be done by the owner of the business, a member of the Limited Liability Company or officer of the Corporation.
Submit the Amendment to Business License Form for any changes. Amendments must be notarized if not signed before a Commissioner's Deputy. Business location changes must be approved by the Zoning Division of the Department of Planning.
Closing a Business
To inactivate a business license, notification must be submitted in writing. Notification must indicate an exact out of business date and must be signed by the owner of the business, a member of the Limited Liability Company or officer of the Corporation. An Out of Business Form may be submitted to satisfy the criteria.
Retail businesses who wish to have an Out of Business sale must notify the Virginia Beach Consumer Affairs Division at (757) 385-5836.
| Contact Information: |
| Business License |
| 2401 Courthouse Dr. |
| Municipal Center, Bldg. 1 |
| Virginia Beach, VA 23456 |
| Direct: (757) 385-4515 |
| Fax: (757) 385-4183 |
| TDD: (800) 828-1140 |
| business@vbgov.com |
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