All persons operating a business or doing business within the boundaries of Powhatan County must obtain a Powhatan County Business License.  There is a $3,000.00 gross receipts minimum before required to purchase a license.  All Contractors residing in Powhatan County must have a Powhatan County Business License.  Contractors that are licensed by another locality are required to obtain a license once their gross receipts exceed $25,000.00 for work done in Powhatan.  There is a $4,000.00 gross receipts minimum for all persons who are direct sellers (Avon, Tupperware, etc.)  An application and zoning approval are required before a license can be issued.  All businesses operating under an assumed or trade name must be registered with the Clerk of Circuit Court before a license can be issued.  The cost currently is $10.00  All corporations conducting business in Virginia must be registered with the State Corporation Commission before a license can be issued.  Powhatan County currently has a business license cost of $50.00  

Business Personal Property

Powhatan County levies a tax on tangible personal property used in a trade or business (such as furniture, fixtures, shelving, computers, machinery and tools) located in the county on January 1st of each year.  You must file a Business Personal Property Form (blue form) with the Commissioner of the Revenue's office by May 1st of each year.  Failure to furnish complete information may require an assessment to be made from best available source.  Most businesses will use Schedule 1 if they have Heavy Equipment, reference books, manuals, textbooks, office equipment and furniture, shelving, racks, window air condition units, signs, generators, power tools, shop tools, air compressors, ladders, appliances, vaults and safes etc.  Businesses must itemize their personal property and/or equipment, stating the date of purchase for each item and the original purchase price.  These forms are mailed with the license renewals the last week in December of each year.  If you do not receive your forms, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue's office to request that they be mailed to you.  The deadline to pay business personal property taxes is December 5th.  After that date, penalty and interest will apply to the outstanding balance.