How does an organization apply for a Virginia retail sales and use tax exemption?
Go to Nonprofit Online, or complete Form NP-1 and submit it to Virginia Tax, Nonprofit Exemption Unit, P. O. Box 715, Richmond, Virginia 23218-0715. For detailed information on exemption requirements, go to Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations.
What do I do if I forgot my user ID and password?
If you forgot your user ID and you provided a valid email address, you must log into Nonprofit Online, select "Forgot Your Password," and enter your e-mail address. Your user ID will be e-mailed to you. Once you have retrieved your user ID, you must log in and enter your user ID and your hint will be displayed to help you with your password. Please note that if you make 6 unsuccessful login attempts, your account will be locked. You must then contact Virginia Tax at 804.371.4023 to have your access unlocked.
Is there a fee to apply for a Virginia retail sales and use tax exemption?
No. There is no fee to apply.
Does an organization's Federal tax-exempt status automatically exempt them from Virginia retail sales and use tax?
No. In order to be exempt from the Virginia retail sales and use tax, an organization must apply to Virginia Tax and meet all the exemption criteria set forth in Code of Virginia § 58.1-609.11. See Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations for additional information.
What items may an organization purchase with the exemption certificate?
Virginia law allows for the purchase of tangible personal property used or consumed by the organization. Examples include, but are not limited to: office supplies, computers, office furniture, items used for fundraising, and items used to pursue the mission or purpose of the organization.
The exemption does not apply to purchases of tangible personal property that will be furnished to a contractor performing construction, installation, repair, or any other service with respect to real property used by the organization.
How do I apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for my organization?
You obtain your EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by completing Form SS-4. Virginia Tax does not issue the EIN. You may apply for an EIN on-line at the IRS website, or you may call them at 800.829.4933 and apply over the phone. Please see How to apply for an EIN for more information.
How does my organization make a tax-exempt purchase from a retailer in Virginia?
An exempt organization with a valid exemption certificate should provide the retailer with a copy of the exemption certificate issued by Virginia Tax.
Once an organization's exemption request has been approved, can it be applied retroactively to purchases?
No. Once the exemption request has been approved, the organization may purchase items exempt of the tax beginning on the effective date on the exemption certificate. You may not request a refund for items purchased outside the dates listed on the exemption certificate.
I am a new officer for a nonprofit organization and I need to obtain a copy of my Virginia exemption certificate. How can I get a copy?
Log on to Nonprofit Online and create a user ID and password. On the next page select the Change Access Request option. Once you have completed this process, Virginia Tax will approve the request within 48 hours. You will then be able to access the application using your new user ID and password. Select your organization under the "Associated Organization History" section to print your certificate.
Does an organization's Virginia retail sales and use tax exemption apply to other taxes such as Corporate Tax, Withholding Tax, and Utility Tax?
No. The exemption applies only to the sales tax charged on the purchases of tangible personal property and/or taxable services purchased by an organization.
Can I use my Virginia exemption certificate to purchase a vehicle for use by my organization?
No. The sales tax charged on the purchase of a vehicle is a motor vehicle sales tax which is administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must contact DMV at 804.497.7100 for their exemption requirements.
My organization has a tax-exempt letter from another state (e.g. DC, Maryland, etc). Will Virginia retailers accept another state's sales tax exemption certificate?
No. Retailers located in Virginia should only accept a valid exemption certificate issued to the organization by Virginia Tax.
Go to Nonprofit Online
Go to Additional information about sales and use tax exemption for Nonprofit Organizations