Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in West Virginia
At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of West Virginia.
Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.
Quick Facts for Starting a West Virginia Business
Expedited Services Available: Yes
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No
Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: Yes
State Sales Tax: 6%
State Income Tax: 6.5%
Unemployment Insurance: 1.5% – 8.5%
DBAs do not require a registered agent.
West Virginia Business Entity Options
| Business Entity Type | State Fees | Applicable Form |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | $100 | Certificate Of West Virginia Limited Partnership (Form LP-1) |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $250 | Statement of Registration of Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (Form LLP-1) |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $100 | Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1) |
| Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) | $100 | Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1) |
| For Profit Corporation | $100 | Articles of Incorporation (Form CD-1) |
| Professional Corporation | $100 | Articles of Incorporation (Form CD-1) |
| Non-profit Corporation | $25 | Articles of Incorporation (Form CD-1NP) |
| For Profit Cooperative Association | $100 | West Virginia Articles of Incorporation for a Broadband Cooperative Association (Form CBD-1) |
| Unincorporated Non-profit Association | $15 | Statement of Agent of Process for Unincorporated Non-Profit Association (Form UNA-1) |
| Non-profit Cooperative Association | $25 | West Virginia Articles of Incorporation for an Agricultural Cooperative Association (Form CAD-1NP) |
| Voluntary Association | $50 | Application for Voluntary Association (Form VA-1) |
| Business Trust | $50 | Application for Business Trust (Form BT-1) |
| Foreign Limited Partnership | $150 | West Virginia Statement of Registration of Foreign Limited Partnership (Form LP-2) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Partnership | $500 | Statement of Registration of Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (Form LLP-1) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company | $150 | West Virginia Application for Certificate of Authority of Limited Liability Company (Form LLF-1) |
| Foreign Profit Corporation | $100 | Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CF-1) |
| Foreign Non-profit Corporation | $50 | Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CF-1) |
| Foreign For Profit Cooperative Association | $100 | Application for Certificate of Authority of an Agricultural Cooperative Association (Form CAF-1) |
| Foreign Non-profit Cooperative Association | $50 | Application for Certificate of Authority of an Agricultural Cooperative Association (Form CAF-1) |
In some cases, West Virginia does waive fees for veteran and young entrepreneur owned businesses.
Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?
Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.
Key West Virginia Government Resources
West Virginia Secretary of State
601 Morris St. #201
Charleston, WV 25301
sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/default.aspx
West Virginia Department of Revenue
State Capitol
Building 1, W-300
Charleston, WV 25305
revenue.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Feeling Overwhelmed? CorpNet Is Here To Help!
Below are all the ways CorpNet can help you and your business.
Our knowledge team of experts is here to help and all our services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Business Formation and Launch
- Business Name Search
- Business Name Reservation
- Form a West Virginia LLC
- Incorporate in West Virginia
- File a DBA
- Appoint a Registered Agent in West Virginia
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Register for West Virginia Payroll Taxes
- Request a Permit for Sales and Use Tax
- Research Required Business Licenses
Ongoing Business Compliance
Additional Resources and Articles
Compare Entities
- Business Structures Chart
- Choosing a Business Structure
- Business Structures Wizard
- Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Partnership
- LLC vs. Corporation
- C Corporation vs. S Corporation
- S Corporation vs. LLC
- LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp
- DBA vs. LLC
- LLP vs. LLC
- LLC vs. PLLC
- Professional Corporation vs. LLC
- Single Member vs. Multiple Member LLC
- Member vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
Common Questions
- What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- What is a Certificate of Registration?
- What is a Statement of Information?
- What are Articles of Incorporation?
- What are Articles of Organization?
- What is an Annual Franchise Tax Report?
- What is a Certificate of Authority?
- What is a Statement of Purpose?
- What Is a Fictitious Name?
- What is a Pass-Through Entity?
- What is the Owner of an LLC Called?
- What is the Role of an LLC Organizer?
- What Is a Registered Agent?
- What is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Reseller License?
- What is a Corporate Resolution?
- What Is a Letter of Good Standing?
Helpful Templates
Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?
Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.
Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.
