How to Register a Sole Proprietorship in Virginia

How to register your single proprietorship may be on your mind if you’re launching a new firm in Virginia. Fortunately, it’s a rather simple process that may be finished online via the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). To register a sole proprietorship in Virginia, follow these simple steps:

Select a business name in the first step. Choosing a business name is the first step in registering your sole proprietorship. To check whether the name you desire is available, you can do this by using the SCC website’s company name search function. Once you’ve located an available name, you can reserve it by submitting a name reservation form to the SCC for up to 120 days.

Step 2: Declare Your Company

The next step is to file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the SCC in order to register your company. This form can also be filled out online and asks for some basic information about your company, like your name and address, the name of your company, and the type of business you operate.

Step 3: Acquire Required Licenses and Permits You might need to secure specific licenses and permits depending on the type of business you’re launching. A thorough overview of the licenses and permits necessary for different sorts of enterprises in Virginia is available on the Virginia Business One Stop website.

Step 4: receive an EIN Number

You must receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you intend to employ staff or conduct business as a company or partnership. The IRS website offers an online platform for doing this.

What Counts as Conducting Business in Virginia? The state of Virginia defines doing business as “any act or activity that has, or is intended to have, a profit or economic benefit within Virginia.” This covers tasks like making sales of goods or services, renting out property, and keeping a physical presence in the state.

In Virginia, registering a business name costs $10. Even if your business name is rejected, this charge is not refundable. Can I register a business name even if I don’t use it? You can register a business name even if you don’t utilize it. However, the SCC may delete your registered business name if you do not utilize it within five years.

In Virginia, forming an LLC costs $100. This cost must be paid at the time of registration and is not refundable. Additionally, there is an extra $20 charge if you decide to mail the SCC your LLC creation documents.