Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) Tax Incentive Program 

The City’s BPOL Tax Incentive Program is managed by the Department of Finance’s Business Unit. Please see below for more information and resources on the BPOL Tax Incentive Program. 

Are you looking for more general information on the BPOL Tax? Please see our BPOL Tax page. 

BPOL Tax Incentive Program General Information 

Pursuant to the City of Richmond Code Sec. 26-874, qualifying businesses who have opened in the last two years may have their BPOL Taxes over the $250,000 threshold exempted or refunded for two years and instead pay only a license fee of $30.00.  

BPOL Tax Incentive Program Qualifications 

A qualifying business is defined as a business that locates for the first time in the City of Richmond. However, a business is not deemed qualified if: 

• It locates for the first time based on a merger, acquisition, similar business combination, name change, or a change in business form.  
• There is an existing business in the City trading under the same or substantially similar business name, the businesses conduct similar business activities, or the businesses are related either by a shared ownership structure or by a contractual relationship such as a franchisor/franchisee relationship.  
• It is a peddler, itinerant merchant, or is a contractor required to obtain a business license. 

BPOL Tax Incentive Program Application Process 

Applying to the BPOL Tax Incentive Program is easy, and only requires one additional form once you have obtained your business license. For new businesses simply: 

1. Obtain necessary zoning certification through the City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review, Division of Zoning Administration and other necessary documentation which may be required based on business type 
2. Complete your New Business License Application and Supplemental BPOL Questionnaire 
3. Complete the BPOL Tax Incentive Application form below and submit it through RVA 311 
4. Await final determination of qualification from the Department of Finance and receive a refund of already paid BPOL Taxes and or an exemption from future taxes for a period of two years if you qualify 

BPOL Tax Incentive Program Forms and Resources 

• BPOL Tax Incentive Application – Use this form to apply to the program if you believe you meet the outlined requirements for BPOL Tax Incentive Program exemption 
   

If you have a question, comment, or concern regarding City of Richmond BPOL Tax Incentive Program, please contact RVA 311 at (804) 646-7000 or click here to submit a ticket.