West Virginia Local Business, Insurance, and Government Resources

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Business Resources - Anything from getting a business license to finding funding

Local Insurance directory - Find local insurance brokers, agents, or companies

Government Contacts - Get in contact with each level of local government

West Virginia Local Business Resources

To register your business in West Virginia, you must follow a few steps so you can comply with the requirements of the state.

Step 1: Make sure that your chosen business name is available.

Any businesses in West Virginia must register a trade name for their business. It is a good first step to check the availability of your chosen name prior to registration. If it is available, you can apply for a Name Reservation, which is valid for 120 days so you can process the registration.

Step 2: File your business forms and documents based on your chosen business entity.

If you have decided on a business structure, you can secure the necessary documents for registration. The filing fee will also vary based on your chosen structure. It starts at $50 and can go up to $500 (for foreign LLPs).

Step 3: Purchase a Certificate of Existence.

You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself and your business, as well as to secure payment.

Step 4: Secure EIN.

It is required that you apply for an EIN when you form a new business entity in West Virginia. You will be using this number when hiring employees, applying for financing, or paying your taxes.

Step 5: Secure additional licenses, permits, and insurances.

The required licenses, permits, and insurances will be based on the type of your business and your business location. Make sure to check with your city or county offices for these requirements.

Business line of credit without personal guarantee

Local Insurance Info, Agents, & Companies in West Virginia

Local Homeowner Resources

Local Tenant/Landlord Resources

Government Contacts

West Virginia consists of various local government units: 55 counties, 234 cities, towns, and villages, and 55 public school districts. There were also 397 special districts formed as of 2002.

Like most other states in the US, the constitution of Virginia is the same as it was since 1872. However, this constitution has undergone multiple amendments over the years. The governor is the highest executive position in the state. In addition to the governor, other officials include the secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, treasurer, and agriculture commissioner.

As for the counties, there are three commissioners that serve as the chief county officials. They are elected into position with a 6-year term. The other officials in the county are also elected but they have a 4-year term (instead of 6).

The sheriff's main responsibility in a county is to oversee the peace and order. However, they can also perform the collection of taxes and disburses those funds for use by the board of education and county court.

See the main West Virginia Page for county links.