Existing Businesses

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Grow your business in beautiful Albemarle County!

On behalf of Albemarle County, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to all the entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals that help grow our great County through business activity and ensure the success of our local economy.

It is our pleasure to have your business in Albemarle County. Please be sure to annually renew your business license OR notify the Office of Revenue Administration if you no longer have a business in Albemarle County.

If you need any assistance, please contact the Office of Revenue Administration:

Email: tax@albemarle.org

Phone: 434-296-5852

Business License Renewal

A separate license is required for each definite place of business and for each business.

Existing Business

File your Business License Renewal online HERE or download a printable copy of the renewal form HERE to submit a hard copy.

Your business license renewal must be filed each year by March 1st.

Pay a License Fee or Tax based on the previous calendar year's actual gross receipts.

If your gross receipts are $25,000 or less there is NO FEE but you need to file to confirm nothing is owed
If your gross receipts are greater than $25,000 but less than $100,000 there is a $50 License Tax Fee Due March 1^st
If your license tax is based on a Flat Tax Fee the Tax is due March 1^st
If your gross receipts are $100,000 or more the License Tax Fee is due June 15^th

Email: tax@albemarle.org

Mailing Address: County of Albemarle, 401 McIntire Rd, Room 133, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Closing Business

You must notify the Revenue Administration; Business & Personal Tax Unit.

Email: tax@albemarle.org
Mailing Address: County of Albemarle, 401 McIntire Rd, Room 133, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Applicable Business Taxes

Find your Business Tax Rates

Check out the Tax Education Page for a roadmap on tax requirements as well as resources to help you grow your business.

Business Tangible Personal Property Tax (BTTP)

All businesses must file a business tangible personal property tax return
All property used or available for use in your business as of January 1 of the filing year must be reported when applicable
Business Tangible Personal Property returns must be filed every year by May 1st

Machinery & Tools Tax (M&T)

Businesses classified as processors or re-processors are required to report both Machinery & Tools along with furniture, fixtures, and equipment
All property used or available for use in your business as of January 1 must be reported when applicable
Machinery & Tool returns must be filed every year by May 1st

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

Businesses that offer short-term lodging (less than 30 days)
Tax is remitted to Albemarle County monthly

Food & Beverage Tax (F&B)

Businesses that sell food & beverages
Tax is remitted to Albemarle County monthly

Sales Tax

Sales from a gift shop, food & beverage, and short-term lodging are subject to sales tax to be remitted to The State

Short-Term Rental Tax

Short-Term Rental Tax - Not Applicable to Real Estate Rentals or Homestays

Businesses engaged in short-term rental of tangible property must collect and remit short-term rental taxes to Albemarle County every quarter

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Do I need a license to operate my business in Albemarle County?
Yes, if you are or will be conducting business within the County, you will need to register for a Business License and other applicable taxes.
What information do I need in order to apply for a business license?
All businesses need a few things to get started. See our Starting a Business page for more information.
What is the cost of a business license?
If your business’ gross receipts are $25,000 or less, the business license fee is waived. If your business’ gross receipts are greater than $25,000 but less than$100,000, the license fee will be $50. If your business’ gross receipts are $100,000 or more, the business license is based on a tax rate, which varies depending on each business category.
- List of current business license tax rates
Why do I still need to complete a business license application if the gross receipts for my business are $25,000 or less?
You are advised to file an application every year to document your gross receipts and exemption. In addition, this will allow our computer system to send you a reminder by mail of the license requirement every year in case your gross receipts go over the $25,000 threshold.
Is the business license application available online or can be filed online?
If you are a new business, download a business license application here or contact the Office of Revenue Administration at 434-296-5852 to have an application mailed.

Currently, a new business cannot establish an account online. New businesses must renew using the full business license application for the first 3 years of business.
- Existing Businesses - File and Pay Taxes Online
When must I get a business license?
New businesses must file a business license application within 30 days of beginning business. Existing businesses must renew their business license annually by March 1st. Itinerant merchants and peddlers must obtain their license prior to any sales. A 10% late filing penalty will apply if a business license application is filed late.
What other taxes must I be prepared to pay for my business?
All businesses must pay business tangible personal property taxes. If your business offers short term lodging (less than 30 days) you must collect transient occupancy taxes. If your business sells food and beverages, you must collect food and beverage tax. If your business engages in the short-term rental of tangible property, you must collect short term rental taxes.