Virginia lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and open a bank account
The SCC does not issue a separate state tax identification number when it approves your Articles. The federal EIN is what banks and Virginia Tax will use to identify your LLC.
Applying for the EIN
Apply on the IRS website at no charge once the Articles of Organization are approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the number is issued immediately online. Without one, the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post, which is slower and is the common route for non-resident owners.
Opening the account
Bring the SCC-stamped Articles of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement, and identification for signers and significant owners. Practices vary by bank, particularly for owners who are not US residents, so call ahead.
Keep business and personal money in separate accounts. Mixing the two is one of the fastest ways a court can disregard the LLC's liability shield.
Register with Virginia Tax
Separately from the EIN, register with Virginia Tax if you will collect sales tax, withhold employee income tax, or owe other state business taxes. Registration is free.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and comes from the IRS, not the SCC.
- Virginia Tax registration is separate from both the EIN and the SCC filing.
- A dedicated business bank account protects the liability shield.
Official sources
Or let us file your Virginia LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1011), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team