There isn’t a better place to be an Education Service Provider than West Virginia. Before you pursue your dream in West Virginia, let’s button up some details.
West Virginia’s requirements for business registration depend on a variety of factors — where you’re doing business, what you’re doing, and how you choose to organize. West Virginia doesn’t offer statewide business licenses. Businesses are required to file paperwork for a sales tax license with the West Virginia State Tax Department, and sometimes the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS) and their local government (municipal or if operating in unincorporated land, county) depending on a variety of factors.
There’s a bit to sort through. We’ll get you headed in the right direction.
Every West Virginia business or individual must obtain a business registration certificate with the State Tax Department.
You’ll need to file with the West Virginia SOS if:
- You’re forming a limited partnership (LP).
- Forming a limited liability company (LLC) requires you file Articles of Organization. Your Articles of Organization is a simple document outlining your company name, address, members, and registered agent (your company’s point of contact for the government).
- Forming a corporation (including nonprofit) requires you file Articles of Incorporation, a detailed legal document outlining your business including company name, purpose, shares, directors, and officers.
- You’re seeking to reserve a partnership name prior to filing a limited partnership of any form. You can reserve your partnership name for 120 days. Search here to determine if your partnership name has been registered or reserved already.
Every West Virginia city, town, or county can regulate businesses in their jurisdiction. And here’s where it gets a little tricky. As you’re navigating your municipal business regulations, reach out to us if you have questions. We’d love the opportunity to help!
Ready to take the next step? Let’s sort through getting your small business taxes squared away with the IRS and West Virginia Department of Revenue.