1. What is a Virginia LLC?
A Virginia Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal entity that protects owners (members) from personal liability while offering flexible management and tax options. It’s commonly used for small businesses, consulting companies, eCommerce brands, and startups.
2. Why Form an LLC in Virginia?
Virginia offers a strong business environment, fast online formation, and predictable ongoing fees. It’s especially useful if you will operate in Virginia or need credibility with Virginia clients.
Key Advantages
- Simple online formation via Virginia SCC
- Well-established legal and business environment
- Predictable annual registration fee (commonly $50)
- Strong credibility for US operations
- Works for single-member and multi-member LLCs
3. Legal Structure of Virginia LLCs
Your Virginia LLC is created once your formation filing is approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Legal Highlights
- Members generally are not personally liable for LLC obligations
- Operating Agreement is private and recommended
- Manager-managed or member-managed structures allowed
- Single-member LLC allowed
- Foreign owners can form LLCs (with proper documentation)
4. Choosing a Name for Your Virginia LLC
Virginia has naming rules you should follow before filing.
- Name must include “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, or “Limited Liability Company”
- Must be distinguishable in Virginia’s business name database
- Certain restricted words may require extra approvals
- Name reservation is optional (useful if not ready to file)
- Trade names / DBAs may apply depending on branding
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Let our experts handle your Virginia LLC registration accurately and fast.
Start Virginia LLC Registration5. Registered Agent Requirements
Virginia requires every LLC to maintain a Registered Agent with a physical address in Virginia who can accept legal notices and official documents.
Eligible Registered Agents
- Virginia resident (18+ years old) with a Virginia address
- Authorized Virginia registered agent service
Why Use a Professional Agent?
- Keep your personal address private (where possible)
- Reliable receipt of state and legal documents
- Compliance reminders to avoid penalties
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end guidance (LLC → EIN → BOI → Tax) | ✅ Included / add-ons | ➖ Partial | ➖ Formation only |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
Always look beyond just the “formation price”. The real cost includes annual reports, registered agent renewals, tax filings, and mistake-correction. A slightly higher, more complete package can save thousands of dollars (and a lot of stress) later.
6. How to Register an LLC in Virginia
Step 1: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Virginia LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Virginia. The agent receives legal notices and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC.
Step 2: File the Articles of Organization
File the Articles of Organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) . This filing legally creates your Virginia LLC.
State filing fee: $100
Articles of Organization can be filed online or by mail: Virginia SCC Clerk’s Information System (CIS) .
Step 3: Register for State Taxes
If your LLC conducts business in Virginia, you may need to register with the Virginia Department of Taxation for sales tax, withholding tax, or other applicable state taxes.
Step 4: File the Annual Registration Fee
Virginia requires LLCs to pay an annual registration fee to remain active. The fee is due each year by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed.
Annual registration fee: $50
Annual payments are submitted through the Virginia SCC CIS portal . Failure to pay may result in administrative dissolution.
Step 5: Adopt an Operating Agreement
While not required to be filed with the state, a Virginia LLC Operating Agreement is highly recommended. It outlines ownership percentages, management structure, voting rights, and profit distribution.
Banks and payment processors commonly request an Operating Agreement before opening a business account. Reference: SBA Operating Agreement Guide .
Step 6: Obtain an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.
Apply directly with the IRS: IRS EIN Application .
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
After completing Virginia LLC registration, opening a dedicated business bank account helps separate personal and business finances and protects your limited liability.
Most banks in Virginia require:
- Approved Articles of Organization
- Your LLC Operating Agreement
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Valid government-issued photo ID of the owner or authorized manager
Many Virginia LLC owners open their business bank account immediately after receiving their EIN to avoid payment and invoicing delays.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Maintain an active registered agent in Virginia
- Pay the annual Virginia LLC registration fee on time
- Keep accurate financial and ownership records
- Meet all federal and state tax deadlines
8. Virginia LLC Fees & Costs
Virginia is a business-friendly and affordable state for forming an LLC. The state offers a straightforward filing process, moderate startup costs, and predictable ongoing compliance requirements.
| Filing or Service | When Due | State Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | At formation | $100 |
| Annual Registration Fee | Every year | $50 |
| Registered Agent Service (optional) | Ongoing | $50–$150 per year |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | After formation | Free |
All Virginia LLC filings are handled by the Virginia State Corporation Commission .
Businesses may also need to register for applicable taxes through the Virginia Department of Taxation .
9. Federal Requirements
1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Most businesses formed through Virginia LLC registration must obtain an EIN from the IRS. The EIN is required for banking, hiring employees, filing federal taxes, and working with payment processors.
Apply online: IRS EIN Application . Non-U.S. founders can apply without a Social Security Number.
2. Federal Tax Classification
By default, Virginia LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities at the federal level.
- Single-member LLC: Reports income on Schedule C (Form 1040) .
- Multi-member LLC: Files IRS Form 1065 .
- S Corporation election (optional): File IRS Form 2553 to potentially reduce self-employment taxes.
Foreign-owned Virginia LLCs may have additional filing requirements such as IRS Form 5472 and Form 1120. Consulting a tax professional is strongly recommended.
10. Conclusion
Virginia LLC registration offers a strong combination of affordability, flexibility, and business credibility. With a $100 formation fee, a simple annual $50 registration requirement, and a streamlined online filing system, Virginia is an excellent choice for both U.S. and international founders.
By forming your LLC correctly, maintaining an active registered agent, paying annual fees on time, and meeting federal tax obligations, your Virginia LLC can remain compliant and in good standing year after year. With FormLLC, the entire process—from formation to ongoing compliance—is handled with clarity, accuracy, and confidence.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia’s formation filing fee is commonly $100, and Virginia LLCs generally pay an annual registration fee (commonly $50) each year. Your full cost may also include a Registered Agent and optional add-ons.
Virginia processing times depend on filing method and state volume. Online filings can be quicker, and paper filings often take longer.
Yes. Every Virginia LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical Virginia address.
Virginia LLCs generally pay an annual registration fee (commonly $50). Pay on time to avoid late fees and possible administrative dissolution.
Yes. Non-US founders can form a Virginia LLC, though some steps (EIN, banking, tax setup) may require additional documentation and proper compliance handling.
