Starting a Business in Loudoun County
Steps to Starting A New Business
If possible, we suggest that new business owners visit the office of the
Commissioner of the Revenue to discuss the business with a tax representative who can review all the necessary paperwork. The tax representative can answer any questions you may have and can guide you through the business registration process, a brief outline of which is included 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.
If your business is a general partnership, register with the Loudoun County
Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Step 2: Register Trade Name
Businesses based in the county using a fictitious business or trade name must register that name with the Loudoun County
Clerk of the Circuit Court. There is a one-time $10.00 fee.
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 Occupational License from the Loudoun County
Commissioner of the Revenue. If in an incorporated town, contact that town for licensing requirements.
There is a $30.00 maximum first-year fee. Business licensing is a form of local taxation of gross receipts generated from business activity. Renewal license fees are based on these receipts. The
business license tax rates vary from 5 cents per $100.00 of gross purchases for wholesale sales up to a maximum of 50 cents per $100.00 of gross receipts for public service corporations.
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 your business is taxable. The assessment is based on the date of purchase and the original purchase price 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 for retail sales tax purposes.
Step 6: Register with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Registration
Businesses involved in any of the following must register with the
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation: auctioneers, barbers, beauticians, contractors, physicians, real estate salespersons and many others too numerous to list.
Step 7: Register with the Virginia Department of Social Services
Visit Virginia Social Services' web site
www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/professionals_resources.cgi 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 & Development. There is a one-time fee.
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.
- Ph: Department of Family Services: 703-777-0353
- Ph: Environmental Health: 703-777-0234
Additional Resources