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Business license requirements in Manassas, Virginia depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Manassas is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by Virginia agencies.
If you provide professional services in Manassas (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Your business location in Manassas must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Manassas.
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Commissioner of the Revenue
9027 Center St., Manassas, VA 20110
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Information verified as of July 5, 2026
Web VerifiedManassas requires a Business, Professional & Occupational License (BPOL) for most businesses, professions, and occupations operating within the city, including home occupations and self-employment. The annual tax is calculated on gross receipts (or gross purchases for wholesalers) and administered by the Commissioner of the Revenue. Operating without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code § 58.1-3700, punishable by a fine up to $500.
March 1 annually (if March 1 falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day applies)
Renews annually
10% of tax due for applications filed after March 1
Operating without a BPOL license is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 under Virginia Code § 58.1-3700
BPOL renewals can be filed and paid online through the city's Citizen Self Service portal
Home-based businesses must also obtain a Home Occupation Permit or Non-Residential Use Permit from Community Development (703-257-8278) before the BPOL is issued
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
BPOL annual gross-receipts tax rate per $100 BPOL annual gross-receipts tax rate per $100: Wholesale Merchants $0.05 (calculated on gross purchases, not gross receipts) | Varies | varies |
Contractors | $0.13 | annual |
Retail Merchants | $0.17 | annual |
Repair/Personal/Business Services | $0.22 | annual |
Hotels and Motels | $0.22 | annual |
Real Estate Services | $0.33 | annual |
Professional Occupations | $0.33 | annual |
Financial Services | $0.35 | annual |
Navigating business licensing in Manassas, VA doesn't have to be complicated. CLS provides end-to-end licensing support so you can focus on what matters—running your business.
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Businesses found operating without required licenses in Manassas, VA can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentEvery city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
Follow these steps to obtain your Manassas business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Manassas, VA.
Before applying for a Manassas business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with Virginia and the IRS.
Verify that your business location in Manassas is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Manassas Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register your business entity with the Virginia Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Submit your business license application to the Commissioner of the Revenue. Applications can typically be submitted online, in person, or by mail. Include all required documentation and fees.
Depending on your industry in Manassas, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Once issued, display your Manassas business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
CLS also provides business license services in these Virginia cities.
Manassas, Virginia business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Manassas business license information last verified July 5, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Manassas or contact CLS for current requirements.