First Time Applying for a Business License?
- Most businesses, including home-based businesses, operating in the Town of Leesburg are required to have a Business License. Business Licenses are valid for one calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) and must be renewed each year.
- When receiving a new license, the business will pay the license tax for that year, based on the estimated gross receipts the business expects to receive through the end of the year.
- When renewing the license for the first time, the business will reconcile the estimated gross receipts with the actual gross receipts for the previous year. This reconcilation may result in additional taxes due or excess taxes paid. If excess taxes were paid, the business can choose to receive a refund or apply the excess to the next year's taxes.
- All subsequent renewals will be based on the prior year’s gross receipts.
Please contact Denise Hyde (703-771-2701) with the Finance Department when applying or renewing for the first time, or if you need assistance.
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Fictitious and Assumed Trade Names
If a business is being conducted under a name other than the owner’s legal name, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires that a fictitious or assumed trade name certificate be filed with the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Commercial Business License Application
All commercial business license applications--including in-Town contractors--must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Department. Please use the appropriate form depending on how the business is structured: LLC, partnership or corporation. The emergency contact and commercial forms are voluntary; the commercial information form is used by Economic Development for statistical purposes only. The Town of Leesburg has a 3.5% meals tax. Please contact Denise Hyde (703-771-2701) for information if the business sells food.
- Initial Application
- Category and Rate sheet
- Commercial Information Sheet
- Business Tangible Personal Property Registration
- Police Emergency Contact Form
- Business Structure (partnership, corporation, LLC)
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Home-Based Business License Application
Home-based businesses--including in-Town contractors--are approved by Planning and Zoning and require a home occupation permit. The $30.00 fee is a one-time fee paid with each initial application for a business located at a residential address, or when moving to a new residential address.
- Initial Application
- Category and Rate sheet
- Business Tangible Personal Property Registration
- Home Occupation Form and Regulations
- Business structure (partnership, corporation, LLC)
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Out-of-Town and Out-of-State Contractors
Out-of-Town Contractor fees vary depending if the business is based in Virginia or out of state. A copy of the Virginia State Contractor license is required. Please keep a file copy of the Instructions for Contractor form for future renewals.
Contractor Application Packet (includes required Worker's Compensation form)
Business Tangible Personal Property Taxes
All businesses located within the Town of Leesburg will be registered with Loudoun County and are required to file a Business Tangible Personal Property registration form with the County. Depending on the value of the business’ assets, the business may receive a tax bill from the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County.
Special Business Permits
Solicitors, Peddlers/Itinerant Vendors, Massage Therapists, and Precious Metals Dealers are required to have a business permit from the Town. These permit applications are not available for download on the website since they require additional information or documentation.
Solicitors operating within the Town of Leesburg corporate limits must have both a County of Loudoun permit as well as a Town of Leesburg permit. The County of Loudoun Solicitors Permit must be obtained prior to applying to the Town of Leesburg, and presented at time of application. Leesburg Solicitors Permits are valid for 12 consecutive days from the date issued, and the fee is $20. Solicitors intending to operate longer than 12 days can re-apply for another 12-day permit.
For inquiries about applying for these permits, please contact Denise Hyde in the Finance Department (703-771-2701).
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