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TextBusiness Tax - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I obtain a business license?
- What information is required to obtain a business license?
- How much is a business license?
- What are examples of business tangible property?
- What is the business Personal Property tax rate?
- How is business tangible personal property tax calculated?
How do I obtain a business license?
If you are a first time applicant, you may download the Business Professional Occupational License (BPOL) application using the link below. Once you have completed the application, you may fax it to our business department via 703-324-3505 or send it via mail to the Department of Tax Administration, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Note: New business owners are required to file within 75 days of commencement. If not filed within 75 days, penalties will apply.
What information is required to obtain a business license?
You will be required to provide the owner name, trade name, business address, description of business, estimated first year gross receipts, and begin date, when completing the business license application.
Businesses are also required to obtain a residential or non-residential use permit from the Office of Zoning. Their office is located in the Herrity Building at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, 22035. Telephone 703-222-1082.
How much is a business license?
| Gross Receipts | Fee License/Tax |
| $0 - $10,000 | No Fee |
| $10,001 - $50,000 | $30.00 |
| $50,001 - $100,000 | $50.00 |
| $100,000 + | BPOL Rates Apply |
Note: Refer to the BPOL Ordinance for more information regarding business rates and classifications.
What are examples of business tangible personal
property?
Examples of business tangible personal property include desks, chairs,
other furniture, computer hardware, specialized tools, machinery, and
equipment.
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What is the Business Personal Property tax
rate?
$4.57 per $100 of assessed value.
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How is business tangible personal property tax
calculated?
The current tax rate is $4.57 per $100 of assessed value. To compute the tax on an item assessed at $5,000, divide the assessed value by 100 and multiply by the tax rate:
($5,000 ÷ 100) x $4.57 = $228.50
The method used to determine assessed value varies by equipment type, as follows:
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The assessed value of equipment (except motor vehicles and computer equipment) is 80% of the original cost for the first year the property is owned. For each of the six subsequent years, the assessed value declines by 10% according to the following schedule:
| Year of Ownership | Percentage of Original Cost |
| 1st | 80 |
| 2nd | 70 |
| 3rd | 60 |
| 4th | 50 |
| 5th | 40 |
| 6th | 30 |
| 7th | 20 |
-
Effective January 1, 2003, computer equipment is assessed at 50% of the original cost the first year owned and declines for the next four years according to the following schedule:
| Year of Ownership | Percentage of Original Cost |
| 1st | 50 |
| 2nd | 35 |
| 3rd | 20 |
| 4th | 10 |
| 5th | 2 |
- Motor vehicles tax is based on the value in the January National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Used Car Guide and tax is prorated for the portion of the year it is located in the County.
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