With these steps, starting a business in Virginia is as easy as 1, 2, 3
LPJ Legal is a boutique law firm serving clients in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia. We successfully represent small and large businesses in all fields. To better support our clients, we’ve compiled a step by step list to help you start your new business. These steps are still relevant to you, even if you live beyond our practice areas.
To ensure your business is structured properly and protected from potential legal disputes, schedule a consultation with LPJ Legal by visiting our website, or calling us at (202) 643-6211.
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Before creating your business, decide on a legal business structure (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership). The structure will impact taxes, liability, and compliance requirements. To ensure you’ve chosen the correct legal structure, schedule a consultation with LPJ Legal.
Step 2: Register Your Business Name
Your business must have a unique name to the state you choose to register in. For example, if you want to call your business “ABC Lawncare”, you first have to confirm that there is not another “ABC Lawncare” within your home state. It doesn’t matter if another business in a different state has the same name, only with the state you choose to register your business.
To check the availability of a potential business name, you must conduct a name search.
- D.C.: Check business name availability here: https://corponline.dcra.dc.gov
- Maryland: Check business name availability here: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch
- Virginia: Check business name availability here: https://cis.scc.virginia.gov
- Georgia: Check business name availability here: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch
Step 3: File Articles of Incorporation/Organization
Articles of Incorporation are a set of formal documents that are electronically filed with a state’s government to legally establish a business. Most states require these documents for a business, or corporation, to be officially recognized and gain the benefits of corporate status, such as limited liability protection for its owners.
Use these links to prepare and submit the necessary formation documents for your new business:
- Washington, D.C.: File through the DCRA CorpOnline portal: https://corponline.dcra.dc.gov
- Maryland: Use the Maryland Business Express: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress
- Virginia: File online at the Virginia SCC: https://cis.scc.virginia.gov
- Georgia: File through the Georgia Secretary of State’s eCorp system: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov
Note: Fees vary by state and business type.
Step 4: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is assigned to a business by the IRS for tax purposes. EINs are required for standard tasks, including opening a business bank account, and hiring employees.
- Apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website. This link is the same for all US residents: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Step 5: File Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN
Starting January 1, 2024, most corporations, LLCs, and similar entities must report their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
- File through the FinCEN portal: BOI Reporting. This link is also the same for all US residents: https://www.fincen.gov/boi
- If you’ve never heard of BOI Reporting, we outline the details here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/deadline-approaching-how-businesses-can-avoid-corporate-transparency-zlsbe/?trackingId=AtfmQSBtKzvN7b7Vg8f%2BbA%3D%3D
Step 6: Register for State and Local Taxes
Register your business for state and local taxes, including sales tax, income tax, and employer taxes (if applicable).
- D.C.: Register through MyTax.DC.gov: https://mytax.dc.gov/_/
- Maryland: Use the Maryland Combined Registration: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress
- Virginia: Register via the Virginia Tax website: https://www.tax.virginia.gov
- Georgia: Use the Georgia Tax Center: https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-tax-center-info
Starting a business can be a complicated process, but here at LPJ Legal, we have the legal experience necessary to not only streamline the process, but to also help you navigate when complex legal matters arise.
At LPJ Legal, we represent start-ups, business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations in a wide variety of legal-related matters. From business formation, to contract preparation/negotiation, shareholder agreements, and everything in between —– no matter what sector your business is in, we can help. To schedule a consultation, visit our website, or call us at (202) 643-6211.
