New businesses are required to apply for a business license prior to opening. If you file a SCHEDULE C or SCHEDULE C-EZ "Profit or Loss From a Business", and the address indicated on Line E is a York County address or if Line E is blank and you have a York County mailing address; you are considered engaged in business and are required to obtain a York County Business License. If you do not, you are in violation of State and County laws.
Businesses locating in commercial buildings should allow 30-45 days for building inspections (fire, zoning, building regulations) prior to opening. In addition, if the business has a trade name, a Fictitious Name Certificate must be filed with the York County Clerk of Circuit Court before applying for a business license. All other businesses are required to file a renewal application and pay their license fee or tax annually by March 1. Each business must apply for the license and pay the applicable fee or tax in the Commissioner of the Revenue's office. The license fee is based on the gross receipts from the previous year (or, for new businesses, the anticipated gross receipts for the year, which will be adjusted, as needed, the next renewal year.) Contractors applying for a new license or a renewal license must also submit a "Worker's Compensation Contractor's Certification" form.
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NEW STATE LAW FOR 2010
CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS
In the 2010 Virginia General Assembly Session HB409 was passed. Beginning July 1, 2010, ALL Contractors applying for or renewing a business license in any locality must furnish, prior to the issuance or renewal of the business license, either (1) satisfactory proof that he is duly license or certified by the Sate of Virginia as a contractor or (2) a written statement, support by an affidavit, that he is not subject to licensure or certification as a contractor or subcontractor. This bill also prohibits localities from issuing or renewing a business license unless the contractor has furnished a copy of his Virginia State Contractor License or evidence of being exempt from licensure as a contractor. A copy of your Virginia State Contractor License, (or the applicable affidavit), will be required annually by the office of the Commissioner of the Revenue during the Business License renewal period.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates who is required to have a Virginia State Contractor License. For further information you can contact DPOR at (804) 367-8500 or you may visit their website at www.dpor.virginia.gov. Select "Online License Service".
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