How to Form an LLC in Virginia (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

Virginia LLCs pay a $100 filing fee to the State Corporation Commission—no franchise tax, no publication requirement, and annual registration is a simple $50 online filing. The Commonwealth requires a registered agent with a Virginia street address; Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) handles service of process so you never miss legal mail. Virginia's Business One Stop portal lets you file Articles of Organization in 10 minutes, and most filers receive approval within 5-7 business days. You'll need an EIN from the IRS (free, same-day online), then open a business account (Mercury offers no-fee LLC banking). Virginia has a 5.5% flat corporate income tax on LLC profits passed through to members, but the state levies no gross-receipts tax or capital stock tax. Total first-year cost: around $275 if you use Northwest as your RA and handle the rest yourself.

Year-1 Cost Table

Virginia LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Articles of Organization (VA SCC) $100 cite
Annual Registration Fee $50 cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, annual) $125 cite
24-Hour Expedite (optional) $100 cite
Year-1 Total (standard processing) $225 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the Virginia Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every Virginia LLC needs a registered agent with a Virginia street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for Virginia state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Virginia LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Virginia LLCs. They publish a Virginia-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (Virginia)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia charge a franchise tax or gross-receipts tax on LLCs?

No. Virginia repealed its franchise tax decades ago and does not impose a gross-receipts or capital-stock tax. Your LLC pays only federal income tax and Virginia's 5.5% flat corporate income tax on pass-through profits reported on your personal return.

What is Virginia's annual registration requirement?

Every Virginia LLC must file an Annual Registration with the State Corporation Commission by the last day of its assigned registration month (the SCC assigns this when you form). The fee is $50, payable online through the Clerk's Information System. Failure to file triggers administrative dissolution.

Can I be my own registered agent in Virginia?

Yes, if you have a physical Virginia street address and are present during business hours to accept service of process. Most single-member and remote LLCs use Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) to ensure compliance and privacy.

How long does Virginia LLC approval take?

Standard online filings through Business One Stop typically process in 5-7 business days. The SCC offers 24-hour expedite service for an additional $100 fee, and same-day processing (2-hour) for $200 if filed by noon.

Do I need an operating agreement in Virginia?

Virginia law does not require a written operating agreement, but the Virginia LLC Act (§ 13.1-1023) assumes one exists and enforces its terms. Draft a simple agreement to define profit splits, management structure, and member buyout rules before opening your business bank account.

Annual Filing Deadline

Virginia LLCs file an Annual Registration online by the last day of the registration month (assigned by the SCC at formation) and pay the $50 fee; file through the Clerk's Information System at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Virginia LLC