How Virginia compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | VA | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, 2023 | 8,683,619 | 12th highest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023 | 666 | 13th highest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, 2023 | $87,249 | 9th highest of 50 | 1 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 | 2.8% | tied 12th lowest of 50 | 1 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, 2023 | 12.6% | 15th highest of 50 | 2 of 12 |
| Property tax rateconfirm with the Virginia legislature | 0.82% | tied 22nd lowest of 50 | 10 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)confirm with the Virginia legislature | 45 | tied 44th lowest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)confirm with the Virginia legislature | 5 | tied 20th highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
| Final pay deadline (days)confirm with the Virginia legislature | 0 | tied 1st lowest of the 30 states that set one | 1 of 6 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Virginia apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no37 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes46 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau (2023) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2023) · Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) · Small Business Administration (2023). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources without a per-figure date — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Virginia legislature.
How long you have in Virginia
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 45 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 5 days
- Final paycheck within
- 0 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 1—2 business days (online)
- Annual report due
- Last day of the 12th month after formation, then annually
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hours/week (FLSA)
AI Legal Insights — Virginia
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Virginia operates under an at-will employment doctrine, meaning employers and employees can generally terminate the relationship at any time for any lawful reason. The state does not mandate paid sick leave or paid family leave, requiring businesses to navigate specific statutory exceptions and local ordinances.
With a robust GDP of $666 billion and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, Virginia offers a stable environment for commercial growth. The state supports entrepreneurship with approximately 795,000 small businesses and a relatively low LLC filing fee of $100.
Approximately 12.6% of Virginia's population is foreign-born, contributing to a diverse workforce across the Commonwealth. This demographic presence influences local labor markets and de facto business practices in various regions.
- ›Ensure all employment agreements clearly define at-will status to mitigate wrongful termination claims.
- ›Verify local sales tax variations, as the state average of 5.65% can fluctuate by jurisdiction.
- ›Include specific clauses regarding tiered income tax implications for multi-state contractors.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Virginia labor regulations
Virginia is an at-will employment state with a minimum wage of $12.41/hr as of 2024, scheduled to increase annually. Virginia does not mandate paid sick leave or paid family leave at the state level. The Virginia Human Rights Act was significantly strengthened in 2020 (VHRA) to prohibit workplace discrimination and allow private lawsuits. Workers' compensation is required for most employers with three or more employees.
| Law | VA Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $12.41/hr (2024); increases scheduled annually toward $15 | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (FLSA applies) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | None statewide (home health workers: 40 hrs/year) | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | None (state employees: 8 weeks partially paid for birth/adoption) | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for employers with 3+ employees | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes, with growing statutory exceptions under VHRA | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Meal Breaks | Required for minors under 16; no general requirement for adults | No federal requirement |
| Non-Solicitation / Non-Compete | Non-competes banned for "low-wage employees" earning below average weekly wage | No federal rule |
- Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA, 2020) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, disability, and age (40+); allows private civil suits.
- Virginia Overtime Wage Act (VOWA) provides an independent state right of action for overtime violations, separate from FLSA.
- Non-compete agreements are unenforceable for "low-wage employees" (earning at or below Virginia's average weekly wage, approx. $1,290/week in 2024).
- Employers may not discharge employees for jury service, voting, or for being a victim of domestic violence.
- Virginia Whistleblower Protection Law (2021) provides broad protection for employees reporting illegal activity or unsafe conditions.
- USERRA federal protections apply to returning military service members throughout Virginia.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · NCSL 2025 · State labor agency
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Virginia rental regulations
Virginia follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), which applies to most residential tenancies. Security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent and must be returned within 45 days. Rent control is prohibited statewide. Landlords must maintain habitable conditions and provide written notice of tenant rights. Eviction for non-payment requires a 5-day pay-or-quit notice.
| Topic | VA Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Capped at 2 months' rent; landlord may charge pet deposit in addition |
| Deposit Return | Within 45 days of termination and surrender of premises; itemized statement of deductions required |
| Rent Control | Prohibited — Virginia law preempts all local rent control ordinances (Va. Code §55.1-1226) |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 5-day pay-or-quit notice required; landlord may file unlawful detainer in General District Court after notice expires |
| Habitability | Implied warranty of habitability; landlord must maintain premises in safe, habitable condition; tenant remedies include rent escrow after notice |
| Notice to Terminate (Month-to-Month) | 30 days' written notice by either party to end a month-to-month tenancy |
| Late Fee | Capped at 10% of the monthly rent (Va. Code §55.1-1204) |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against tenant for lawful complaints within 90 days of complaint |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Virginia law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Virginia LLC formation guide
Virginia is consistently ranked among the top states for business, with low corporate taxes (6%), a highly educated workforce (Northern Virginia tech corridor), and massive federal government contracting opportunities. LLC formation is $100 with a $50 annual report fee. No franchise tax. Virginia offers significant incentives for technology and data center investment.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check name availability at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Business-Entity-Search
- 2File Articles of Organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) online at cis.scc.virginia.gov
- 3Pay the $100 LLC filing fee (online payment by credit card or eCheck)
- 4Designate a registered agent — must have a physical Virginia street address and be available during business hours
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for hiring employees and opening a business bank account
- 6Register for Virginia business taxes at tax.virginia.gov — includes corporate income tax, sales tax (if selling goods), and employer withholding
- 7File the annual report each year by the end of the 12th month following formation, then annually — $50 fee at scc.virginia.gov
- 8Check local business license requirements with your city or county — Virginia cities and counties require a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) based on gross receipts
- 9Open a business bank account with your EIN and filed Articles of Organization
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Virginia taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Virginia
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Free Legal Aid
Virginia legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Virginia residents.
Free civil legal services for low-income residents of eastern Virginia
Free civil legal help in the Richmond metro and surrounding counties
Free civil legal aid for low-income individuals in western Virginia
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