FAQs
General Questions
I have read a lot of this and I am confused. I just need a simple question answered.
No problem! Call us at 804-786-6585 and we will be glad to help.
If I have questions or need help?
Do not hesitate to contact the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity at (804) 786-6585. You can also contact us via email at VBIC@sbsd.virginia.gov
Start Your Business
How do I register my business name?
Sole proprietorships would register their company’s business name via a fictitious name or “Doing Business As” (or “dba”) filing with the State Corporation Commission.
You can create an LLC, partnership, or corporation with the State Corporation Commission to use your business name is throughout the Commonwealth.
What is the difference between an LLC, a corporation, a partnership, sole proprietor, etc.?
Business entity types differ in the liability for the owners, filing requirements, funding options, reporting requirements, tax implications, etc. You can read about business entities from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
How do I obtain a federal EIN number?
You can get a Federal EIN number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) online.
How do I get a Virginia State Tax Account Number?
Generally, if you have business activity in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you need to register your business with Virginia Tax.
I am a Sole Proprietor and want to know how to register a Fictitious Name?
The Clerk’s Office of the State Corporation Commission is the central filing office in Virginia for all certificates of assumed or fictitious name.
How can I reinstate my business?
You must contact the State Corporation Commission (SCC).
Toll Free (800) 552-7945
Phone: (804) 371-9733
Website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/
How does an out-of-state business register to do business in Virginia?
Register your business as a foreign entity with the State Corporation Commission.
Click here for Non-Virginia business registration forms.
Virginia Statutory Provisions
Operate your business
I never owned this vehicle but I am getting parking tickets in my name. What can I do?
You should contact the parking ticket help line at 312.744.7275. They can walk you through the process of how to contest the tickets or they can review both your records and the tickets, to possibly resolve any ownership issues. You may also want to check with the Secretary of State.
I contested these tickets by mail. When will I get a response? Why has it doubled? What shall I do?
If you submitted a timely hearing contest, you will receive a hearing decision in the mail, which will be sent to the registration address for your vehicle, as recorded in the Secretary of State’s database. You can call the parking ticket help line at 312.744.7275 to confirm timely receipt of your contest by mail. If your request for a hearing was late, the ticket may have doubled.
How long do I have to pay a parking ticket before it doubles?
You have 25 days from the date of decision to pay the ticket before it doubles. Additionally, if you fail to contest a ticket, you have 25 days fromthe date of initial default determination to pay the ticket before it doubles.
I received a collection notice but I prepaid the ticket. Why did I receive it?
If you paid the ticket after the scheduled hearing date, your case will be defaulted. For most cases, you must file a motion to set-aside the default; for Streets & Sanitation tickets only, if you paid before the hearing date, you may call the telephone number on the ticket for further assistance.
Finance Your Business
How do I get a grant and/or financing to start my business?
Grow your business
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You should contact the parking ticket help line at 312.744.7275. They can walk you through the process of how to contest the tickets or they can review both your records and the tickets, to possibly resolve any ownership issues. You may also want to check with the Secretary of State.