Tools for Opening a New Business

Start here for commonly needed business setup resources:

• Register with the State Corporation Commission
• Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Apply for an Arlington County Business License in CAPP
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Mobile Food Unit and Vendor Health Licenses
• Recycling & Trash Requirements
• Accessory Homestay Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) Taxes

Virginia offers several resources to help new business owners plan, register, and choose the right structure for their business.

• Virginia Business One Stop
• U.S. Small Business Administration: 10 Steps to Start Your Business
• Virginia Lawyer Referral Service
• State Corporation Commission

Businesses based in Virginia generally need a business license in the jurisdiction where the business is located. For Arlington businesses, that means reviewing Arlington County business license requirements.

1. Meet Virginia’s state requirements
   • Choose your business structure.
   • If needed, register your business and trade name with the State Corporation Commission.
   • Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) through the IRS.
   • Make sure you have met all other business requirements set by the State of Virginia.
2. Apply for appropriate Arlington County permit(s)

   All new businesses in Arlington County must contact Arlington County’s Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Permit Arlington to apply for necessary permits. This must be done before applying for a business license.

3. Register your business and file and pay Arlington County taxes

   Register your business in the Customer Assessment and Payment Portal (CAPP), where you can file and pay Arlington County business taxes.

4. We will contact you

   After you complete these steps and register your business in CAPP, a Business Tax Inspector will reach out to finish the process. If you need expedited service, call a Business Tax Inspector at 703-228-3060 or email business@arlingtonva.us.

Businesses serving alcohol must obtain the appropriate Alcoholic Beverage Control license in addition to any applicable Arlington County requirements.

Learn more about ABC licensing.

Contractors must register with both the Virginia State Board for Contractors and Arlington County offices as applicable.

• State Board for Contractors
  9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
  Phone: 804-367-8511
• Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development
  Inspection Services Division
  2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201
  Phone: 703-228-3800

The Arlington County Police Department requests new business owners complete an emergency business contacts form so staff can reach you after hours in the event of a fire, burglary, or other issue at your business location.

For more information, contact ACPD at 703-228-4040.

Depending on your business structure and activities, you may need to register with Virginia Tax and prepare information before starting the registration process.

Before you begin, you may need:

• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Primary account user information
• Responsible party information
• Legal business name and addresses
• Entity type
• NAICS code
• The tax types you need to register for and the date business activity will begin

Additional topics to review may include:

• Virginia Tax
• S Corporations, Partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies
• Retail Sales & Use Tax
• Virginia Unemployment Tax
• Workers’ Compensation
• Pass-Through Entities

Virginia Tax also offers step-by-step registration help and additional information about what documents you will receive after registering.