Cost to Form Corporation in Virginia
Quick Answer
The total cost to form a corporation in Virginia ranges from $100 for a DIY filing to $400-800 when using a professional formation service, with most first-year costs falling between $200-500 including optional services.
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Learn More →Total Cost: Year One
| Cost Category | DIY Approach | With Formation Service |
|---|---|---|
| State Filing Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Formation Service Fee | $0 | $150-400 |
| Registered Agent (1 year) | $100-200 | Often included |
| EIN Application | Free (DIY) | $50-100 |
| Corporate Kit & Seal | $50-100 | Often included |
| Total Year 1 | $250-400 | $400-800 |
As of April 13, 2026 - fees subject to change
Government Filing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation | $100 | Filed with Virginia State Corporation Commission |
| Expedited Processing | Not specified | Contact SCC for current rates |
| Name Reservation | Not specified | Optional, contact SCC for fees |
| Certified Copies | Not specified | Contact SCC for current rates |
Virginia’s $100 corporation filing fee is processed in 3-5 business days when filed online through the State Corporation Commission’s website. The state offers fast online filing as one of its key advantages for business formation.
Optional Costs
While not required by Virginia law, these services can help ensure proper corporate compliance:
Registered Agent Service: $100-200 annually
- Required by Virginia law for all corporations
- Can serve yourself if you have a Virginia address
- Professional services provide privacy and reliability
Federal EIN Application: Free (DIY) or $50-100 (service)
- Required for corporations with employees or multiple owners
- Can be obtained free directly from the IRS
- Formation services often charge for this free government service
Form your entity in state online — starts at $0 + state fee
Learn More →Corporate Kit & Seal: $50-100
- Includes stock certificates, corporate bylaws template, and seal
- Not legally required but recommended for record-keeping
- Many formation services include this in their packages
Operating Agreement/Bylaws: $100-300
- Corporate bylaws help establish governance structure
- Can draft yourself using templates or hire an attorney
- Professional drafting recommended for complex ownership structures
Annual Ongoing Costs
Virginia corporations face the following recurring expenses:
Annual Report + Registration Fee: $100
- Due by the last day of the corporation’s anniversary month
- Can be filed online through the Virginia SCC
- Late fees apply for overdue filings
State Income Tax: 2-5.75%
- Virginia imposes state corporate income tax
- Rate varies based on income level
- Additional compliance and filing requirements
Registered Agent Renewal: $100-200 annually
- Required to maintain a Virginia registered agent
- Cost applies if using a professional service
- No cost if serving as your own registered agent
Virginia does not impose a franchise tax on corporations, which helps keep ongoing costs lower compared to some other states.
DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison
DIY Filing Advantages:
- Lowest cost ($100 state fee only)
- Direct control over filing process
- Learn the requirements firsthand
DIY Filing Disadvantages:
- Must research all requirements yourself
- Responsible for obtaining registered agent
- No guidance on corporate compliance
- Risk of filing errors or omissions
Formation Service Advantages:
- Professional handling of paperwork
- Often includes registered agent service
- Additional compliance tools and templates
- Customer support throughout process
Formation Service Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront costs ($300-700 total)
- Less direct control over timing
- May include unnecessary add-on services
Cheapest States Comparison
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | Total Year 1 Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | $50 | $250-400 |
| Delaware | $89 | $175 | $350-500 |
| Nevada | $75 | $150 | $325-475 |
| Virginia | $100 | $100 | $300-450 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | $200-350 |
*Includes estimated registered agent and basic compliance costs
Virginia ranks competitively among states for corporation formation costs, particularly due to its lack of franchise tax and reasonable annual fees.
state registered agent service — $125/year, privacy included
Learn More →FAQ
How long does it take to form a corporation in Virginia?
Virginia processes corporation filings in 3-5 business days when filed online through the State Corporation Commission. This makes Virginia one of the faster states for business formation, especially beneficial for entrepreneurs who need to get their business operational quickly.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in Virginia?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical Virginia address and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. However, many business owners choose professional registered agent services for privacy and reliability, typically costing $100-200 annually.
Does Virginia require corporate bylaws?
While Virginia doesn’t legally require bylaws to be filed with the state, corporations should adopt bylaws to establish their internal governance structure. Bylaws help define shareholder rights, director responsibilities, and meeting procedures. You can draft basic bylaws yourself or hire an attorney for more complex situations.
What’s the difference between Virginia’s LLC and corporation filing fees?
Both LLCs and corporations cost $100 to file in Virginia. However, the annual fees differ: LLCs pay $50 annually while corporations pay $100. The choice between entity types should be based on tax implications, ownership structure, and business goals rather than just filing costs.
Are there any hidden fees when forming a Virginia corporation?
The Virginia State Corporation Commission is transparent about its $100 filing fee. However, additional costs may include registered agent services, expedited processing, certified copies, and federal EIN application if you use a service. Always review the total cost breakdown before proceeding with any formation service.
Can I change my corporation’s registered agent after formation?
Yes, Virginia allows you to change your registered agent at any time by filing the appropriate form with the State Corporation Commission. This flexibility is helpful if you initially serve as your own registered agent but later want to hire a professional service, or if you need to switch service providers.
Does Virginia offer expedited corporation filing?
The data doesn’t specify Virginia’s expedited processing fees or timeframes. Contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission directly for current expedited filing options and costs. Standard online filing already processes relatively quickly at 3-5 business days.
What happens if I don’t file my annual report on time?
Virginia corporations must file their annual report and pay the $100 fee by the last day of their anniversary month. Late filings typically incur additional penalties and fees. Continued non-compliance can eventually lead to administrative dissolution of your corporation, so it’s important to maintain good standing with timely filings.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult with an attorney or accountant for guidance specific to your business situation. Data current as of April 13, 2026, and subject to change by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.