LaunchPath

Flagship channel-state reference guide

Start Amazon FBA in Virginia: full reference guide

Use this page when you want the complete dense version: all sections, all appendices, and the full official source directory in one scrollable reference surface.

Last verified: April 26, 2026 Reference mode Dense appendix

Built from reviewed public pages for Virginia, IRS, FinCEN, Richmond, Amazon FBA. Use it as a first-pass guide, then verify the official links that match your setup.

How to use this page

Dense appendix modeFull source directory attachedLast verified April 26, 2026

This version favors completeness over pacing. Use it when you need the appendix, the dense source trail, or the full long-form reference in one place.

Best reading order

  1. Use the fast-answer and official-links sections first if you only need the main route and source trail.
  2. Open the entity, setup, tax, and local sections only where your exact launch path actually branches.
  3. Use the full source directory last as the appendix, not the starting point, unless you already know the exact agency task.
Fast answer appendix Official links first Full source directory
Back to the guided journey

Reference mode

Everything in one dense page

The guided journey is the easier starting point. This page keeps the full accordion guide and source appendix when you want the complete research-backed reference view.

Best when you need

  • The full section map in one scroll without the lighter journey framing.
  • The appendix and official-source directory preserved next to the answer sections.
  • A clearer audit trail before you print, compare, or cross-check another route.

Still better handled in the journey

  • First-pass reading when you want the shortest, safest beginner route.
  • Deciding what to do first before you need the full appendix.
  • Switching states or platforms quickly without reading the full dense version.
Reference map
Start here Fast answer If you want to open Amazon FBA in Virginia, you usually need to do five things in order: Everyone 5 steps

If you want to open Amazon FBA in Virginia, you usually need to do five things in order:

  1. Choose your setup: sole proprietorship vs single-member LLC.
  2. Get your federal and Virginia registrations in place before launch.
  3. Verify local permit, zoning, and home-business rules, especially if you will operate in Richmond.
  4. Open and verify your Amazon seller account, then enable FBA if that is your fulfillment path.
  5. Launch only after your product, tax, sourcing, and inventory-prep setup is ready.

Practical first-launch recommendation

If you are testing casually with minimal risk, sole proprietor can work.

If you intend to build a real Amazon FBA business, single-member LLC is usually the better long-term path.

Avoid these first-launch mistakes

  • Buying inventory before checking product restrictions
  • Using a public brand name without filing the fictitious-name branch when needed
  • Mixing personal and business money

Virginia-specific friction

Virginia's marketplace-only seller guidance is cleaner than some states, but it does not erase the resale-registration question for a Virginia-based seller who wants to buy inventory tax-free.

  • Virginia's marketplace-only seller guidance is cleaner than some states, but it does not erase the resale-registration question for a Virginia-based seller who wants to buy inventory tax-free.
  • Virginia LLC annual upkeep is simpler than a full annual report state, but the recurring $50 annual registration fee is real.
  • Local business-license expectations can be city-specific, especially in Richmond.

Amazon FBA-specific friction

Amazon can approve the seller account and still restrict products, brands, or FBA eligibility later.

  • Amazon can approve the seller account and still restrict products, brands, or FBA eligibility later.
  • FBA prep, labeling, and shipment mistakes are common early failures.
  • Weak invoices or weak sourcing records can become a problem if Amazon or a brand questions authenticity.

Insurance reality

If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability planning matter even before Amazon formally requires coverage.

  • If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability planning matter even before Amazon formally requires coverage.
  • Public Amazon forum materials say commercial liability insurance may be required within 30 days after exceeding USD 10,000 in gross proceeds in one month, or earlier if Amazon requests it.
  • The live agreement is still login-gated, so re-check Seller Central before acting on the threshold language.
Back to top Next: Quick-start checklist
Checklist Quick-start checklist Use the research-backed checklist groups before you spend, before your first sale, and before launch goes live. Everyone 3 groups

Do these before you spend money

  • Pick your entity.
  • Pick your business name.
  • Decide your product lane.
  • Avoid regulated or high-risk categories for your first launch unless you deliberately want a harder compliance build.
  • Confirm the product is not blocked by Virginia law, safety rules, or Amazon policy.
  • Make sure you can document supplier legitimacy and product authenticity.

Do these before your first sale

  • Form the business or file your fictitious name if needed.
  • Get an EIN from the IRS if applicable.
  • Open a dedicated business bank account.
  • Register for the Virginia tax path that actually applies.
  • Check county and city permit, zoning, and home-business rules.
  • Create your Amazon seller account and complete verification.

Do these before launch goes live

  • Finish the Amazon account and FBA operations branch.
  • Confirm category, product, and FBA eligibility.
  • Build the first listing correctly.
  • Prep, label, and ship a small first batch.
  • Start small so you can test demand and catch compliance mistakes early.
Back to top Next: Official links you will use first
Choose your setup Entity choice Compare the sole-proprietor and single-member LLC paths before banking, tax setup, and platform onboarding. Everyone 2 options

Sole proprietor

Best for: Best if you want the cheapest and simplest start.

What it means

  • Virginia does not require a separate SCC entity-formation filing for a sole proprietor using the owner's legal name.
  • If you use a business name different from the owner's legal name, Virginia routes the assumed or fictitious-name filing through the SCC Clerk's Office filing system.
  • Business income generally runs through your personal tax return unless the facts change the tax treatment.
  • You usually do not get a liability shield.

Why someone chooses it

  • Faster launch
  • Lower up-front filing cost
  • Fewer entity maintenance steps

Main downside: Personal liability

single-member LLC

Best for: Best if you want a more durable setup for a real business.

What it means

  • Virginia LLC formation uses Articles of Organization filed with the SCC, a registered agent, and a recurring annual registration fee.
  • If the LLC uses a different public-facing brand, the fictitious-name filing is separate.
  • Virginia generally follows the federal tax classification you choose or default into.

Why someone chooses it

  • Liability protection
  • Cleaner setup for banking, suppliers, bookkeeping, and scaling
  • Better fit for trademarks, insurance, employees, and long-term operations

Main downside: Higher setup friction and cost than a sole proprietorship

Back to top Next: What to do in order
Main path What to do in order The full end-to-end setup path, kept in the same order as the researched guide. Everyone 14 steps

  1. Step 1: Choose a low-risk launch model

    Main guide step 1

    For a first launch, stay inside the safest lane:

    Why it matters: Practical rule: If the offer touches health, safety, children, dangerous goods, batteries, chemicals, alcohol, or heavy IP risk, slow down and do category-specific compliance research before buying or listing anything.

    • general merchandise
    • no high-risk categories from food, supplements, cosmetics, medical claims, batteries-heavy hazmat, alcohol, children's products
    • no products that need specialized approvals unless you deliberately want a more complex compliance path

  2. Step 2: Choose your name and brand approach

    Main guide step 2

    You need to decide whether you are:

    Why it matters: Important:

    • operating under your own legal name,
    • using a fictitious name or DBA,
    • reselling existing brands,
    • creating your own brand,
    • or using a private-label path.
    • Amazon store names do not have to match the legal entity name, but the account details still need to match real-world identity and tax records.
    • If you want to build a brand, start the trademark and supplier-document path early.
    • If your public business name differs from the legal name, plan the Virginia fictitious-name filing rather than assuming Amazon naming solves the issue.

  3. Step 3: Form the business

    Main guide step 3

    If you choose sole proprietor: If you sell under your legal name, Virginia generally does not require an SCC formation filing for the sole proprietorship itself.

    • If you choose sole proprietor: If you sell under your legal name, Virginia generally does not require an SCC formation filing for the sole proprietorship itself.
    • If you choose sole proprietor: If you use a business name different from the owner's legal name, file the assumed or fictitious name with the SCC Clerk's Office.
    • If you choose sole proprietor: Either way, still handle Virginia tax registration, local licensing, and Amazon requirements separately.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Do this in order:
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Check name availability and naming rules with the SCC.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: File Articles of Organization with the SCC and designate a Virginia registered agent.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: Put the operating agreement, EIN, and annual-registration-fee calendar in place.
    • If you choose single-member LLC: If the LLC will operate under a different brand name, file the fictitious-name branch separately.

  4. Step 4: Get your EIN

    Main guide step 4

    Use the IRS EIN application if applicable. For most LLCs this is required in practice. For many sole proprietors it is optional, but it is still useful for banking, supplier paperwork, and Amazon setup.

  5. Step 5: Open banking and bookkeeping

    Main guide step 5

    Do this right away:

    • Open a business checking account.
    • Keep business money separate from personal money.
    • Save every invoice, receipt, Amazon fee statement, shipping bill, and tax record.
    • Keep a sourcing folder and a tax folder from day one.

  6. Step 6: Register for state tax, seller permit, or resale setup

    Main guide step 6

    Virginia Tax uses the online registration flow or Form R-1 for business tax registration.

    • Virginia Tax uses the online registration flow or Form R-1 for business tax registration.
    • If you are an in-state dealer or otherwise required to collect Virginia retail sales tax, Virginia issues Form ST-4, the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration.
    • Virginia's marketplace-seller guidance says that if all of your Virginia sales are made through a marketplace facilitator's platform, you generally do not need to register to collect Virginia sales tax.
    • Public-source caveat: Virginia's resale-certificate materials still describe Form ST-10 as the certificate for a Virginia dealer buying for resale, and Virginia's general dealer guidance still treats a physical Virginia location as a dealer fact. A Virginia-based Amazon-only seller that wants tax-free resale purchases should confirm the registration path with Virginia Tax before relying on marketplace-only guidance alone.

  7. Step 7: Check local permits, county rules, and home-business limits

    Main guide step 7

    Virginia does not use one statewide local-business-license form for every county or city.

    Why it matters: Do this before operating: For Richmond specifically:

    • check Virginia Business One Stop and the local government website,
    • contact the county or city office where you will operate,
    • ask zoning or planning about home occupation, storage, and delivery limits,
    • and ask whether a local business-license or tax account is required.
    • the city expects a business license within 30 days of opening,
    • most businesses renewing a Richmond BPOL license must obtain a Certificate of Zoning Compliance first,
    • and the public city record does not give one simple blanket yes/no answer for a home-based Amazon inventory operation.

  8. Step 8: If you hire employees, handle payroll registrations and insurance

    Main guide step 8

    If you do not hire anyone yet, skip this for now.

    Why it matters: If you hire:

    • Register with Virginia Tax for withholding if you pay wages to one or more employees.
    • Register with the Virginia Employment Commission to determine unemployment-tax liability.
    • Virginia workers' compensation coverage generally becomes mandatory when you regularly employ more than 2 part-time or full-time employees.
    • There is no general public waiver path for employers that are required to carry Virginia workers' compensation coverage.

  9. Step 9: Create your Amazon FBA account or store

    Main guide step 9

    Have these ready:

    Why it matters: Platform registration flow:

    • government-issued ID
    • phone number
    • email address
    • bank account information
    • tax information
    • business registration or license if required
    • proof of address or identity if Amazon asks
    • Start the Amazon seller registration flow.
    • Enter business information, seller information, billing information, and store or product information.
    • Add the payout bank account and chargeable card.
    • Complete identity verification.
    • Finish the tax and business-profile setup.

  10. Step 10: Choose the right platform plan

    Main guide step 10

    As of April 26, 2026, Amazon's public pricing page shows the Individual plan at $0.99 per item sold and the Professional plan at $39.99 per month.

    • As of April 26, 2026, Amazon's public pricing page shows the Individual plan at $0.99 per item sold and the Professional plan at $39.99 per month.
    • The Professional plan becomes more compelling when volume rises, when category approval or advanced tooling matters, or when the per-item fee would otherwise exceed the monthly plan cost.

  11. Step 11: Decide whether brand or IP programs belong in the initial launch

    Main guide step 11

    Brand Registry is optional for a basic beginner resale launch.

    • Brand Registry is optional for a basic beginner resale launch.
    • If you are building a private-label or own-brand launch, start the trademark and Brand Registry path early.
    • Amazon's public Brand Registry page says the program itself is free, but the trademark work is external.

  12. Step 12: Complete the fulfillment or operations branch

    Main guide step 12

    For Amazon FBA:

    • register for FBA in Seller Central,
    • confirm product and category eligibility,
    • prep and label inventory,
    • create the inbound shipment in Send to Amazon,
    • and send a small first batch before scaling.

  13. Step 13: Confirm product, service, or category eligibility before scaling

    Main guide step 13

    Some products can be eligible for sale on Amazon but not eligible for FBA, or eligible only with added conditions.

    • Some products can be eligible for sale on Amazon but not eligible for FBA, or eligible only with added conditions.
    • Some products cannot be listed because of legal, regulatory, or Amazon-policy restrictions.
    • If your offer touches hazmat, batteries, food, supplements, medical claims, cosmetics, alcohol, or children's products, assume extra work before launch.

  14. Step 14: Launch with a compliance-first operating routine

    Main guide step 14

    Once live, keep these habits:

    • reconcile payouts, fees, refunds, and reimbursements
    • monitor account health
    • maintain invoices and supplier records
    • keep tax reserves separate
    • avoid mixing personal and business spending
    • monitor margins, returns, and compliance issues

Best practical order for the LLC launch path

  1. Choose the product lane first.
  2. Choose the entity name.
  3. File the LLC formation document.
  4. Get the EIN.
  5. Open the bank account.
  6. Confirm the Virginia tax and resale path that actually applies.
  7. Start any immediate post-filing state requirement.
  8. Check local permits and zoning.
  9. Build the Amazon account.
  10. Finish the FBA launch branch.
  11. Calendar the annual registration fee.
  12. Track recurring state and tax obligations on the compliance calendar.
Back to top Next: Virginia tax stack
State filing and tax Virginia tax stack Keep the Virginia registration, tax, and maintenance rules together while you launch. Everyone 7 checks

1. EIN

A typical single-member LLC needs an EIN for banking, payroll, and platform operations.

  • A typical single-member LLC needs an EIN for banking, payroll, and platform operations.
  • A sole proprietor may not always need one federally, but it is often practical anyway.

2. Virginia sales tax, seller permit, or equivalent registration

Register through Virginia's online business registration flow or Form R-1.

  • Register through Virginia's online business registration flow or Form R-1.
  • When you complete the registration, Virginia Tax issues Form ST-4 if you registered to collect retail sales or use tax.
  • Starting with the April 2025 filing period, Virginia sales-tax filers use Form ST-1.

3. Marketplace or platform tax rule

Virginia's marketplace-seller page says that if all of your sales in Virginia are conducted through a marketplace facilitator's platform, you generally do not need to register to collect Virginia sales tax.

  • Virginia's marketplace-seller page says that if all of your sales in Virginia are conducted through a marketplace facilitator's platform, you generally do not need to register to collect Virginia sales tax.
  • However, the broader Virginia dealer rules still treat a physical Virginia place of business as a dealer fact, and the resale-certificate materials still focus on the Virginia-dealer path.
  • Safe practical reading: marketplace-only collection guidance is real, but a Virginia-based Amazon-only seller that wants resale treatment should confirm the registration path with Virginia Tax before acting.

4. Resale purchases or exempt purchasing

Virginia uses Form ST-10 for resale purchases by a Virginia dealer.

  • Virginia uses Form ST-10 for resale purchases by a Virginia dealer.
  • Virginia rulings also say an out-of-state dealer may use the form with an out-of-state registration number when appropriate.
  • Public-source caveat: the clean answer is not fully spelled out for a Virginia-based marketplace-only Amazon seller who wants to buy inventory tax-free while also relying on marketplace-only sales-tax guidance.

5. Entity tax treatment

Virginia generally follows the federal classification of the LLC unless different elections apply.

  • Virginia generally follows the federal classification of the LLC unless different elections apply.
  • A default single-member LLC is usually treated as disregarded for income-tax purposes.

6. Entity filing-fee or franchise-tax rule

The recurring Virginia LLC maintenance item verified here is the $50 annual registration fee, not a separate generic LLC annual report.

  • The recurring Virginia LLC maintenance item verified here is the $50 annual registration fee, not a separate generic LLC annual report.
  • This is distinct from sales-tax, withholding, or other operational tax filings.

7. If the founder changes entity type later

Do not assume a sole-proprietor tax or local account automatically carries over to a later LLC.

  • Do not assume a sole-proprietor tax or local account automatically carries over to a later LLC.
  • Re-check the Virginia Tax and local-license path if you convert or replace the entity.
Back to top Next: Amazon FBA account and operations
Platform setup Amazon FBA account and operations Use this section for the Amazon FBA-specific account, plan, eligibility, and operations work. Everyone 5 steps

  1. Step 9: Create your Amazon FBA account or store

    Platform step 1

    Have these ready:

    Why it matters: Platform registration flow:

    • government-issued ID
    • phone number
    • email address
    • bank account information
    • tax information
    • business registration or license if required
    • proof of address or identity if Amazon asks
    • Start the Amazon seller registration flow.
    • Enter business information, seller information, billing information, and store or product information.
    • Add the payout bank account and chargeable card.
    • Complete identity verification.
    • Finish the tax and business-profile setup.

  2. Step 10: Choose the right platform plan

    Platform step 2

    As of April 26, 2026, Amazon's public pricing page shows the Individual plan at $0.99 per item sold and the Professional plan at $39.99 per month.

    • As of April 26, 2026, Amazon's public pricing page shows the Individual plan at $0.99 per item sold and the Professional plan at $39.99 per month.
    • The Professional plan becomes more compelling when volume rises, when category approval or advanced tooling matters, or when the per-item fee would otherwise exceed the monthly plan cost.

  3. Step 11: Decide whether brand or IP programs belong in the initial launch

    Platform step 3

    Brand Registry is optional for a basic beginner resale launch.

    • Brand Registry is optional for a basic beginner resale launch.
    • If you are building a private-label or own-brand launch, start the trademark and Brand Registry path early.
    • Amazon's public Brand Registry page says the program itself is free, but the trademark work is external.

  4. Step 12: Complete the fulfillment or operations branch

    Platform step 4

    For Amazon FBA:

    • register for FBA in Seller Central,
    • confirm product and category eligibility,
    • prep and label inventory,
    • create the inbound shipment in Send to Amazon,
    • and send a small first batch before scaling.

  5. Step 13: Confirm product, service, or category eligibility before scaling

    Platform step 5

    Some products can be eligible for sale on Amazon but not eligible for FBA, or eligible only with added conditions.

    • Some products can be eligible for sale on Amazon but not eligible for FBA, or eligible only with added conditions.
    • Some products cannot be listed because of legal, regulatory, or Amazon-policy restrictions.
    • If your offer touches hazmat, batteries, food, supplements, medical claims, cosmetics, alcohol, or children's products, assume extra work before launch.
Back to top Next: Local permits and Richmond branch
Local branch Local permits and Richmond branch These local and city checks can still change the answer even after the state and platform path is clear. Location-specific 2 branches

Local permits and location checks

Virginia pushes many business-permit questions down to counties and municipalities.

  • Virginia pushes many business-permit questions down to counties and municipalities.
  • For any place where the business will operate:
  • check Virginia Business One Stop,
  • contact the local government office,
  • ask local zoning or building offices if the business will operate from home or store inventory.
  • Typical local risk areas:
  • fictitious name assumptions by local guides
  • home occupation restrictions
  • zoning for storage
  • truck or carrier activity at a residence
  • local business-license or BPOL obligations

Richmond Appendix

If the business operates in Richmond, add one more review layer.

  • If the business operates in Richmond, add one more review layer.
  • Richmond's BPOL page says owners of businesses in the city are required to obtain a Richmond business license annually.
  • New businesses must obtain a Richmond license within 30 days of opening.
  • Richmond says you must obtain your Certificate of Zoning Compliance before making the business-license renewal.
  • Public-source caveat: the public city record reviewed here does not give one clean standalone yes/no answer for a plain home-based Amazon FBA inventory operation, so keep the Richmond home-business branch fact-specific.
  • the city expects a business license within 30 days of opening,
Back to top Next: Employees and insurance
Optional branch Employees and insurance Use this branch if you plan to hire or need the insurance follow-up that comes with scaling. Only if hiring or scaling 5 branches

1. Employer registration

Register with Virginia Tax for withholding if you pay wages to one or more employees.

  • Register with Virginia Tax for withholding if you pay wages to one or more employees.
  • Register with the Virginia Employment Commission to determine unemployment-tax liability.
  • VEC offers online registration and mail-in registration using Form FC-27.

2. Workers' compensation

Virginia law generally requires coverage when an employer regularly employs more than 2 part-time or full-time employees.

  • Virginia law generally requires coverage when an employer regularly employs more than 2 part-time or full-time employees.
  • There are no general waivers or exceptions for employers who are required to carry coverage.
  • Virginia workers' compensation coverage generally becomes mandatory when you regularly employ more than 2 part-time or full-time employees.
  • There is no general public waiver path for employers that are required to carry Virginia workers' compensation coverage.

3. Disability, paid leave, or similar coverage

This combo did not identify a general Virginia private-employer disability or paid-family-leave insurance mandate equivalent to New York-style coverage.

  • This combo did not identify a general Virginia private-employer disability or paid-family-leave insurance mandate equivalent to New York-style coverage.

4. Exemption certificate if applicable

This combo did not identify a general CE-200-style public exemption certificate for ordinary Virginia employers that are required to carry workers' compensation.

  • This combo did not identify a general CE-200-style public exemption certificate for ordinary Virginia employers that are required to carry workers' compensation.

Insurance reality

If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability planning matter even before Amazon formally requires coverage.

  • If you sell physical products, commercial general liability and product liability planning matter even before Amazon formally requires coverage.
  • Public Amazon forum materials say commercial liability insurance may be required within 30 days after exceeding USD 10,000 in gross proceeds in one month, or earlier if Amazon requests it.
  • The live agreement is still login-gated, so re-check Seller Central before acting on the threshold language.
Back to top Next: Ongoing compliance calendar
Stay compliant Ongoing compliance calendar Keep the recurring compliance checks and live-operating routine visible after launch. Everyone 5 groups

Before first sale

  • Finish entity or fictitious-name setup.
  • Get EIN if applicable.
  • Open bank account.
  • Register for Virginia tax permits that apply.
  • Check local permits.
  • Complete Amazon verification.

Before first live launch

  • Finish the FBA setup branch.
  • Confirm category and product eligibility.
  • Build accurate listings.
  • Complete prep, labeling, and inbound shipment setup.

Monthly

  • Reconcile payouts, fees, refunds, and reimbursements.
  • Review cash reserves for taxes.
  • Review margins, inventory age, and shipping performance.
  • Check account health or suppressed listings.

Quarterly

  • File any Virginia sales-tax return cadence assigned to you if you are registered.
  • Review estimated-tax exposure if profits are rising.

Annual or periodic

  • Pay the Virginia LLC annual registration fee by the last business day of the anniversary month if you formed an LLC.
  • File annual federal and state income-tax returns.
  • Renew local business-license or tax accounts if your locality requires it.
  • Re-check insurance needs as sales volume or product risk increases.
Back to top Next: Common mistakes
Avoid these Common mistakes These are the repeated beginner errors called out in the research pack. Everyone 8 mistakes

Common Mistakes New Operators Make

  • Buying inventory before checking product restrictions
  • Using a public brand name without filing the fictitious-name branch when needed
  • Mixing personal and business money
  • Assuming "Amazon handles tax" answers every Virginia permit or resale question
  • Launching with regulated products too early
  • Keeping weak supplier documentation
  • Missing the Virginia LLC annual registration fee
  • Treating Amazon as the compliance department

Practical first-launch recommendation

If you are testing casually with minimal risk, sole proprietor can work.

If you intend to build a real Amazon FBA business, single-member LLC is usually the better long-term path.

Back to top Next: Full official source directory
Full appendix Full official source directory Every official source row from the research pack, kept in its full table structure. Everyone 34 rows

Source group

Statewide Start

Virginia Tax

State start-here page

Form / portal Virginia Tax registration portal
Fee None for the page
Timing First planning step
Who needs it Everyone

Start-here registration page that also points founders to Business One Stop, SCC, IRS, and VEC resources.

Open official link

Virginia Business One Stop

State business portal

Form / portal Business One Stop
Fee One-time site registration fee shown publicly as $20, plus agency fees that may apply
Timing Before registrations
Who needs it Founders needing a consolidated startup portal

Useful routing tool, but agency filing fees still apply separately.

Open official link

Virginia.gov / Business in Virginia

State small business support hub

Form / portal Resource hub
Fee None for the page
Timing Optional
Who needs it Founders needing routing help

Public Virginia.gov hub that points founders to Business One Stop, Virginia Tax, VEC, and startup resources.

Open official link

Source group

Entity Choice and Formation

Virginia SCC

Compare business types

Form / portal New-business guidance
Fee None for the page
Timing First decision
Who needs it Everyone

SCC startup guide explains structure, name, registered agent, and filing basics.

Open official link

Virginia SCC

Formation hub

Form / portal Forms & Fees / CIS
Fee Varies
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Filing entities

Use SCC forms and the Clerk's Information System for Virginia entity filings.

Open official link

Virginia SCC

Default entity formation filing

Form / portal Articles of Organization of a Virginia Limited Liability Company
Fee $100
Timing At formation
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Public SCC instructions show the filing fee and formation requirements.

Open official link

Virginia SCC

Immediate post-filing requirement

Form / portal Operating agreement and internal setup branch
Fee None identified
Timing Immediately after formation
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Public sources reviewed here did not identify a separate Virginia LLC publication requirement or a traditional annual report filing.

Open official link

Virginia SCC

Ongoing entity maintenance

Form / portal Annual registration fee payment
Fee $50
Timing Due on or before the last business day of the anniversary month
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Virginia requires most businesses to pay an annual registration fee.

Open official link

Source group

Sole Proprietor and Local Name Filings

Virginia SCC

Sole proprietor baseline

Form / portal SCC business FAQs
Fee None for the sole-proprietor baseline
Timing First setup step
Who needs it Sole proprietors

Sole proprietorships using the owner's legal name are outside the normal entity-formation process.

Open official link

Virginia SCC Clerk's Office

Fictitious-name filing

Form / portal Clerk's Information System
Fee $10 filing fee with the Commission
Timing Before using a trade name
Who needs it Sole proprietors or LLCs using a DBA

Virginia centrally files assumed or fictitious names through the Clerk's Office.

Open official link

Source group

Federal and State Tax Setup

IRS

EIN overview and online application

Form / portal EIN application
Fee Free
Timing Early in setup
Who needs it LLCs, employers, founders who want an EIN

IRS direct EIN path.

Open official link

IRS

EIN paper form

Form / portal Form SS-4
Fee Free
Timing If not applying online
Who needs it Founders using mail or fax

IRS reference page for paper application.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

State tax registration

Form / portal Online registration or Form R-1
Fee None stated for registration
Timing Before direct taxable sales or when a Virginia tax account is required
Who needs it Businesses needing Virginia tax accounts

Virginia Tax says all new businesses are required to register online unless they fall into a mailed R-1 exception.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

Registration instructions

Form / portal Form R-1 instructions
Fee None for the instructions
Timing During registration
Who needs it Businesses not using the online flow

Covers withholding, sales tax, and other tax registrations.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

Marketplace or platform tax rule

Form / portal Marketplace seller guidance
Fee None for the page
Timing Before and after launch
Who needs it Marketplace sellers

Public Virginia guidance says marketplace-only sellers generally do not need to register to collect Virginia sales tax.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

Retail sales-tax baseline

Form / portal Form ST-4 and Form ST-1 context
Fee None for the page
Timing During registration and filing
Who needs it In-state dealers and other registered sellers

Public page explains dealer categories and notes that starting with the April 2025 filing period, sales-tax filers use Form ST-1.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

Resale or exemption certificate

Form / portal Form ST-10
Fee None for the form
Timing After registration or when otherwise valid
Who needs it Sellers buying inventory for resale

Public form describes it as for use by a Virginia dealer purchasing for resale.

Open official link

Virginia Tax

Resale-certificate ruling

Form / portal Ruling
Fee None for the ruling
Timing Only when the registration/resale question matters
Who needs it Sellers with edge-case resale facts

Useful for the out-of-state registration-number caveat and the registration/resale tension.

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Source group

Entity Tax Maintenance

IRS

Entity tax treatment

Form / portal Guidance page
Fee None for the page
Timing During planning and annually
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Federal classification drives the default LLC tax treatment.

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Virginia SCC

Recurring Virginia entity fee

Form / portal Annual registration fee
Fee $50
Timing Last business day of the anniversary month
Who needs it single-member LLC founders

Distinct from sales-tax or withholding obligations.

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Source group

Federal Reporting

FinCEN

BOI status

Form / portal BOI guidance
Fee None
Timing Check before filing
Who needs it Everyone forming an entity

As of April 26, 2026, domestic U.S.-created entities are exempt from BOI reporting under the March 26, 2025 interim final rule.

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Source group

Employees, Payroll, and Insurance

Virginia Employment Commission

Employer registration

Form / portal Online registration / FC-27
Fee None stated
Timing When first becoming an employer
Who needs it Businesses hiring employees

VEC explains online and mail-in registration options.

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Virginia Employment Commission

New-employer online help

Form / portal Online new-employer registration
Fee None stated
Timing When first becoming an employer
Who needs it Businesses hiring employees

Public page says the online system can give the VEC account number and tax rate immediately.

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Virginia Tax

Withholding registration

Form / portal Employer withholding
Fee None stated
Timing When first becoming an employer
Who needs it Businesses paying wages in Virginia

Virginia withholding applies if federal law requires withholding.

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Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission

Workers' compensation

Form / portal Coverage through carrier or approved self-insurance
Fee Premium-based or varies
Timing Before or at hiring when threshold is met
Who needs it Employers regularly employing more than 2 workers

Public VWC page says there are no waivers or exceptions when coverage is required.

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Source group

Platform Setup

Amazon

Platform registration guide

Form / portal Seller signup flow
Fee Individual at $0.99 per item or Professional at $39.99 per month as of April 26, 2026
Timing Before launch
Who needs it All Amazon sellers

Public registration guide and plan context.

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Amazon

Platform pricing

Form / portal Plan comparison
Fee Individual $0.99 per item; Professional $39.99 per month; referral fees vary
Timing At signup and later
Who needs it All Amazon sellers

Re-check live pricing before publication.

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Amazon

Brand or IP program

Form / portal Brand Registry
Fee None for the program
Timing Optional
Who needs it Brand owners

Public Amazon page says the program is free.

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Source group

Fulfillment, Logistics, or Store Operations

Amazon

Fulfillment overview

Form / portal FBA overview
Fee Varies
Timing Before launch
Who needs it Sellers using FBA

Public FBA overview page.

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Amazon

Category and product restrictions

Form / portal FAQ / guidance page
Fee None for the page
Timing During sourcing and setup
Who needs it Sellers with restricted or regulated offers

Public FAQ says some products cannot be listed because of legal, regulatory, or Amazon-policy restrictions.

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Amazon

Inbound shipment workflow

Form / portal Send to Amazon workflow
Fee Varies
Timing During launch setup
Who needs it Sellers using FBA

Public onboarding page reflects the current shipment flow.

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Source group

Insurance Checkpoint

Amazon public forum using gated-policy excerpts

Platform insurance threshold or requirement

Form / portal Live seller agreement is gated
Fee Premium varies
Timing Re-check before or as sales scale
Who needs it Operators with physical-product risk

Public evidence says Amazon may require insurance within 30 days after exceeding USD 10,000 in gross proceeds in one month, or earlier if requested.

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Source group

Richmond Branch

City of Richmond Department of Finance

City tax or permit warning

Form / portal BPOL guidance
Fee Varies
Timing If the business is in Richmond
Who needs it Richmond-based businesses

Public page says owners of businesses in Richmond are required to obtain a business license annually and new businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of opening.

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City of Richmond Department of Finance

City zoning-compliance warning

Form / portal BPOL and zoning-compliance guidance
Fee Varies
Timing Before renewal and when local use is unclear
Who needs it Richmond-based businesses

Public page says the Certificate of Zoning Compliance must be obtained before renewal. It does not provide a one-size-fits-all home-based Amazon inventory answer.

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