Starting a Business in Loudoun County

Steps to Starting A New Business

If possible, new business owners should visit the 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 by phone at 866-722-2551.

Step 2: Register Trade Name

Effective January 1, 2020, 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 provided 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 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. 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 of gross purchases for wholesale sales up to a maximum of 50 cents per $100 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 online or by phone at 804-367-8037 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 online or by phone at 804-367-8500 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' 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 or by phone at 703-777-0220. 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.

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