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, and selecting "New business? Register your business here." You can save a draft, and come back later to complete your registration. Just be sure to save your user ID and password, so you can log back in.

If you plan to hire employees, you can register with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) at the same time you register with us. VEC is responsible for collecting unemployment tax. 
 

Register your business now
 

What you need before you start your registration 

  • Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN). Don’t have a FEIN? You can get one through the IRS website.
  • Primary account user’s information: Name, email, and phone number.
  • Responsible party’s information: Name, Social Security number, home mailing address, email address, and phone number. 
  • Business information: Legal business name; primary business address, and mailing address.
  • Entity type. If you’re not sure, the Small Business Administration is a good resource to see which business structure is most appropriate for your business.
  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Look it up here.  
  • The tax types you need to register for and the date you’ll begin business for the purposes of each tax type. 

An interactive, step-by-step video to help you register is available.  

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 also are automatically enrolled in a business online services account where you’ll be able to file and pay taxes, send us emails, and manage your Virginia Tax account in the future.  
 

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 as draft" in the left navigation on any of the registration pages, and come back later to finish your registration. Make sure to save the User ID and password you created. When you come back, you'll log in as if you already have an account with us under "Account Login."

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
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

‎
Registering Your Business: A Step by Step Guide

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 guide to make registering a little easier. Use the interactive guide here.

‎
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. 

‎
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. 

‎
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.