• Virginia ranked the best state for business by Forbes.Virginia state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  Virginia is one of the 13 original states in the union. Located on the east coast of the United States, Virginia is ranked by Forbes magazine as the Top State for Business. Starting a business in Virginia takes proper business registration and licensing, depending on the business being started and the location. Potential business owners can get business licensing assistance, business education and other resources through business resource centers located throughout the state.
  
  

Business Registration

• Businesses planning to operate as a legal entity within the Commonwealth of Virginia need to register as a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership with the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Office, before obtaining a business license. Businesses started as sole proprietorships or partnerships do not require registration; however, the owner need's to obtain an assumed name certificate, if the business name is different from the owner's legal name. Assumed name certificates are filed with the county of the business location. Business entity filing forms can be found on the State Corporation Commission’s website and downloaded. Mail completed forms and supporting documents to:
  
  Commonwealth of Virginia
  
  State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Office
  
  1300 E. Main Street
  
  Richmond, VA 23219
  
  804-371-9733
  
  scc.virginia.gov
  
  

Employer Identification Number

• The Internal Revenue Service requires businesses to apply for an Employer Identification Number or Federal Tax Identification Number, to identify a business entity for tax purposes. The number is used to track the business entity’s tax obligations to the federal and state governments. Employee earnings and payroll taxes also are tracked using the EIN. An EIN is issued by the IRS online, in person or by mail.
  
  Internal Revenue Service
  
  400 N. 8th Street, Room 564
  
  Richmond, VA 23240
  
  804-916-8700
  
  irs.gov
  
  

Business Tax Registration

• Businesses operating in the state of Virginia have to register the business with the Virginia Department of Taxation before opening and operating. The Virginia Department of Taxation registers the business for sales and use tax, employer withholding tax and other operating taxes in the state. An account number is issued to the business, and is used for identification purposes on all correspondence sent to the department. A Virginia Certificate of Registration has to be displayed in all businesses that collect sales tax. Registration information should be sent to:
  
  Department of Taxation
  
  Registration Unit
  
  PO Box 1114
  
  Richmond, VA 23218-1114
  
  804-367-8031
  
  tax.virginia.gov
  
  

Bureau of Insurance Registration

• The Bureau of Insurance regulates business licensing procedures in the state of Virginia. Businesses have to go through an application process and obtain insurance to qualify for licensing in the state. Application forms and instructions for submitting a registration application can be found online at the Bureau of Insurance website. Applications and supporting documents are mailed to:
  
  Bureau of Insurance
  
  Tyler Building
  
  1300 E. Main Street
  
  Richmond, VA 23219
  
  804.371.9741
  
  Scc.virginia.gov