Jacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Written By Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Jacqueline Nguyen, Esq. Small Business and Tax Expert WriterJacqi is a seasoned legal professional committed to simplifying complex legal issues. With her in-depth knowledge of tax laws, she thrives on helping individuals and businesses navigate the maze of financial obligations. Clients trust Jacqi to provid.
Small Business and Tax Expert Writer Toni Matthews-El Staff ReviewerFor nearly a decade, Toni Matthews-El has published business topics ranging from cloud communication software to best steps for establishing your own LLC. In addition to Forbes Advisor, she's published articles for Medical News Today, US News and Wor.
Toni Matthews-El Staff ReviewerFor nearly a decade, Toni Matthews-El has published business topics ranging from cloud communication software to best steps for establishing your own LLC. In addition to Forbes Advisor, she's published articles for Medical News Today, US News and Wor.
Written By Toni Matthews-El Staff ReviewerFor nearly a decade, Toni Matthews-El has published business topics ranging from cloud communication software to best steps for establishing your own LLC. In addition to Forbes Advisor, she's published articles for Medical News Today, US News and Wor.
Toni Matthews-El Staff ReviewerFor nearly a decade, Toni Matthews-El has published business topics ranging from cloud communication software to best steps for establishing your own LLC. In addition to Forbes Advisor, she's published articles for Medical News Today, US News and Wor.
Staff Reviewer Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Brette Sember, J.D. contributorBrette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.
Updated: Aug 18, 2024, 9:43pm
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Virginia is often ranked as a top, if not the top, state for business. With so much potential unfolding, it makes perfect sense to want to set up a limited liability company (LLC) in the state.
Read Forbes Advisor’s guide to learn how to start an LLC in Virginia in 2024. We’ll walk you through each step of the process and highlight important considerations.
In Virginia, there are several steps to forming an LLC. You must choose a name and file your Articles of Organization at the Virginia State Corporation Commission. It is always a good idea to draft an Operating Agreement and to obtain all the licenses and permits you need for your business. Last but not least, you must meet Virginia’s requirements for ongoing compliance, which include filing annual reports and paying additional fees.
Virginia has streamlined its business creation and tracking system in recent years thanks to the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information System, or CIS. While it is still possible to download forms, for speed and efficiency, it is a good idea to create a login and password for this system and complete as much of the process as you can digitally.
The first step in creating an LLC should always involve reviewing the desired LLC name. The state has a number of requirements you will need to follow to avoid your LLC paperwork being rejected. By being proactive and checking availability and uniqueness ahead of time you can prevent conflicts while creating a distinctive image for the business. To check for name availability, you can perform a Virginia business entity search.
Virginia LLC Naming Requirements
Along with most states, Virginia has naming requirements that must be met for LLCs. Otherwise, your paperwork could be rejected. Here are some requirements:
Check out Virginia’s State Corporation Commission website for more information about business naming regulations.
Check LLC Name Availability
It is important to check the availability of LLC names by researching and confirming the availability of your chosen LLC name. Your LLC’s name must be unique and distinct from other business names on file with the state. You can confirm availability of your desired name by visiting the CIS name availability search engine. This will help ensure your LLC application is not rejected when filed.
Reserve Your LLC’s Name
If your potential LLC name is available, but you aren’t ready to file your LLC paperwork yet, you can reserve the name. You can do this by either downloading Form SCC631 and submitting it by mail or completing the reservation process online. The filing fee is $10, and this will hold your LLC name for up to 120 days. If you need more time, you can pay an additional $10 and renew the hold for an additional 120 days.
In Virginia, all formal businesses must have a registered agent. This party receives and handles paperwork from the state, as well as important court documents. A registered agent must be a Virginia resident with a physical business address in the state (the “registered office”); a Virginia P.O. box will not suffice.
The agent must be available during normal business hours. In addition, the agent must either be a member of your company’s management (typically a member or manager of your LLC) or a member of the Virginia State Bar.
You can also hire a company that provides registered agent services. The price range is usually between $49 and $300, but you should be prepared to pay a reasonable fee for reliable annual service.
Begin the process of forming an LLC by completing Form LLC1011, the Articles of Organization. Out-of-state entities that want to register to do business in Virginia must submit Form LLC1052. The filing must include information such as the LLC name, its physical address and the registered agent.
There are three options for turning in your LLC documents:
The filing fee is $100. Be sure to make checks or money orders payable to the State Corporation Commission, and to use black ink if physically completing your paperwork.
