By Ryan Murphy
Capital News Service
Richmond, Va. – The House this week approved a bill that would freeze localities’ Business, Professional and Occupational Licenses tax rates at their 2011 levels. The measure also would prevent localities that don’t currently levy the tax from imposing it.
In addition, House Bill 10 would alter the methods of calculating the BPOL tax. Currently, all businesses are taxed on Virginia taxable income. HB 10 would tax businesses defined as pass-through entities or sole proprietorships at levels related to their net income, while still taxing corporations on taxable income.
“I’m not a fan of BPOL, but I know we just can’t stop it because localities rely heavily on [the tax revenue],” said a co-sponsor of the bill, Delegate Mike Watson (R-Williamsburg).
“But I would like to … wean ourselves off of that, because it is a deterrent to businesses moving here and expanding here.”
On Thursday, the House agreed. Delegates passed HB 10 on an 88-12 vote. That sent the bill to the Senate, where it was assigned Friday to the Senate Finance Committee.
Watson said that under the current system, the BPOL tax is unfair because businesses pay based on gross sales and not on profit. As a result, businesses that aren’t making money – such as startups – are paying more in BPOL taxes than some companies turning a profit, he said.
BPOL taxes are imposed in some form in all 39 cities and 46 of the 95 counties in Virginia. Localities choose which types of businesses to tax and how much, up to a maximum that differs by industry.
Under HB 10, local governments would not be able to raise their BPOL taxes above the levels they set for fiscal year 2011.
Watson and Delegate Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg, were the chief patrons of the bill. Delegate Michael Webert (R-Marshall) also was a sponsor.
Recent Stories
Author Uriah Kiser I’m the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I’m now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If…
(Insidenova.com) – The Prince William County Planning Commission unanimously approved a special use permit for a Sonic drive-thru restaurant at the Barracks Row at Quantico shopping center along Va. 234….
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors began its first meeting of 2025 with a significant leadership transition. Supervisor Deuntay Diggs was elected chairman in a 4-3 vote, succeeding outgoing Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. Diggs addressed his new role during the meeting and outlined his expectations for the year ahead, emphasizing transparency and teamwork.
Supervisor Diggs took a moment to reflect on the responsibilities of his new position and the values he brings to the role. “The citizens in the George Washington District knew that I was a law enforcement officer in this community. I love my job. And part of being a law enforcement officer is conducting ourselves with integrity. And so I will continue to do so, and I can serve in this role and do that as well,” Diggs said.
He further expressed a strong desire to foster collaboration among the board members. “The goal is that we’re gonna work together as a team. I’m not asking, I’m demanding that. That’s the expectation,” he stated. Diggs’ remarks came as a call to unity, encouraging board members to prioritize cooperation and accountability.
The board also elected Supervisor Tinesha Allen as vice chair in a 5-2 vote.
On January 7, the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the first session of the 119th Congress and passed H.R. 29, the “Riley Laken Act,” with bipartisan support.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
