The City extends the privilege to engage in a commercial enterprise by issuing a business license. Persons without a business license may not lawfully engage in business. The license, which is often referred to as a permit or certificate of eligibility, must be renewed annually. Businesses, professionals, and occupations that meet all qualifications and legal requirements are eligible to obtain licenses upon application and payment of the license tax.
Page updated on September 19, 2024 at 2:56 PM
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In July 2019, a new state law went into effect that requires “marketplace facilitators” (like UberEats, Grubhub and DoorDash) to collect Sales Tax from customers and send that straight to Richmond. This law does not affect the City’s Meals Tax.
Restaurants are still required to collect and remit the City’s Meals Tax directly to the City each month. This is based on the purchase price of the meal from the restaurant, even if delivered by a marketplace facilitator.
If a restaurant uses a marketplace facilitator for delivery and the marketplace facilitator collects the full amount from the customer, the marketplace facilitator should collect the City’s Meals Tax on the purchase price of the meal and remit that amount to the restaurant; the restaurant will then remit the Meals Tax to the City on its normal monthly tax form along with the Meal’s Tax collected directly from patrons in the restaurant.
More information on this new law can be found on the State’s Department of Taxation website.
Pursuant to the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code, extraordinary COVID-19 loans/grants such as Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and AEDP Back-2-Business (B2B) and Weather grants can be excluded from taxable gross receipts when filing the City’s Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax returns.
Va. Code § 58.1-3732 (A)(4)
23VAC10-500
23VAC10-500-60
New Businesses: Businesses that begin after January 1 must file the business license application and pay taxes immediately.
Existing Businesses: Business license renewal applications and taxes are due by March 1 of each license tax year.
The Business License Application form as well as several other business forms can be found on our Tax Forms page.
All persons (including corporations, partnerships and individuals) doing business in the City of Alexandria, or self-employed professionals on a part-time or full-time basis who have annual gross receipts in excess of $10,000, are required to pay an annual tax on gross receipts earned in the City. (This includes persons with "home occupation" businesses.)
Businesses, professions, and occupations are assessed an annual tax based on gross receipts earned during the past year. Gross receipts may be calculated on either a cash or accrual basis, but the basis must be the same as that used for federal income tax purposes. Gross receipts are the whole, entire, total receipts attributable to the licensed privilege, without deductions. No deduction may be made for the cost of the property sold, the cost of materials, labor, services, or other costs, interest or discounts paid, or any expense whatsoever.
The City of Alexandria has created a new online business tax portal that allows businesses to securely access business tax accounts, view historical data, file tax returns and make payments online.
To access the portal, click the button below or visit businesstaxportal.alexandriava.gov.
To link accounts, use the one-time PIN mailed to your business in early April, 2019 (your PIN can be retrieved any time by contacting the Business Tax Division at 703.746.4800) and your Business Account Number along with either your business’ Federal Employer Identification number or your Social Security number. Once the accounts are linked, you will be able to file and pay for taxes such as Business Personal Property, Meals, Transient Lodging, and Admission taxes online.
Please note, the PIN must be a 10-digit number. If you received a PIN with fewer than 10 digits, add zeros at the beginning of the PIN to reach 10 digits.
Currently, the business tax portal also allows business owners to access Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) account historical information. The City is still developing the ability for owners to file and pay BPOL taxes online, and will add this feature soon.
Persons starting a business in Virginia must register with the State prior to opening the business. Registration may be completed online or by filing Form R-1 with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Businesses located in the City of Alexandria that collect sales tax must ensure that the Business Locality Code (or FIPS Code) on their R-1 is 51510. To ensure that the business is registering in the proper jurisdiction, the business owner may look up the FIPS Code or follow the instructions below.
Businesses with the following zip codes are located entirely in the City of Alexandria:
The 22302, 22304, 22311, and 22312 zip codes are shared between Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria. The 22206 zip code is shared between Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. If the business is located in the 22302, 22304, 22311, 22312, or 22206 zip code, the business owner may verify the business's locality via the United States Postal Service website by entering the business address and clicking on "Mailing Industry Information."
Obtaining a business license in Alexandria is generally a three-step process:
Step 1: Registration of the business entity.
Registration of a Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, General Partnership, or Trade Name:
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 articles of incorporation and amendments with the State Corporation Commission. Procedures for filing can be found in the Code of Virginia Stock Corporation Act, Title 13.1-601 through 13.1-800.
General Partnerships and trade names must also be registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Additional information on registration or incorporation can be obtained by visiting the Virginia State Corporation Commission website or by contacting:
Virginia State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
866.722.2551 or 804.371.9733
Step 2: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Corporations, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies must obtain an Employer Identification
Step 3: Submit the Completed Application with Your Tax Payment and all Necessary Approvals and Documentation
The City business license application may be submitted electronically to businesstax@alexandriava.gov or mailed to:
City of Alexandria Business License
P.O. Box 178
Alexandria, VA 22313
Some businesses may be required to submit additional documentation and/or permits. For more information on additional documentation required, please visit the Business Tax website at https://www.alexandriava.gov/BusinessTax.
For all business-related matters, businesses may visit the Finance Department Revenue Office at City Hall located at 301 King Street, Room 1700, Alexandria, VA 22314, or at our West End Office located at 4850 Mark Center Drive, Suite 2011, Alexandria, VA 22311 for tax administration and payment functions. Hours of Operations are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Business license applications submitted by mail must include payment of the business license tax. The business license application, payment (by check or money order), and any other required documentation may be mailed to:
City of Alexandria Business License
P.O. Box 178
Alexandria, VA 22313
Persons seeking a permit to act as solicitors, canvassers or peddlers within the City must follow certain specific procedures before doing business in the City.
Any person starting a business without a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and unless otherwise specifically provided by law, shall on conviction thereof be fined not less than $5 nor more than $500 for each separate offense. After 30 days, the penalty assessed increases to $10 or 10 percent of the amount of the license tax, whichever is greater. The penalty shall be assessed and paid along with the license tax and shall become a part of the license tax. ( City Code Section 9-1-14 )
Every person beginning a business, profession, or occupation is required to estimate the gross receipts he/she will receive between the date of beginning business and the end of the current license year (December 31). The current year's license tax is computed on that estimate. If estimated gross receipts are $2 million or greater, the estimated license tax is adjusted at the end of the tax year to reflect the business' actual gross receipts.
In the first year of operation: A business has no tax liability if its estimated gross receipts are less than $100,000 per year. However, the business must still register with the Permit Center. The minimum annual license tax is $50 for businesses with estimated gross receipts between $100,000 and $1,999,999. Businesses with estimated gross receipts of $2,000,000 or above are assessed a percentage of their gross receipts. See below for tax rates.
A more detailed explanation of this tax with examples can be found on the How Business Tax is Calculated page.
The license tax for the following types of businesses and/or business activities are not based on gross receipts as described above. Businesses engaging in these types of business activity pay the flat license tax listed.
Businesses Licensed by the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to Manufacture, Bottle or Sell Alcoholic Beverages
| Type of Business | Annual Tax per License |
| Alcohol Distillers | $1,000 |
| Fruit Distillers | $1,500 |
| Wineries | $600 |
| Breweries | $600 |
| Alcoholic Beverage Bottlers | $360 |
| Beer Wholesalers | $250 |
| Retail On-Premise Wine/Beer Vendors (hotels, restaurants and clubs only) | $150 |
| Retail On-Premise Beer Vendors (hotels, restaurants and clubs only) | $100 |
| Retail Druggists | $100 |
| Off-Premise Beer Vendors | $100 |
| Wholesale Wine Distributors | $50 |
| Wholesale Druggists | $10 |
| Hospitals | $10 |
| Banquets | $5 |
Businesses Manufacturing, Bottling or Selling Beverages of Not More Than 3.2% Alcohol
| Type of Business | Annual Tax per License |
| Manufacturers | $600 |
| Bottlers | $360 |
| Wholesalers/Distributors (Using Trucks or Vehicles for Delivery) | $300 |
| Wholesalers/Distributors (Not Using Trucks or Vehicles for Delivery) | $240 |
| General Retailers (for consumption on or off premises) | $50 |
| Off Sale Retailers (for consumption off premises only) | $50 |
Carnivals, Circuses, Menageries, Side Shows, Tent Shows, Rodeos, Animal Shows, Festivals, Fiestas, etc.
| Type of Business | Tax per License |
| Sponsored by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations | $120 for the first day; $120 for each day thereafter |
| Managed by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations | $30 for the first day; $30 for each day thereafter |
| Managed by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations and performed on property owned by the managing organization | Must obtain a license but no license tax shall be assessed or charged for the privilege. |
Slot Machine Operators
Number of Machines Operated | Annual Tax |
| Fewer than 10 | $20 per machine |
| 10 or more | $200 |
Retail Peddlers
| Type of Goods Sold | Annual Tax per Selling Unit |
| Consumable Items Only | $250 |
| Nonconsumable Items Only | $500 |
| Consumable and Nonconsumable Items | $500 |
Itinerant Vendors
Every person engaged in the business of an itinerant vendor within the City shall pay an annual license tax of $500.
Businesses, professions, and occupations must file an annual business license renewal application and pay any applicable license tax by March 1 of each year. Most of the City license taxes are based on total gross receipts earned during the previous business year.
Under Federal and State tax provisions, localities such as the City are permitted to collect social security numbers for tax administration purposes. The taxing authority is charged with keeping the information confidential. However, in certain situations, it is optional that the taxpayer provide the social security number. Taxpayers are free to withhold this information if they feel that providing it would raise concerns about privacy and data security.
Any business that does not receive a business license renewal form may contact the Business Tax office via email at businesstax@alexandriava.gov or download a form through the Business Tax portal. The business will still liable to pay the tax by the due date. Failure to receive a license renewal form does not relieve the taxpayer from the payment of tax, penalty, and interest.
Business License Renewal forms can be filed online and the preprinted renewals are mailed to license holders. Copies of the forms can be obtained from the online portal under correspondence of the license account.
Any business that operates without a license for more than 30 days or fails to renew a license by the due date will be assessed a penalty of $10 or 10 percent of the license tax, whichever is greater. ( City Code Section 9-1-12 )
The business license tax for existing businesses is calculated based on the prior year's gross receipts. A business has no tax liability if its gross receipts are less than $10,000. However, the business must still register and renew annually. The minimum annual license tax is $50 for businesses with gross receipts of at least $10,000 but not more than $99,999. Businesses with gross receipts of $100,000 or above are assessed a percentage of their gross receipts. See below for tax rates.
A more detailed explanation of this tax with examples can be found on the How Business Tax is Calculated page.
If any business changes location within the City, the business representative must fill out a new Interdepartmental Form and obtain all required zoning and code approvals as well as any permits that may be required, such as health permits. This process should be completed prior to relocating. Additional assistance or information can be obtained by contacting:
In-person assistance can be obtained Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at:
Revenue Division
301 King Street, Room 1700
Alexandria, VA 22314
Any business that has already paid the license tax for the year and then permanently ceases to conduct business may apply for a refund of the portion of the license tax paid based on prior year gross receipts. The prior year gross receipts will be prorated for the number of months in which the business was operating, and any resulting overpayment of tax will be refunded. If the license tax is paid upon estimated gross receipts, a refund will not be issued unless the estimated gross receipts exceed the licensee's actual gross receipts. The minimum license tax of $50 will not be refunded. The City will reduce any business license refund by any other taxes due and owing to the City by the licensee.
Any business that ceases conducting business in the City in current calendar year may close the business license tax account by filling out the Cessation of Business form and returning it to:
| SECTION | SECTION TITLE | TAX RATE |
| 9-1-71 | Professional services | $0.58 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-71.1 | Financial services | $0.35 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-72 | Repair, personal and business services | $0.35 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-75 | Retail merchants | $0.20 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-77 | Retail and wholesale merchants | $0.20 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-78 | Wholesale merchants based on gross purchases | $0.05 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-79 | Contractors and contracting | $0.16 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-82 | Amusements and entertainments | $0.36 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-84 | Public utilities Telephone Telegraph Water, heat, light and power | $0.50 per $100 of gross receipts 2% of gross receipts One-half of 1% of gross receipts |
| 9-1-87 | Soliciting agents | $0.20 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-88 | Renting of residential property Renting of commercial property | $0.50 per $100/minimum tax $50 $0.35 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-102 | Builders and developers | $0.16 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
| 9-1-116 | Distress merchandise sale | $0.20 per $100/minimum tax $50 |
The following businesses are charged a flat rate in lieu of a gross receipts tax:
New Businesses
Businesses that begin after January 1 must file the application and pay taxes immediately. Payments for new businesses may be submitted in person at either the Permit Center or the Treasury Division. The Permit Center accepts payment of the $50 license fee by check only. If a higher business license tax is assessed or if the licensee wishes to pay by other methods, the license tax may be paid at the Treasury Division in Room 1510. The Treasury Division accepts cash, check, money order or Discover Card. The business license application, payment (by check or money order), and any supporting documentation may also be mailed.
Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.
Existing Businesses
Business license renewal applications and taxes are due by March 1 of each license tax year. The business license renewal application should be mailed to (please note the address for renewals is different than the address for new business license applications):
City of Alexandria Business License
P O Box 34850
Alexandria, VA 22334-0850
Business may choose to mail payment by check or money order with the renewal application or to use one of the City's other payment options. Any business paying by check or money order should be sure to write the business license account number in the memo field of the check or money order. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.
Any business that does not receive a business license renewal form should contact the City. The business will still be liable for filing the renewal application and paying the tax by the due date. Failure to receive a license renewal form does not relieve the taxpayer from the payment of tax, penalty, and interest.
Persons who fail to pay a business license tax by March 1 of each year are charged a penalty of $10 or ten percent of the taxes due, whichever is greater. However, the penalty cannot exceed the tax due. In addition to the late payment penalty, interest accrues on the unpaid taxes and penalty. Interest on all delinquent taxes accrues at an annual rate of ten percent the first year and five percent each year thereafter until all taxes and penalties are paid. The City computes interest from the thirty-first day of delinquency. Any persons who fails or neglects to renew his/her license may additionally be subject to a fine of up to $500. ( City Code Section 9-1-12 and 9-1-13 )
If a taxpayer fails to file a business license tax return, staff will assess and enforce the tax based on the best information available. (Code of Virginia Section 58.1-3903) If the business has previously reported gross receipts or tangible personal property information, staff will use the previously reported information to prepare a statutory assessment at a 15 percent increase over the previous year's assessment. If staff is unable to obtain the necessary information, they will prepare a statutory assessment by reviewing the gross receipts or tangible personal property filings of a similar company. If this information is not available, staff will statutorily assess the business based on the best possible estimate.
Every business, profession, and occupation required to pay a City license tax should keep current and accurate records for audit by the City. Audits are conducted to ensure that business establishments are complying with City business license regulations. Also, audits are initiated when discrepancies are discovered in annual business tax filings.
The taxpayer can appeal the business license tax if he or she disagrees with it by first filing an administrative appeal with the Director of Finance. The City has a limited time to respond. Appeals of the Director's determination can be made to the State Tax Commissioner at the Virginia Department of Taxation. The taxpayer also has a right to appeal an assessment in the Circuit Court. ( City Code Sections 9-1-43 through 9-1-43.2 )
New Businesses
Additional information useful to persons wishing to open a business in the City can be found in the Tax Guide for New Businesses. Additional tax forms and taxpayer assistance can be obtained by contacting:
Permit Center
Department of Code Administration
4850 Mark Center Drive, Suite 2013
Alexandria, VA 22311
703.746.4200
Existing Businesses
Additional tax forms and taxpayer assistance can be obtained by contacting:
Revenue Division
301 King Street, Room 1700
Alexandria, VA 22314
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All Businesses
Additional information useful for all City businesses can be found on the Events, Courses, and Resources for City Businesses page.
