The City of Richmond’s Department of Finance has introduced an upgraded RVA Business Portal, designed to streamline the process for local businesses to manage and pay taxes online. The portal, accessible at rvapay.rva.gov/bpp, features new tools aimed at simplifying tax compliance ahead of the March 1, 2026 filing deadline.
Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer, said: “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.”
Among the updates are a “Copy from 2025” function for business personal property filers to carry over previous year asset data with automatic adjustments; expanded access to billing and payment history going back five years; a dashboard that highlights outstanding compliance issues; and improved document management allowing uploads and access across all license types from one account.
Letitia Shelton, Director of Finance, commented: “Richmond’s small business community is the backbone of our local economy. The focus on making improvements to our online systems will make it easier to conduct business in the city.”
In addition to these technological improvements, starting January 1, 2026, Richmond will double its Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax threshold from $250,000 to $500,000. Businesses with gross receipts between $5,000 and $500,000 will now owe only a flat $30 license fee instead of paying higher rates. This policy change was approved through ORD. 2024-187 and aims to ease regulatory demands on small businesses while supporting city services.
Business owners can use the upgraded portal or schedule appointments through rva.gov/finance for further assistance. Additional support is available via RVA 311 at 804-646-7000 or rva311.com.
