Start A Business In Charleston, WV

Step 1

To see an overview of the new business process download our New Business Handbook.

The first step in starting a new business in the City of Charleston is to obtain a Business Registration Application from the Office of the City Collector or by downloading here. Completion of the Business Registration Application is required by all businesses/individuals engaged in business activities within the City of Charleston, irrespective of whether or not such persons maintains a permanent place of business in the City of Charleston.

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Step 2

After you acquire and complete your Business Registration Application, you must then obtain an inspection and approval for occupancy of the premises from the City of Charleston Planning/Zoning, Building and Fire Departments before your application can be processed by the Office of the City Collector. As the applicant, it is your responsibility to contact these departments. These departments will ensure your proposed business location is in compliance with city zoning ordinances, building codes, and fire safety regulations respectively.

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Step 3

The City of Charleston broadly imposes a Business and Occupation Privilege Tax upon all persons for the act or privilege of engaging in business activities within the City of Charleston. For detailed information including B&O returns and tax rates, use our B&O Tax Overview
For individuals or businesses that perform residential or commercial contracting activities, the Office of the City Collector has available, upon request, a Construction Projects Handbook. This handbook details the B&O Tax responsibilities of individuals in the construction industry.
In addition to registering with the Office of City Collector, all contractors must also register with the City of Charleston Building Department. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your contractor registering status, please contact the Building Department at (304)348-6833.

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Step 4

The City of Charleston imposes a three dollar ($3.00) per week City Service Fee ("CSF") upon all full-time/part-time employees and self-employed individuals who regularly report to work at a physical location, or work from home within the City of Charleston. Employers are required to withhold three dollars per week from their employees’ pay. The fee is then remitted quarterly to the Office of the City Collector. Self-employed individuals will remit the fee on their own. CSF payments not received within one month following the end of the calendar quarter will be subject to penalties and interest.

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