Richmond Business License Renewal:
2026 Guide
Requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and deadlines directly with the issuing authority. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice.
Richmond, Virginia's state capital, requires businesses to pay the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax and hold applicable city permits administered through the Department of Finance. Richmond is experiencing significant commercial revitalization in areas like Scott's Addition and Manchester, and has active code enforcement for business compliance.
Local Business License Requirements
Richmond requires all businesses to pay the BPOL tax, due March 1 annually for prior-year gross receipts. The City of Richmond Department of Finance administers BPOL registration and collection. New businesses operating in Richmond must file an initial BPOL registration within 75 days of opening. Additionally, a Certificate of Occupancy from Richmond's Department of Planning and Development Review is required for all new commercial tenants.
State-Level Permits Required
Virginia Department of Taxation registration for sales and use tax collection. Virginia SCC business entity registration. Virginia Employment Commission registration for employers. As the state capital, Richmond has a significant concentration of state-regulated professions — ensure applicable Virginia DPOR, Board of Medicine, Board of Pharmacy, or other board licenses are current.
Industry-Specific Licenses
Food establishments require Virginia Department of Health food establishment permits, $50–$350/year. Alcohol requires Virginia ABC licenses. Breweries and craft beverage producers — a growing sector in Richmond's Scott's Addition district — need Virginia ABC manufacturer licenses and federal TTB permits. Contractors require Virginia DPOR licenses. Healthcare businesses need Virginia DOH facility licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Richmond BPOL tax?
The BPOL tax is Richmond's annual business license tax, calculated on gross receipts from the prior calendar year. Rates vary by business type — retail pays approximately $0.20 per $100 gross receipts, while professional services pay $0.58 per $100. Returns are due March 1. The minimum tax is $30.
Does Richmond require both a BPOL and a Certificate of Occupancy?
Yes. Businesses in Richmond need both a BPOL tax registration (for the annual tax) and a Certificate of Occupancy from Planning and Development Review for their commercial space. These are separate processes. The CO is a one-time requirement per occupancy change; the BPOL is annual.
Are there special licenses for breweries in Richmond?
Yes. Richmond's growing craft brewery scene requires a Virginia ABC Manufacturer License (beer), a federal TTB Brewer's Notice, a Virginia Department of Health food establishment permit for taproom food service, and a Richmond Certificate of Occupancy for the production facility.
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