How to File a Virginia Annual Report as a New Corporation

What new business owners need to know to stay compliant in 2025

Starting your business in Virginia is a major step. As a new corporation, your first year includes a key compliance requirement: filing a Virginia annual report. While this filing doesn’t come with a fee, it’s not optional. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, administrative termination, and loss of good standing with the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

This guide breaks down who must file, what the report includes, when it’s due, and how to make sure your filing is completed accurately and on time.

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Who Needs to File?

If your business is structured as a corporation, you are required to file an annual report in Virginia every year beginning with your first year in operation. This includes both Virginia-formed (domestic) and out-of-state (foreign) corporations registered to do business in the state.

The filing applies to:

• Stock corporations, such as C-corporations and S-corporations
• Non-stock corporations, such as nonprofits and professional organizations
• Foreign corporations authorized to transact business in Virginia

LLCs are not included. Instead, they pay an annual registration fee. If you’re unsure whether your entity qualifies as a corporation, National Filing Corp can confirm your status before you begin the process.

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When Is the First Report Due?

Your annual report is due by the last day of your incorporation anniversary month. For example, if your corporation was formed on August 8, your first report must be filed by August 31 of the following year. You can begin filing as early as two months before the due date.

Here’s a quick reference:

Incorporation Date	Report Due By	Filing Opens
August 8, 2025	August 31, 2026	July 1, 2026
November 3, 2025	November 30, 2026	October 1, 2026

Filing early gives you time to collect the required details and avoid last-minute complications.

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What You Need to File

Even if your business information hasn’t changed, the SCC requires you to verify it annually. Your annual report must include:

• SCC Entity ID number
• Principal business address
• Names and addresses of directors and officers
• Registered agent’s name and Virginia physical address

Accuracy is critical. Mistakes can delay processing or cause your filing to be rejected, which puts your business status at risk.

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Why New Business Owners Miss the Filing

Filing a first annual report is often overlooked, especially by those unfamiliar with Virginia’s rules. Here are the most common reasons new corporations miss this step:

• They think the report is optional: Since it’s free to file, many assume it’s not required.
• They believe no changes mean no action: The state still requires you to confirm your information, even if it hasn’t changed.
• They don’t know the deadline: Without a system to track formation dates, the due date is easily missed.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your business stays active and avoids costly reinstatement steps.

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What Happens If You Don’t File?

If you miss your first filing deadline, the SCC may list your corporation as not in good standing. This status can interfere with your ability to open a business bank account, apply for funding, or maintain necessary licenses. Continued inaction may result in administrative termination, which removes your legal right to do business in Virginia.

Reinstating a terminated entity involves added paperwork, fees, and time. Filing your first report on time is a much simpler way to stay compliant and avoid these risks.

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How National Filing Corp Makes It Simple

Your first annual report might feel like a small detail in the big picture of running a new business, but it’s one that sets the tone for long-term compliance. At National Filing Corp, we make this process easy and stress-free.

We begin by confirming your formation month and determining your report deadline. Once we’ve gathered the required information, we review your principal address, officer and director details, and registered agent information. Then we complete and submit your report through the SCC portal on your behalf.

After filing, we verify that your business status remains in good standing and send you a digital confirmation for your records. You never have to log into a state website, interpret confusing forms, or worry about whether your report was received. We handle the process from start to finish so you can stay focused on running your business with confidence.

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Ready to file your first Virginia annual report?
 We’ll take care of the filing so you can focus on what matters most.

File my Virginia Annual Report