If your business makes taxable sales to customers in Virginia, you may need to register for a Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration before collecting sales tax. This 2026 guide explains who must register, what information you need, and how to complete the registration process through Virginia Tax Online Services.
For broader information about Virginia sales tax rules, rates, and taxability, see the Virginia Sales Tax Guide. For details on filing deadlines and how to submit returns, see the Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide.
Quick answers: Virginia sales tax registration
A quick overview of the authority, registration portal, nexus threshold, and other essentials for registering in Virginia.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | Virginia Department of Taxation |
| Registration portal | Virginia Tax Online Services |
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual sales or 200 separate transactions into Virginia |
| Registration fee | Free |
| Renewal period | No periodic renewal required |
Who must register for Virginia sales tax
You must register for a Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration if your business has a sales tax nexus in the state. This usually applies when a business:
- Exceeds the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in annual sales or 200 or more separate transactions into Virginia in the current or previous calendar year, or;
- Has a physical presence in Virginia, such as an office, employee, warehouse, or inventory stored in the state.
Virginia's dual threshold means you must register once you cross either the dollar amount or the transaction count, whichever comes first.
Once you exceed the threshold, you should register before making further taxable sales in Virginia. If you're unsure whether your business has nexus, see the Virginia Sales Tax Guide for a broader explanation.
How to register for Virginia sales tax
Sellers can register online through Virginia Tax Online Services, the state's centralized tax services portal. This is the same portal you will use to file returns and make payments after registration.
Information you need before registering
Before applying for a Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration, have this information ready:
- Your Social Security number (if registering as a sole proprietor with no employees)
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), if your business has one (required for corporations, partnerships, and most LLCs)
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your primary business activity
- The date of your first sale in Virginia
- Your business address and any Virginia locations, if applicable
Registration steps
Follow these steps to register for a Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration.
1. Create your online login
Set up your Virginia Tax Online Services account credentials.
- Choose a username and password
- Set up your security information
- This login is used for all future filings, payments, and account management
If you already have a Virginia Tax Online Services account, you can add a sales and use tax account to your existing login.
2. Provide your business information
Enter your business name, address, type of entity, and any Virginia locations.
- Remote sellers without a Virginia location should indicate they are selling remotely
- Virginia uses destination-based sourcing for remote sellers. You charge based on where the buyer is located
- If your buyers are in Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads, a 0.7% regional rate applies on top of the standard 5.3% rate, bringing the combined rate to 6% in those areas
3. Registration fee
Virginia does not charge a fee for the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration. The registration is free.
4. Submit your application
Review your entries and submit the application.
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation after submission
- A confirmation email is typically sent shortly after submission
5. Receive your Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration
Once approved, you will receive:
- Your Virginia Sales Tax Certificate of Registration number (used for filing and payments)
- Your assigned filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually, based on expected tax liability)
- Access to Virginia Tax Online Services for filing, payment, and account management
What happens after registration
After registering, you must begin collecting Virginia sales tax on taxable sales and file returns based on your assigned filing frequency.
Virginia taxes digital goods and SaaS, so if you sell software or digital products to Virginia customers, you must collect and remit sales tax on those sales. Pay attention to which region your buyers are in: Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads have a combined rate of 6% rather than the standard 5.3%. See the Virginia Sales Tax Guide for full details on taxability and rates.
➡ Learn more about Virginia sales tax rates, taxability, and nexus in the Virginia Sales Tax Guide
➡ See how to file and pay Virginia sales tax in the Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the local tax authorities.
Need help registering across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
