BPOL tax threshold doubles from $250,000 to $500,000; Filing deadline is Mar. 1, 2026

Richmond, VA - The City's Department of Finance has launched upgrades to its RVA Business Portal (rvapay.rva.gov/bpp), making it easier for businesses to operate, stay compliant, and pay their taxes online and on time. Business owners are encouraged to log in and file their business-related taxes before the Mar. 1 filing deadline.

"Making it easier for people to pay their taxes is smart government. The simpler the process, the easier to comply. When we focus on improving access and removing barriers on the front end, we spend less time (and money) chasing delinquent payments on the back end. This portal is part of that shift-better systems, better service, better outcomes," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II.

The updated RVA Business Portal includes new features to help make the filing process easier and quicker:

• Copy Assets from Prior Year: For Business Personal Property filers, a new "Copy from 2025" button lets you bring forward all your 2025 assets as a starting point. Descriptions, costs, and depreciation adjust automatically.
• Bill & Payment History: View up to five years of billing and payment history directly in the portal, with options to export to PDF or Excel.
• Exception Dashboard: A new compliance view shows outstanding items at a glance, including unfiled periods, balances due, and missing documentation.
• Enhanced Document Management: Upload and access supporting documents across all your license types from a single account view.

"Richmond's small business community is the backbone of our local economy," said Letitia Shelton, Director of Finance. "The focus on making improvements to our online systems will make it easier to conduct business in the city."

Additionally, beginning January 1, 2026, the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax threshold doubles from $250,000 to $500,000. The change means thousands of Richmond businesses with gross receipts between $5,000 and $500,000 will now pay only a $30 flat license fee. The increase, approved through ORD. 2024-187, is designed to reduce the compliance burden on small businesses while maintaining essential City services.

Business owners can access the portal at rvapay.rva.gov/bpp or schedule virtual or in-person appointments at rva.gov/finance. Questions can be directed to RVA 311 at 804-646-7000 or rva311.com.