Virginia

Business Broker in Virginia

Michael Kelly, a TrueWave broker, covers Virginia. He works with owners from Northern Virginia to Richmond and Hampton Roads, from the first valuation call through closing.

The Virginia business landscape

Northern Virginia government contractors and Hampton Roads defense suppliers attract strategic buyers. Data center growth in Northern Virginia supports electrical, construction and facilities businesses.

Shipbuilding and the military around Norfolk and Newport News, healthcare, agriculture and wineries, and tourism round out the state’s economy.

Key local industries

  • Government and defense contracting. Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
  • Data centers and tech. Electrical, construction and facilities firms serving data center growth.
  • Military and shipbuilding. Suppliers around Norfolk and Newport News.
  • Healthcare. Practices and clinics statewide.
  • Agriculture, wineries and tourism. Farms, vineyards and hospitality.

Selling a business in Virginia: rules and taxes

Buyers can inherit unpaid sales tax. Virginia Tax explains that when a business is sold, the buyer must withhold enough of the purchase money to cover any sales tax, penalties and interest the seller still owes, until the seller shows a receipt from the Tax Commissioner that they’re paid or a certificate that nothing is due. A buyer who doesn’t withhold becomes personally liable. Sellers can make this easy by filing a final return and getting the receipt or certificate before closing.

Income tax. Virginia’s rates are 2%, 3%, 5% and 5.75%, and the 5.75% rate applies to taxable income over $17,000, so nearly all of a sale gain is taxed at the top rate. Ask your CPA how your sale would be taxed.

Important: The tax and legal information on this page is general information as of October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. TrueWave Business Brokers is not a CPA firm or a law firm. Tax rates and rules change often, and how they apply depends on your situation and how your sale is structured. Before making any decisions, consult your CPA, attorney and financial advisor. For the most current information on Virginia income tax rates and successor liability for unpaid sales tax, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/

Recent deals and listings in Virginia

We don’t have closed deals or open listings to show near you in Virginia yet, and we won’t post any until they’re real. Buyers can browse businesses for sale and join our buyer list to hear about new ones first. Owners can start with a free, confidential valuation: you’ll see what your business is likely worth and what buyers will ask about.

Local resources

Useful places for owners getting ready to sell:

Areas we serve in Virginia

We work with owners across Virginia, including Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Roanoke.

Nearby:

Selling a business in Virginia: FAQ

Do Virginia buyers inherit unpaid sales tax?

They can. The buyer must hold back enough of the price to cover the seller’s unpaid sales tax until the seller shows a receipt or a no-tax-due certificate from Virginia Tax. If the buyer doesn’t, the buyer becomes personally liable.

How is a business sale taxed in Virginia?

Virginia’s top income tax rate is 5.75% on taxable income over $17,000, so most of a sale gain is taxed at that rate. Federal tax applies too. Your CPA can tell you how your deal would be taxed.

Can I sell a government contracting business?

Yes. Plan for novation, the government’s approval to move contracts to a new owner, and check whether set-aside contracts will carry over. We review your contract base early because it drives value.

Who buys businesses in Northern Virginia?

Strategic buyers in government services and technology, private-equity-backed companies, and individual buyers, often former contractors or executives. Data center growth also draws buyers for electrical and facilities firms.

How long does it take to sell a business?

Usually 6 to 12 months from valuation to closing. Preparation, the type of business, financing and any state tax clearances all affect the timeline. We map the steps out with you at the start so nothing surprises you at the end.

Answers above that touch on taxes or legal rules are general information as of October 2026, not tax, legal or financial advice. TrueWave Business Brokers is not a CPA firm or a law firm. Confirm anything that affects your sale with your CPA and attorney. Official source: Virginia Department of Taxation.

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TrueWave Business Brokers · Quincy, MA · 978-289-3115 · Experienced business brokers and a licensed real estate agency, working with owners and buyers across the U.S.