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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
    Close Menu
  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

    Close Menu
  • I want to…

    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
      • Building & Construction Permits
      • Business Licenses
      • City Government Jobs
      • Facility & Park Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Vehicle Registration
    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Parking Ticket
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Sales Tax
    • Report
      • Potholes
      • Street Light Outage
      • Tree Problem
      • Power Outage (Dominion Energy)
      • Water Main Break (Virginia American Water)
      • Natural Gas Problem (Washington Gas)
      • Cable TV/Internet Problem (Comcast)
      • Wired Telephone Problem (Verizon)
      • Discrimination Complaints
    • Request
      • Park Maintenance
      • Trash/Recycling Container
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
      • Public Records (FOIA)
      • Trip Planning Assistance
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New Business Guide

Please note that this guide is only a summary of issues of interest to new businesses. Where necessary, links are provided to complete and accurate information on the taxes covered by this guide.
Page updated on March 7, 2023 at 12:55 PM

Business Resources

  • Business Resources Home
  • New Business Guide
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
  • SBDC Events Calendar
  • BIPOC Small Business Program
  • Virginia SWaM Certification
  • Doing Business with the City - Vendor Guide
  • Land Use and Zoning Services

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About the City of Alexandria

The City of Alexandria is an independent, full-service City located on the west bank of the Potomac River. The City retains sole local governmental taxing power within its boundaries and is autonomous from any county, town or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The City adopted the Council-Manager form of government in 1922. The governing body of the City is the City Council, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The City Council is composed of a mayor and six council members elected at-large for a three-year term. The Mayor is chosen on a separate ballot. City Council appoints the City Manager who serves as the City’s Chief Executive Officer. The City Manager has appointment and removal authority over department heads and other employees of the City and is responsible for implementing the policies established by the City Council.

The City provides a comprehensive range of municipal services including: education, health, welfare, housing and human services programs; public safety and administration of justice; community development, recreation, libraries, consumer assistance, cultural and historic activities; and transportation, environmental services and planning.

New Business Guide

Doing Business in the City

The City extends the privilege to engage in a commercial enterprise by issuing a business license. Persons without a business license may not lawfully engage in business. The license, which is often referred to as a permit or certificate of eligibility, must be renewed annually. Businesses, professionals, and occupations that meet all qualifications and legal requirements are eligible to obtain licenses upon application and payment of the license tax.

Before Starting a Business

Any person or organization starting a business in Virginia must register with the State prior to opening the business. Registration can be completed online or by filing Form R-1 with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Businesses located in the City of Alexandria that collect sales tax must ensure that the Business Locality Code (or FIPS Code) on their R-1 is 51510. To ensure that the business is being registered in the correct jurisdiction, a business owner can look up the business' FIPS Code here or follow the instructions below.

  • Virginia Department of Taxation's Business Registration Pamphlet (PDF)
  • Virginia Business One Stop 

Determining if a Business is Located within the City

Businesses with the following zip codes are located entirely in the City of Alexandria:

  • 22301
  • 22305
  • 22314

The 22302, 22304, 22311, and 22312 zip codes are shared between Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria. The 22206 zip code is shared between Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Any business located in the 22302, 22304, 22311, 22312, or 22206 zip code may verify its locality via the United States Postal Service website by entering the business address and clicking on "Mailing Industry Information."

Filing Procedures for New Businesses

Step 1: Registering the business entity.

Registration of a Corporation or a Limited Partnership

All corporations (foreign and domestic) and limited partnerships conducting business in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. To become incorporated in Virginia, an organization must file articles of incorporation and amendments with the State Corporation Commission. Procedures for filing can be found in the Code of Virginia Stock Corporation Act, Title 13.1-601 through 13.1-800.

General Partnerships and trade names must also be registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Information on registration or incorporation can be obtained by contacting:

Virginia State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
866.722.2551 or 804.371.9733

 

Step 2: Applying for a New Business License

New applications should be emailed to businesstax@alexandriava.gov or mailed to:

City of Alexandria Business License
P.O. Box 178
Alexandria, VA  22313

 

  • 2023 Business License Application (PDF)
  • 2023 Delinquent Business License Application (PDF)
  • Interdepartmental Form
  • Zoning Approval 
  • Fire Code Approval 
  • Certificate of Occupancy (PDF)
  • Meal Sales Tax Registration
  • Transient Lodging Tax Registration
  • Short-Term (Daily) Rental Application

 

Additional Filing Procedures and Information

Mailing a Business License Application

Business license applications submitted by mail must include payment of the business license tax. The business license application, payment (by check or money order), and any other required documentation may be mailed to:

City of Alexandria Business License
P.O. Box 178
Alexandria, VA 22313

Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.

Filing Procedures for Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers

Persons seeking a permit to act as solicitors, canvassers, or peddlers within the City must follow certain specific procedures before doing business in the City.

  • Solicitor Permit Procedures 
  • Solicitor Permit Application (PDF)

Penalty for Failure to File

Any person starting a business without a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and unless otherwise specifically provided by law, shall on conviction thereof be fined not less than $5 nor more than $500 for each separate offense. After 30 days, the penalty assessed increases to $10 or 10 percent of the amount of the license tax, whichever is greater. The penalty shall be assessed and paid along with the license tax and shall become a part of the license tax. ( City Code Section 9-1-14)

License and Tax Information

Business License Tax for New Businesses

Every person beginning a business, profession, or occupation is required to estimate the gross receipts he/she will receive between the date of beginning business and the end of the current license year (December 31). The current year's license tax is computed on that estimate. If estimated gross receipts are $2 million or greater, the estimated license tax is adjusted at the end of the tax year to reflect the business' actual gross receipts.

In the first year of operation: A business has no tax liability if its estimated gross receipts are less than $100,000. However, the business must still register with the Permit Center. The minimum annual license tax is $50 for businesses with estimated gross receipts of at least $100,000 but less than $1,999,999. Businesses with estimated gross receipts of $2,000,000 or more are assessed a percentage of their gross receipts.

Note: This tax schedule does not apply to the following business tax categories: renting by owners of residential or commercial property, contractors, wholesale merchants, amusements, public utilities, and regulatory activities. (Information on regulatory licenses can be found below.)

A more detailed explanation of this tax, including information on tax rates, is available on the Business License Tax page. Examples of Business Tax calculations can be found at How Business Tax is Calculated.

Regulatory Licenses

The license tax for the following types of businesses and/or business activities are not based on gross receipts as described above and instead pay the flat license tax listed.

Businesses Licensed by the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to Manufacture, Bottle or Sell Alcoholic Beverages 

Type of Business  Annual Tax per License 
Alcohol Distillers $1,000
Fruit Distillers $1,500
Wineries $600
Breweries $600
Alcoholic Beverage Bottlers $360
Beer Wholesalers $250
Retail On-Premise Wine/Beer Vendors
(hotels, restaurants and clubs only)
$150
Retail On-Premise Beer Vendors
(hotels, restaurants and clubs only)
$100
Retail Druggists $100
Off-Premise Beer Vendors $100
Wholesale Wine Distributors $50
Wholesale Druggists $10
Hospitals $10
Banquets $5

Businesses Manufacturing, Bottling or Selling Beverages of Not More Than 3.2% Alcohol 

Type of Business  Annual Tax per License 
Manufacturers $600
Bottlers $360
Wholesalers/Distributors
(Using Trucks or Vehicles for Delivery)
$300
Wholesalers/Distributors
(Not Using Trucks or Vehicles for Delivery)
$240
General Retailers
(for consumption on or off premises)
$50
Off Sale Retailers
(for consumption off premises only)
$50

Carnivals, Circuses, Menageries, Side Shows, Tent Shows, Rodeos, Animal Shows, Festivals, Fiestas, etc. 

Type of Business  Tax per License 
Sponsored by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations $120 for the first day; $120 for each day thereafter
Managed by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations $30 for the first day; $30 for each day thereafter
Managed by nonprofit, benevolent, religious, educational, patriotic or charitable organizations and performed on property owned by the managing organization Must obtain a license but no license tax shall be assessed or charged for the privilege.

Slot Machine Operators 

Number of Machines Operated  Annual Tax 
Fewer than 10 $20 per machine
10 or more $200

Fortune Tellers, Phrenologists, etc. 

Every fortuneteller, clairvoyant, phrenologist, spirit medium, chiromancer, astrologist, hypnotist or palmist operating in the City shall pay for the privilege an annual license tax of $1,000, and this license tax shall not be prorated.

Massage Parlor Operators 

Every person operating a massage parlor, as defined by Alexandria City Code Section 11-4-1, shall pay an annual license tax of $5,000. Before any license shall be issued, the applicant must produce evidence that he or she has obtained a permit under the provisions of Alexandria City Code Section 11-4-7.

Retail Peddlers 

Type of Goods Sold  Annual Tax per Selling Unit 
Consumable Items Only $250
Nonconsumable Items Only $500
Consumable and Nonconsumable Items $500

Itinerant Vendors 

Every person engaged in the business of an itinerant vendor within the City shall pay an annual license tax of $500. 

Property Taxes

The City assesses property taxes on business tangible personal property, real estate and motor vehicles.

Business Personal Property Tax  

The City levies a tax each calendar year on all tangible property used in a business, profession or occupation. Business tangible property includes furniture, fixtures and equipment, including but not limited to desks, typewriters, personal computers, movable partitions, drapes, cabinets and chairs. In addition, all manufacturers, mining, processing or reprocessing companies, television or radio broadcasting companies, dairy, and dry cleaning or laundry businesses located in the City must pay a property tax on machinery and tools used in their business.

The Business Personal Property Tax is levied as a percentage of the assessed value of the property, based on the tax rate set by the City Council on or around May 5 each year. In the third week of March, the Finance Department mails property tax returns to all businesses licensed in the City that began operating prior to January 2 of the current year. Business Personal Property Tax returns are due May 1 (or the next business day if May 1 falls on a weekend or holiday). Business Personal Property Tax bills based on these returns are mailed in mid-August with a due date of October 5 (or the next business day if October 5 falls on a weekend or holiday).

Real Estate Tax  

Commercial property is assessed at 100 percent of the estimated fair market value as of January 1 of each year. For information on real estate assessment procedures, Board of Equalization and Assessment Review and the appeals process, please visit the Department of Real Estate Assessments. Real estate taxes are calculated by multiplying the property's assessed value by the real estate tax rate. Real estate taxes are billed and payable in two installments. The first tax bill is mailed in May and is due by June 15 (or the next business day if June 15 falls on a weekend or holiday). The second tax bill is mailed in October and is due by November 15 (or the next business day if November 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).

Personal Property (Vehicle) Tax  

All motor vehicles normally parked, stored, or garaged (having situs) in the City of Alexandria, including vehicles with out-of-state plates, must be registered for the City's annual personal property tax. All motor vehicles registered to a City address with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles must also be registered with the City, even vehicles normally parked, stored, or garaged in another state. New businesses have 30 days to register their vehicles with the City. The annual personal property tax bill is mailed in August and must be paid by October 5 (or the next business day if October 5 falls on a weekend or holiday). Payments on newly registered vehicles are due within 30 days of the billing date. 

Additional Business-Related Taxes, Tax Rates, and Fees

Tax or Fee Type  Current Fee or Tax Rate 
Business License Tax  Varies by type of business
Business Personal Property Tax  Tangible personal property: $4.75 per $100 of assessed value
Machinery and Tools: $4.50 per $100 of assessed value
Real Estate Tax  $1.038 per $100 in assessed value; $1.238 for properties in the
Potomac Yard Tier I Special Services District 
Refuse Fee $337 per year; added to biannual real estate tax bills for certain
required user properties
Personal Property (Vehicle) Tax  $5 per $100 in assessed value
Sales and Use Tax  6% (5% state + 1% local)
Meal Sales Tax  4%
Transient Lodging Tax  8.5% of room rental charge + $1 per room per night
Short-Term (Daily) Rental Tax   1.0%; 1.5% for rental of heavy equipment
Admission Tax  10% (not to exceed $0.50 per person)
Cigarette Tax  $1 per pack
Gasoline Tax  2.1%
Public Rights-of-Way Use Fee   $1.11 per access line per month
Utility Tax  Varies
Bank Franchise License Tax  $0.80 per $100 of net capital

 

Paying Business Taxes

Business License Tax

Businesses that begin after January 1 must file the application and pay taxes immediately. Payments for new businesses may be submitted in person at City Hall. The Permit Center accepts payment of the $50 license fee by check only. If a higher business license tax is assessed or if the licensee wishes to pay by other methods, the license tax may be paid at the Treasury Division in Room 1510 or at the payment kiosk in Room 1700. The Treasury Division accepts cash, check, money order or Discover Card. The payment kiosk accepts payments by check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card. The business license application, tax payment (by check or money order), and supporting documentation may also be mailed.

Please note that returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.

Business Personal Property Tax

Business personal property tax bills are mailed to property owners in late August or early September. Payment is due by October 5 (or the following business day if October 5 falls on a weekend). Any business owner wishing to pay by mail should write the account number on a check or money order and send it with the bill stub to:

City of Alexandria Business Personal Property
P O Box 34901
Alexandria, VA 22334-0901

Payments should not be mailed to any other address. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law. Information on all other payment methods, including paying by credit card or eCheck, is available on the Payments Page.

Real Estate Tax

Real estate tax payments (by check or money order), if not made by the taxpayer’s bank or mortgage company, may be mailed with the bill stub to:

Treasurer's Office
P.O. Box 34750
Alexandria, VA 22334-0750

Any property owner wishing to pay by check or money order should write the account number in the memo field. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.

Through the Automatic Bank Debit Program, taxpayers may register to make real estate tax payments monthly or have the lump sum of the tax amount due automatically debited on each of the two tax due dates. This program has proven to be popular with those who prefer making monthly payments and with those who may travel a great deal and may either forget the bill or be out of town when the tax payment falls due. (Example: preauthorized monthly payment schedule).

Information on all other payment methods, including paying by debit/credit card or eCheck, is available on the Payments Page.

Personal Property (Vehicle) Tax

Personal property tax payments (by check or money order) may be mailed with the bill stub to:

Treasury Division
Department of Finance
City of Alexandria
P.O. Box 34710
Alexandria, VA 22334-0710
 

Any vehicle owner wishing to pay by check or money order should write the account number in the memo field. Returned checks are subject to a $35 fee in accordance with state law.

Information on all other payment methods, including paying by debit/credit card or eCheck, is available on the Payments Page.

All Other Business-Related Taxes and Fees

Each business-related tax or fee will have its own filing and payment requirements. Information on paying all other business-related taxes can be found by visiting the Alexandria Tax Guide and clicking on the appropriate tax type.

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