How much does it cost to start an LLC in Virginia in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Virginia requires a one-time initial filing fee of $100 paid to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $139.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Virginia LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Virginia LLC is approximately $495. This includes initial formation ($100), recurring annual reports ($50), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Virginia?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Virginia, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Virginia. In Virginia, the foreign qualification filing fee is $100 plus ongoing maintenance of $50/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Virginia LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Q: What are the annual recurring fees for a Virginia LLC?

Virginia charges an annual report fee of $50 filed on a annual basis (due Last day of anniversary month (Annual Registration Fee)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Virginia.

Initial state filing fee: $100. Ongoing annual report fee: $50 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Virginia vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Virginia costs $100 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $50/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Virginia LLC costs an estimated $495.

Initial State Filing$100One-time payment

Annual Report$50Due Last day of anniversary month (Annual Registration Fee)

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Virginia LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $100

Approval speed: Instant online via Clerk's Information System (CIS)•Public Privacy: Moderate

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Virginia Tax Rule: No franchise tax, but mandatory $50 Annual Registration Fee paid to the State Corporation Commission.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$100)

Accelerates state filing from Instant online via Clerk's Information System (CIS) to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Virginia vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$139

Initial formation fee ($100) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$89 /yr avg

Annual report ($50/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$495(~$8/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Virginia.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($139)

$139

Year 1Formation

$89

Year 2Renewal

$89

Year 3Renewal

$89

Year 4Renewal

$89

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $139

State Filing$100

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$100

20% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$200

40% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

39% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

Save on your Virginia filing fees & protect your personal privacy

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Free Home Address RedactionInstant Virginia Compliance AlertsAnnual Report Reminders

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Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Virginia LLC

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Virginia LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateLast day of anniversary month (Annual Registration Fee)Frequency: ANNUAL

Normal TurnaroundInstant online via Clerk's Information System (CIS)Expedited: +$100

Public Record PrivacyModerateRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax2% to 5.75%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Virginia Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

No franchise tax, but mandatory $50 Annual Registration Fee paid to the State Corporation Commission.

Advantages of a Virginia LLC

Fast online approvals via SCC CIS
Reasonable $100 filing and $50/yr fee
Proximity to DC

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

$25 penalty if the $50 annual registration fee is 1 day late

Founder Pro-Tip for Virginia

Pay the $50 annual registration fee online via Virginia SCC CIS to get instant confirmation.

Step-by-Step Virginia LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) registry.

Appoint a Virginia Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Virginia (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($100 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Approval is typically granted within Instant online via Clerk's Information System (CIS).