Starting a Business in Loudoun County

Steps to Starting A New Business

New business owners may contact the Business Tax Division of office of the Commissioner of the Revenue to discuss the business with a tax representative who can review the necessary paperwork, answer questions and guide you through the business registration process outlined below.

Step 1: Determine Business Structure

If your business is a corporation, limited liability corporation, or limited partnership, register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission online or call at 866-722-2551.

Step 2: Register Trade Name

Businesses operating in Virginia using a fictitious business or trade name must register that name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). For assistance, please contact the SCC at (866) 722-2551 or (804) 371-9733. Va Code §59.1-74(B), states the commissioner of the revenue may not issue a business license until the taxpayer provides evidence the trade name has been registered.

Step 3: Obtain a Business License

Businesses based in the county outside the incorporated towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill are required to obtain a local Business Professional and Occupational License from the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue. If in an incorporated town, contact that town for licensing requirements.

There is a $30 maximum first-year fee for most business activities. Business licensing is a form of local taxation of gross receipts generated from business activity. The annual business license renewal fee or tax is based on reported gross receipts. The business license tax rates vary from 5 cents per $100 of gross purchases for wholesale sales up to a maximum of 50 cents per $100 of gross receipts for public service corporations. The Business Tax Division will review information provided and determine the business classification for business license tax.

Step 4: Register for Business Tangible Personal Property Tax

Businesses based in the county and businesses with business personal property located in the county, regardless of whether the property is located inside or outside the incorporated towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill, are required to register with the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue for Business Tangible Personal Property Tax.

All property located in Loudoun County on January 1 and used or available for use in a business is taxable. The assessment is based on the date of purchase and the original cost of the property.

Step 5: Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation

Businesses engaged in retail or wholesale sales are required to register with the Virginia Department of Taxation please contact the Department of Taxation at 804-367-8037 with any questions.

Step 6: Register with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Registration

Businesses involved in any of the following must register online with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation: auctioneers, barbers, beauticians, contractors, physicians, real estate salespersons and many others too numerous to list. Please contact DPOR with any questions at 804-367-8500.

Step 7: Register with the Virginia Department of Social Services

Visit Virginia Social Services' website to review and comply with the state requirements for day care providers.

Step 8: Obtain Building/Zoning Permits

Businesses operating in Loudoun County are required to file an application for permits with the Department of Building and Development online. There is a one-time fee.

Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR) operators are required to register the rental property annually with the Department of Building and Development and obtain a zoning permit.

Step 9: Register with Other Applicable Governmental Departments

Some business activities require registration with the Department of Family Services or the Environmental Health Division of the Health Department.

Department of Family Services: 703-777-0353
Environmental Health: 703-777-0234