Starting a business in West Virginia

Starting a business in West Virginia can and should be easier than you think. You file simple forms with the secretary of state, and your business is formed! Obviously there’s a few more things than that, but if you’d like to start your own business yourself, you will find it easy to hire us as your registered agent and you’ll find all the forms you could file to start a business in West Virginia, along with great filing instructions on the quickest and cheapest ways to start your business in West Virginia.

What’s the actual process to start a business in West Virginia?

1. You file articles of incorporation for a West Virginia corporation or articles of organization for a West Virginia LLC with the WV Secretary of State.
2. You file your initial statement of information.
3. You obtain a federal tax ID number (FEIN or EIN) with the IRS after you have confirmation and filed articles from the State of West Virginia showing your approved West Virginia business.
4. Opening a business banking account under your new West Virginia business name should be easy with your formation documents and tax id.
5. If you’re going to do business in WV, you will probably need to register with the West Virginia State Tax Department. We provide all these links in your online account.
6. Many local municipalities have a Business and Occupation Tax, so you may need to register with the city.
7. If your business trade requires a license, you’ll have to apply for a license with the West Virginia licensing division. (Most businesses don’t.) But if you do, these quick links and contact details are in your online account.
8. You may need a city or county license (for example, a County Health Department license to handle food).
9. If you’re going to have an office or shop you might need an approval from the city zoning for your type of business in that location.

If you want a corporation, you file West Virginia Articles of Incorporation:

The West Virginia articles of incorporation cost $50 with the West Virginia Secretary of State.

We custom draft your West Virginia articles of incorporation when you hire Northwest to start your West Virginia business. The basic requirements of West Virginia corporations are:

• The West Virginia corporation must have a corporate ending such as incorporated, corporation or an abbreviation thereof.
• The duration of the corporation is perpetual unless the articles state otherwise.
• The purpose of the West Virginia corporation may include specific and general language.
• The number of shares the West Virginia corporation is authorized to issue and the value of each share.
• The name and address of the registered agent in West Virginia.
• The name and address of the West Virginia incorporators.
• The mailing address of the corporations principal office.
• An email address where annual report reminders may be sent.
• The West Virginia incorporator must sign the articles of incorporation.

West Virginia does not require original signatures on new corporation filings. The stamped form will be mailed to the address of the person who filed the documents.

If you want a LLC, you file West Virginia Articles of Organization:

To form a West Virginia LLC, you file West Virginia articles of organization. The basic requirements of West Virginia LLC filings are:

• The business name must have a limited liability company ending or variation of it.
• New West Virginia LLCs name must be different than already registered West Virginia companies.
• Duration of the West Virginia LLC.
• The purpose of the West Virginia limited liability company.
• The West Virginia registered agent and the designated office address.
• The principal office address and its mailing address (if different).
• An email address where annual report reminders may be sent.
• Name and address of each LLC organizer.
• If the limited liability company is to be managed by managers or members.
• List of LLC members and/or managers
• The contact person’s name, phone, number and signature

West Virginia does not require original signatures on new WV LLC filings.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You can save some money:

If you want to start a business in West Virginia yourself, you can just hire us as your West Virginia registered agent, and you'll instantly have the West Virginia LLC or corporation forms to file along with filing instructions on the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way to incorporate a West Virginia corporation or form a West Virginia LLC. You'll get the ongoing support of our online tools, reminders and the support of a professional West Virginia registered agent service.