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Licenses and permits to open a retail store in Arlington

A store's filings are mostly registration and tax, plus the sign and occupancy for the space. Here are the 4 filings, in the order they're made.

Updated October 17, 20264 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

  1. Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

    Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Paper form, faxed or mailed
    Takes
    Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  2. Virginia business tax registration

    Virginia Department of TaxationVA

    Every new business registers online with Virginia Tax, or on paper Form R-1 if it can't: sales and use tax for dealers, and employer withholding with Virginia employees.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  3. Arlington County business license

    Arlington County Commissioner of Revenue, Business Tax DivisionArlington

    After the state requirements and the county permits, register the business in CAPP, the county's online system; a Business Tax Inspector then contacts you to finish the license.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed on the agency's portal
    Renews
    Every year; filing and payment are due March 1.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  4. Unemployment insurance employer registration

    Virginia Employment CommissionVA

    A business with employees in Virginia must by law register with the VEC: online through iFile and iReg, or by mailing the FC-27.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.

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