Commissioner of the Revenue 

Information for New Businesses   

Congratulation on your new business venture!  Below is a checklist to assist you in complying with all of the requirements of the City of Fredericksburg.

 

1. Obtain zoning approval for your new business (even if it is a home-based business).

2. Obtain an occupancy permit for your new business.

3. Obtain police department approval for your business, if necessary.

4. Obtain appropriate licenses from Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, if necessary.

5. Obtain a business license for your new business from the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Fredericksburg.  Please note that a separate license is required for each business, even if they are occupying offices along with another licensed business.  Included on the business license is the flat rate business tax for the sale of tobacco, beer, wine, or mixed beverages.  Please contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-372-1004 for more information.

6. Arrange for applicable permits or special use applications such as a sidewalk café permit for outdoor seating at a restaurant.

7. If you intend to sell alcoholic mixed beverages, wine or beer, obtain the necessary approval from the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

8. If you intend to sell tobacco, verify that all cigarettes available for sale have the City of Fredericksburg cigarette tax stamp affixed.  If cigarettes are purchased from a warehouse club (Costco or BJ’s), you must request to have the proper tax stamps affixed on the merchandise.

9. Register for Meals, Admissions and/or Lodging Tax Remittance, if applicable.

 

For further information, please view the Business Development Toolkit.