Business Taxes

The Commissioner of Revenue’s Business Tax Division:

  • Licenses and assesses a business privilege tax (officially known as the “Business, Professional, and Occupational License” or “BPOL” tax) on all Arlington businesses, including home-based businesses.
  • Assesses the business tangible personal property tax on all furniture, computers, fixtures, machinery and tools of all Arlington businesses and ensures that all businesses report their owned and leased equipment in the same uniform manner.
  • Assesses the annual Bank Franchise Tax Administers custodial taxes such as the County Meals Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, Cigarette Tax and Short-term Rental Tax. These custodial taxes are collected from customers by businesses and are considered to be held in trust by the businesses until payment to the County.
  • Conducts desk audits of all business license tax applications for several factors, including verification of mathematical calculations, review of tax classifications and examination of unusual changes in gross receipts from one reporting year to another.
  • Conducts in-depth field audits of selected accounts to ensure that businesses report their gross receipts properly and have the proper tax rate classification. Monitors, contacts and assists many new businesses.
  • For more information about business taxes, contact the Business Tax Division at 703-228-3060

 

Opening a New Business

If you have, or are thinking about starting up a new business find out the tax information you need to know.

Business License Tax

The Commissioner of Revenue licenses and assesses a business license tax on every business in Arlington, including home-based businesses. Individuals renting or leasing houses, apartments, part of their own residences, or other types of dwellings, including vacation and transient rentals, are also considered businesses.

Pay Online for a Business License

Customer Assessment and Payment Portal (CAPP) for paying bills, filing taxes, and managing your Arlington County accounts.

Business Tangible Personal Property Taxes

All Arlington County businesses must file a Business Tangible Personal Property Return each year on or before May 1. Payments, if applicable are due each year on or before September 5.

Custodial Taxes

“Custodial Taxes” is a term used to describe taxes collected from consumers by businesses. The business holds the collected funds in trust for the County until they are remitted to the County Treasurer.

Accessory Homestay Rentals (Airbnb, etc.) Taxes

If you’re making money offering short-term lodging in an Arlington home, you need to collect and remit to Arlington County 8.25% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of total price paid by the ultimate consumer for the use or possession of any room or space used for lodging, regardless of the number of transients accommodated per night.

 

Quick Links

Business Tax Brochures

Register Your Business or File Your Business Taxes

The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office is currently closed for walk-in customers.  Appointments are being scheduled for the Business Division:

Make an Appointment

Contact Information

Commissioner of Revenue– Due to COVID-19, our office is closed to walk-in customers.  Appointments are being accepted for the Business Division and DMV Select.  
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-3033 703-228-7048 (fax)
Email

 

 

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