Business FAQs

Do I need a license to operate my business in Henrico County?

Yes, in most instances a business is required to obtain a business license before operating in Henrico County. For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

When must I get a business license?

A business renewing its license must do so before March 1 of each year. New businesses are required to procure a license before commencing business in Henrico County. For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

What is the cost of a business license?

If your business has gross receipts of less than $100,000, normally there is no business license tax but you must still file for a business license. For businesses with gross receipts of $100,000 or more the rate is usually $.20 per $100 of gross receipts (or $.15 per $100 for contractors). For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

Where do I get a business license?

Applications may be obtained from our office located in Room 136 of the Western Government Center at 4301 East Parham Road, and at the Eastern Government Center at 3820 Nine Mile Road, by clicking here, or by calling (804) 501-4310.

When does a business license expire?

A business license typically expires on December 31st of each year. For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

Is there a penalty for paying my business license tax late?

Yes, there is a ten percent (10%) penalty for late payment and interest is assessed at an annual rate of ten percent (10%) beginning thirty (30) days after payment was due. For more information, call (804) 501-4310.

Is the business license application available on-line?

Only new business license applications are available on-line by clicking Business License Application. Renewal forms for business licenses are mailed annually to each taxpayer that already has a business license. Renewal forms can also be obtained at the Western Government Center in Room 136 at 4301 East Parham Road, or at the Eastern Government Center at 3820 Nine Mile Road. For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

What information do I need to apply for a business license?

1. Licensee Trade Name: If the business name differs from the licensee name, this is called a trade name and it must be registered with the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Records Room in the Henrico Courts building at 4301 East Parham Road. There is a fee for this registration. We can only process a business license in the name of the licensee (your name) unless the trade name is registered.
2. Address: Include both your mailing adress and the location of the business, if different. (Note-multiple locations require separate business licenses for each location.)
3. Type of Business: Describe the type of activity your business will be operating within the County.
4. Id Number: Your Federal EIN (if issued) or Social Security number.
5. Beginning Date: The date the business started operating within Henrico County.
6. Business Entity Type: Individual, Partnership, Corporation, or Other (LLC, LLP).
7. Planning/Zoning: We submit all business applications to the Planning Department for approval. Your business address must comply with zoning rules before we issue a license. This is of particular concern to home based businesses.
8. Financial Data: Most businesses must initially estimate their gross receipts. This is the amount of money you expect to earn for the balance of the calendar year.
9. Your Signature: Be sure to sign your application. Unsigned returns will not be accepted!
10. *Contractors: You must complete a form regarding compliance with Virginia Workers Compensation Insurance regulations before we can issue you a business license. Furthermore, any contractor who accepts a project of $1000 or more must register with the State Board of Contractors. (NOTE: A Henrico business license is not a substitute for the Virginia contractor's license).
11. *Non-Henrico Contractors: A license is required if your gross receipts from work located in Henrico County exceeds $25,000 during the calendar year. For more information, please call (804) 501-4310.

What is Business Personal Property?

All movable tangible property (excluding vehicles) owned by a business and used for business purposes on January 1st of each year is subject to the tax. This information must be provided to the County for assessment purposes on March 1st of each year based on the tax schedule. For additional information, visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

How does the County arrive at the assessed value of Business Personal Property?

The total original cost (which is all costs incidental to acquiring and placing an asset in use, such as freight, installation, sales tax, etc.) is multiplied by the appropriate depreciation factor. To view the depreciation schedule visit our website atwww.co.henrico.va.us/finance/. To request a copy of the depreciation schedule, please call (804) 501-4310.

What is the Business Personal Property tax rate?

The tax rate for most property is $3.50 per $100 of assessed value. For additional information, visit our website atwww.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

What is the deadline for filing a Business Personal Property tax return?

All returns are due by March 1st of each year. For additional information, visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/or call 804) 501-4310.

What is the deadline for paying the Business Personal Property tax?

Payments are due on June 5th and December 5th of each year. For additional information, visit our website atwww.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

Is there a penalty for for filing a Business Personal Property tax return after the deadline?

There is a 10% penalty for late filing as stated in the Henrico County Code, Sec. 20-101 (1)b. For additional information, visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

What information must I keep regarding my Business Personal Property?

The cost and date acquired for each asset your business reports on its Business Personal Property tax return. For additional information, visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

How should property leased by a business be reported?

All leased equipment should be reported on Schedule 95 of the Business Personal Property return. For additional information, visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

Should a business include vehicles in its Business Personal Property return?

Licensed vehicles should not be included in Business Personal Property reported on the Business Personal Property return. For additional information visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-4310.

Where can I obtain a Business Personal Property tax return?

Applications may be obtained from our office located in Room 136 of the Western Government Center at 4301 East Parham Road, and at the Eastern Government Center at 3820 Nine Mile Road, or at our websitewww.co.henrico.va.us/finance/, or by calling (804) 501-4310.

How do I obtain a Going Out of Business Permit and how much does it cost?

This can be obtained by calling the Finance Department Revenue Division at (804) 501-4310 or by coming to the Western Government Center in Room 136 at 4301 East Parham Road. There is a $25.00 fee to pay for administrative costs. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.co.henrico.va.us/finance/ or call (804) 501-7329.

For a complete list of FAQs, please visit the County's main page at www.co.henrico.va.us/faqs/