What Should I Know About Opening a Business in Chesapeake?
All of those who desire to embark on opening a business in Chesapeake, Virginia are required to obtain a valid business license and to renew that license each year. Even if the business will be a home-operated business or if you purchase an already established business, you are still required to obtain a Chesapeake business license. Business licenses depend on what type of business you will have so it is critical if there are any questions that you speak with the City of Chesapeake, their main business number, Commissioner of the Revenue Office, (757) 382-6738.
Chesapeake business licenses expire at the end of each and every calendar year and have to be renewed on or before March 1st. Fortunately, if you are planning on operating your business from your home there is a department which was designed for home-based businesses, their address is
Chesapeake Department of Development and Permits
306 Cedar Road,
Chesapeake, VA, 23328.
There are certain professionals, such as attorneys, physicians, estheticians, etc., that are mandated to have licensing for their designated fields as well as having a business license. Other business operations or professionals must have criterion fulfilled like fire code inspections, fingerprinting, etc. in order to receive a business license.
I Still Haven’t Found a Suitable Location for My New Business, Who Can Help?
The City of Chesapeake is here to help, they have a department that was specifically designed for city growth, the Economic Development Department, their address is 676 Independence Parkway, Suite 200, their phone number is, (757) 382-8040.
What Are the Ways I Can Apply for a Business License?
There is only one method to apply for a business license, you must go to the Commissioner of the Revenue and apply in person. Have your current DMV Photo I.D. or Driver’s License and a check to pay for your first year of business tax. There are four locations that you may apply at, they are as follows:
Main Office,
Commissioner of the Revenue:
306 Cedar Road, City Hall.
Western Branch Office:
2808 Taylor Road,
South Norfolk Office:
1205 20th Street,
Deep Creek Office:
824 Old George Washington Highway North.
What Kind of Fees Can I Expect?
Business license taxes are assessed based on the gross receipts that you will receive, for new business owners, the City of Chesapeake asks that you estimate and pay your tax when you submit the application, when you are applying in person, they will assist you with this. Generally speaking, the fee is $50.00, for details please speak to the City of Chesapeake. Please ensure that you pay your business tax every year as there are fines and interest that will accrue if it is not paid before March 1st, annually.
I’m Unsure if My Location is Zoned for Business, How Can I Find Out?
As part of the business license application you are mandated by the City of Chesapeake to research whether or not your business location is properly zoned for the genre of business that you will conduct. It is also your responsibility to verify with the Chesapeake Department of Development and Permits if the area you are going to rent will pass fire code and building requirements, contact (757) 382-6018.
I Have Unanswered Questions and Concerns, Who Should I Speak to?
Ray A. Conner, Commissioner of the Revenue,
Business Tax Section,
P.O. Box 15285,
Chesapeake, VA, 23328.
If there is any concern if you will be required to complete any additional requirements, or if you just have questions please call the City of Chesapeake, Business Tax Section, (757) 382-6738. The City of Chesapeake would like to thank you for operating your business in their City. There are three other satellite locations for your convenience:
Western Branch Office:
2808 Taylor Road,
South Norfolk Office:
1205 20th Street,
Deep Creek Office:
824 Old George Washington Highway North.
The website is http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/com-rev/lic-tax.shtml
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