Virginia Payroll Tax Registration

Jan 20, 2026

If you are an employer in Virginia who has recently hired an employee, you will need to register for payroll taxes with the Virginia Department of Taxation. This registration process ensures that you are in compliance with state tax laws and can properly withhold and remit taxes on behalf of your employees.

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How Virginia Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in Virginia to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the Virginia agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Virginia Unemployment Insurance Setup for PLLC, Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

You must register with the Virginia Employment Commission for Unemployment Insurance tax. You are generally required to pay Unemployment Insurance tax if you have at least $1,500 in quarterly payroll or have had an employee for at least 20 weeks in a calendar year. When registering for Unemployment Insurance tax you will also be able to register for Employer Withholding Tax at the same time.

  1. Register for an Unemployment Insurance Tax Account

    Register online for an Unemployment Insurance account online with the Virginia Employment Commission by logging into VATAX Online Services for Businesses portal.

  2. Elect Reimbursable Payment Method (Nonprofits Only)

    Nonprofits who would like to opt for the reimbursable payment method must mail a written election with to the Virginia Employment Commission, no later than 30 days prior to the beginning of any taxable year.

Virginia Withholding Tax Setup for PLLC, Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

Employers with employees in Virginia are required to register with Virginia Tax for an Employer Withholding Tax account. Generally, you are required to withhold state Personal Income Tax if you pay wages to at least one employee. When registering for Employer Withholding Tax you will also be able to register for Unemployment Insurance tax at the same time.

  1. Register for an Employer Withholding Tax Account

    Register online for an Employer Withholding Tax account with VATAX by logging into VATAX Online Services for Businesses portal.

Virginia's Payroll Registration Agencies

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