Business License Instructions

Cost of New Business Licensure

For most businesses the cost of the business license is based upon the estimate of total gross receipts from the day the business opens to December 31 of the same year.  If the estimate is less than $100,000, the license will cost $50.00 which is the minimum yearly  fee.  If, however, the estimate is greater than $100,000 a tax rate will be applied to your estimate.  There are different rates for different types of businesses as follows:

- Zoning Requirements

The zoning ordinance allows businesses to be located in some areas, but not others.  Special use permits are required for certain businesses, and there are areas in which no businesses are allowed.  Questions pertaining to the zoning ordinance and if it allows you to operate your business at a specific location can be addressed by calling the Office of Community Development.

A Business License Checklist must be completed as part of this Business License Application PRIOR to approval.  The checklist can be downloaded at: www.RoanokeCountyVa.gov/pzdocs

This Checklist is subject to review and compliance with the office of Community Development for zoning issues.

Please contact the Roanoke County Planning and Zoning department at (540) 772-2068
for more information.

Registration/State Licensing

- Recording a Trade Name or General Partnership

General Partnerships and trade names must be recorded with the Clerk of Circuit Court.  There is a  one time $15.00 fee required, with a separate check made payable to Clerk of Circuit Court.   Questions – Contact Clerk of Circuit Court at (540)387-6205 or on the web at  www.roanokecountyva.gov/Departments/CircuitCourtClerksOffice

- Register a Corporation or Limited Partnership

All corporations (foreign and domestic) and limited partnerships conducting business in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.  To become incorporated in Virginia, an organization must file trade names, DBA’s, articles of incorporation and amendments with the SCC.

State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23209
(804)371-9733
http://www.scc.virginia.gov

- State Contractors License

All contractors who bid upon or undertake single jobs of $1,000 or more must register with the State Board of Contractors.

Class A - $70,000 or more     Class B - $7,500 - $70,000       Class C-  $1,000 - $7,500

Board of Contractors
3600 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA  23230
(804) 367-8511

Testing: PSI Examination Services  1-800-733-9267

 www.dpor.virginia.gov

- Alcoholic Beverage License

Central Office  (804)213-4565

Roanoke Office
201 Compton St.
Roanoke, VA  24012
(540) 857-6565
 www.abc.state.va.us

- Department of Health

Roanoke County/Vinton Health Dept.
227 S. Pollard St.
Vinton, VA  24179
(540)857-7807
 www.vdh.state.va.us

- Federal Taxes

For general tax information or questions regarding:

• Federal Employer Identification Number
• Employee Income Taxes
• Individual, Partnership, and Corporate Income Tax
• Federal Unemployment Tax

 Contact IRS at:  1-800-829-1040
 www.IRS.gov

• For general tax information contact   1-804-367-8031
• Retail Sales Tax contact   1-804-367-8037

 www.tax.virginia.gov

Worker’s Compensation Commission
1000 DMV Dr.
Richmond, VA  23220
(877)664-2566

www.vwc.state.va.us

Virginia Employment Commission
5060 Valley View Blvd
Roanoke, VA  24012
(540)561-7525

http://www.vec.virginia.gov

Roanoke County Code – Click Continue to Roanoke County, VA and Browse to Chapter 10.

Business License Application - Print, complete and bring into office to apply for license.