We're excited you've decided to do business in Virginia.

Ready to register?

You can start the registration process by using the button below. You can save a draft and come back later to complete your registration.

Register your business now


Please note: we’re undergoing a multi-year modernization of our online services platform. After you finish your registration, you may need to use different systems to file, pay, and manage your taxes. We’ll provide a Next Steps document when you finish registering your business that will help guide you during this transition period while all of our taxes move to this new system.

What you need before you start your registration 

  • Business information (legal name, business address, mailing address, entity type)
  • Your business’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Start date of business activity in Virginia  
  • Contact information for your business
  • Responsible party information, if applicable (name, Social Security number, address, contact information) 
  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code—we know it can be hard to find a perfect fit. Choose your best option based on your primary business activity.

If you have questions, we've created a registration step-by-step video to help you.

When you complete your registration, you’ll receive your Virginia Tax account number for each tax type, your sales tax certificate (if you registered to collect retail sales or use tax), and documents to help you with your next steps (what returns you need to file, when to file, etc.). You’ll also be registered with an online services account.
 

Business Registration FAQs

Why can't I register my business online? 

While all new businesses are required to register with us online, the following reasons may prevent you from doing so:

  • You don’t have a FEIN  
  • You don't have an SSN  
  • You’re reopening a closed account or
  • The FEIN you need to register is associated with another account
  • Your SSN is associated with another business 
  • You were a responsible party or primary account user for another business 
  • You need to register for a tax type that's not available online (dealer's aircraft sales and use tax)

If you're unable to register online, you'll need to fill out and mail us Form R-1 instead.

Can I come back later to finish my registration?

Yes. You can "Save Draft" on any of the registration pages and come back later to finish your registration. We’ll save your progress and send a verification code to the email address you provide.  

What are the most common tax types I might need to register for?

Some of the most common tax types you might need to register for are: 

  • Retail sales tax (in-state dealers)
  • Use tax (remote or out-of-state dealers with nexus in Virginia)
  • Employer withholding (if you have Virginia employees), and
  • Corporate or pass-through entity income tax

Please note that as we transition from one online service platform to another, you may need to use different systems to file, pay, and manage your taxes.

What types of business entities can I register?

You can register the following business entities: 

  • Sole Proprietor 
  • Corporate entities: 
    • Corporation 
    • Nonprofit corporation 
    • LLC reporting as a corporation 
  • Pass-through entities: 
    • Subchapter S Corporation 
    • General Partnership 
    • Limited Partnership 
    • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) 
    • Limited Liability Company (LLC) 
  • Government Entities 
  • Other Entities: 
    • Nonprofit organization 
  • Cooperative 
    • Credit Union 
    • Bank 
    • Savings and Loan 
    • Public Service Corporation 

If you’re not sure, the Small Business Administration is a good resource to see which business structure is most appropriate for your business.

Can I make changes to my registration?

Yes, once you have completed your registration you can log back into your account at any time to make changes. You may update contact and address information, add a new business location, close a location, close your business, update responsible officers of your company, print a copy of your sales tax certificate, or change your tax filing responsibilities. To learn more, see How to Report Changes to Your Business. 

 

Resources for New Businesses

image with text register your business online: a step-by-step guide
Registering a business in Virginia

We know that registering your business for Virginia taxes might seem daunting at first, maybe even a little intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step video to help you through the process.

Image with text small business basics: restaurants & caterers an interactive guide
Restaurants & Caterers: Small Business Basics

In this interactive guide, we've outlined tax responsibilities for small business owners who operate a restaurant, food shop, or catering business. We cover the basics on common business taxes, including Income Tax, Sales and Use Tax, Litter Tax, and Withholding Tax. Follow along with 3 common scenarios here. 

Small Business Basics: Makers & Trades
Makers & Trades: Small Business Basics

In this interactive guide, you will learn about common tax responsibilities as a maker or tradesperson by following along with 2 common scenarios: a photographer who sells to customers directly, and a potter who sells goods through an online retailer. Follow our character journeys here. 

Small Business Basics: Rideshare & Food Delivery Contractors
Rideshare & Food Delivery Contractors: An Interactive Guide

In this interactive guide, you’ll learn about your tax-related responsibilities as a rideshare or food delivery driver. This includes defining worker classifications, tax reporting periods and payments, and keeping track of important tax-related expenses. Use the interactive guide here.

Text on white background: I'm a gig worker. Do I need to pay taxes on that income?
Gig Economy Workers: Small Business Basics

Are you a gig worker? Even if it’s part-time, temporary, or side work, the income you earn through an app or website for services like making deliveries, selling goods online, or driving for hire is typically taxable. Learn more about your tax responsibilities here.