Step Two: Operating a Business

Requirements

Local Requirements

Starting a business in Stafford County is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps:

First, contact Stafford County Department of Economic Development for a free packet of information to help you get started.

Stafford County
Department of Economic Development
1300 Courthouse Road, P.O. Box 339
Stafford, VA 22555-0339
Phone: 540-658-8681 or Toll Free at 800-325-2059
Fax: 540-658-6651 Email: economicdev@co.stafford.va.us
www.GoStaffordVA.com

Second, contact the Code Administration Department at: (540) 658-8650 or at the County Administration Building, 1300 Courthouse Road. Stafford County does not have a business license requirement. However, you should contact this office to inquire about special zoning permits (i.e.: home businesses) that you may be required to have. If you plan to buy or lease a commercial facility you will need to complete an application for a certificate of occupancy.

Third, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at: (540) 658-4133, also located at the County Administration Building. This office can provide information concerning applicable taxes, tax forms, and tax laws.

It may be necessary to contact other county agencies, please consult Stafford County Department of Economic Development for further guidance. Frequently requested numbers include:

Stafford Clerk of the Circuit Court: (540)658-8750
Contact to obtain an assumed name certificate or register your business name.
Stafford County Health Department (540) 361-1901
Performs required inspections of all commercial kitchens, restaurants and daycare facilities.
Stafford County Sheriff's Department: (540) 658-4450
Contact to obtain a County Peddler's License to conduct door to door sales.
Stafford County Planning Department: (540) 658-8668
Contact for rezoning, site plans for commercial development, and county maps.


Commonwealth of Virginia Requirements (return to top)

If your business is a corporation, a limited liability company or a limited partnership, you must register it with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). The type of registration form you use will depend on the type of business you are starting. The Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains registration forms on-line.

If you do not have access to the internet, you may obtain information about the required SCC forms, by calling toll-free 1-866-722-2551 (Virginia only).

For more information, visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission's website.

Other Virginia requirements deal with issues related to taxes, employees and specific industry regulations, including health and safety issues.

Click here for Virginia's requirements related to taxes and employees.

For information related to specific industry requirements, please consult

Virginia Department of Business Assistance (DBA)
707 E. Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 371-8200
This site contains a guide to licenses and permits within Virginia. Click here for a listing by business type or activity and also by agency.

Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
3600 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 367-8500
Has information on required licensing sorted by profession and facility type.


Federal Requirements (return to top)

Similar to many of the Commonwealth of Virginia requirements, many of the Federal requirements for small businesses relate to taxes and employment. For information on federal requirements related to taxes and employees, you may click here to go to that particular section on this CD. Your business may be required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number identifies your business to the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration. For more information on the EIN, click here.

Businesses are also subject to federal environmental, health and safety requirements. For more information please contact the following agencies.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Small Business Gateway
Small Business Ombudsman Hotline: 1-800-368-5888.

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
1-800-321-OSHA

In addition, federal law requires that certain specialized businesses obtain and maintain licenses.
The following types of businesses require a federal license:

Please refer to the resource section of this CD for organizations who can offer further assistance.

Go To: Step Two: Managing Employees

Skip to Step Three: Business Plan

 



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© 2006 Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Community College Workforce Alliance and the County of Stafford, Virginia.  All rights reserved.  May not be reproduced by any third party.