Virginia Law

In addition to the state recordation tax imposed by Chapter 8 (§ 58.1-800 et seq.) of this title, the governing body of any city or county is hereby authorized to impose a recordation tax, in an amount equal to one-third of the amount of the state recordation tax collectible for the Commonwealth, upon the first recordation of each taxable instrument in such city or county. No tax shall be levied under this section when the state recordation tax imposed under Chapter 8 (§ 58.1-800 et seq.) is fifty cents.

Code 1950, § 58-65.1; 1958, c. 590; 1972, c. 186; 1984, c. 675.

The tax imposed by a city or county pursuant to this article upon a deed or other instrument which conveys, covers, or relates to property located partially within such city or county shall be computed and collected only with respect to that portion of the property located in such city or county.

Code 1950, § 58-65.1; 1958, c. 590; 1972, c. 186; 1984, c. 675; 1988, c. 421.

This article shall not be construed as affecting or repealing any city charter provision.

Code 1950, § 58-65.1; 1958, c. 590; 1972, c. 186; 1984, c. 675.

The tax imposed by this article shall be collected by the clerk of the circuit court for each city and county in whose office deeds or other instruments are offered for recordation or if the property is located in more than one city or county, by the respective clerks of each jurisdiction. The clerk shall deposit all funds collected pursuant to this chapter into the treasury of the county or city in which such court is situated. Every clerk who collects the tax imposed by this chapter shall be entitled to compensation for such services in an amount equal to five percent of the amount so collected and paid over.

Code 1950, § 58-65.1; 1958, c. 590; 1972, c. 186; 1984, c. 675; 1988, c. 421.

When any county imposes the tax authorized by this article and there is located in such county a city having no separate court in whose clerk's office deeds and other instruments are admitted to record, the governing body of such county shall at least semiannually pay into the treasury of such city an amount equal to the county tax collected on recordations with respect to property located in such city, less the proportionate compensation, if any, paid by the county to the clerk of court for his service in collecting the tax. The clerk of the court shall compile and furnish the necessary information to the governing body of the county to enable it to comply with this provision.

Code 1950, § 58-65.1; 1958, c. 590; 1972, c. 186; 1984, c. 675.

In addition to the state tax and fee imposed by §§ 58.1-1712 and 58.1-1717.1, the governing body of any county and the council of any city may (i) impose a city or county tax in an amount equal to one-third of the amount of the state tax on the probate of a will or grant of administration on the probate of every such will or grant of administration and (ii) charge a $25 fee for the recordation of a list of heirs pursuant to § 64.2-509 or an affidavit pursuant to § 64.2-510, as provided in § 58.1-1717.1.

Code 1950, § 58-67.1; 1960, c. 60; 1984, c. 675; 2010, c. 266.

The tax imposed by this article shall be collected by the clerk of court in whose office wills are admitted to probate or grants of administration are issued.

The clerk who collects the tax and pays the revenues collected into the treasury of the county or city shall be entitled to compensation for such service in an amount equal to five percent of the amount collected and remitted. Such compensation shall be paid out of the county or city treasury.

Code 1950, § 58-67.1; 1960, c. 60; 1984, c. 675.

When any county imposes the tax authorized by this article and there is located in such county a city having no separate court in whose clerk's office wills are admitted to probate or grants of administration are issued, the governing body of such county shall at least semiannually pay into the treasury of such city an amount equal to the county tax collected on the probate of wills or grants of administration for each decedent residing within the corporate limits of such city at the time of his death, less the proportionate compensation, if any, paid by the county to the clerk for the collection of such tax. The clerk of the court shall compile and furnish the necessary information to the governing body of the county to enable it to comply with this provision.

Code 1950, § 58-67.1; 1960, c. 60; 1984, c. 675.

This article shall not be construed as affecting or repealing any city charter provision.

Code 1950, § 58-67.1; 1960, c. 60; 1984, c. 675.

Repealed by Acts 1985, c. 221.

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 780, cl. 2, effective January 1, 2007. See Editor's notes.

Repealed by Acts 2000, c. 1064.

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 780, cl. 2, effective January 1, 2007. See Editor's notes.

A. Any county, city or town may impose a tax on the consumers of the utility service or services provided by any water or heat, light and power company or other corporations coming within the provisions of Chapter 26 (§ 58.1-2600 et seq.), which tax shall not be imposed at a rate in excess of 20 percent of the monthly amount charged to consumers of the utility service and shall not be applicable to any amount so charged in excess of $15 per month for residential customers. Any city, town or county that on July 1, 1972, imposed a utility consumer tax in excess of limits specified herein may continue to impose such a tax in excess of such limits, but no more. For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2001, any tax imposed by a county, city or town on consumers of electricity shall be imposed pursuant to subsections C through J only.

B. Any tax enacted pursuant to the provisions of this section, or any change in a tax or structure already in existence, shall not be effective until 60 days subsequent to written notice by certified mail from the county, city or town imposing such tax or change thereto, to the registered agent of the utility corporation that is required to collect the tax.

C. Any county, city or town may impose a tax on the consumers of services provided within its jurisdiction by any electric light and power, water or gas company owned by another municipality; provided, that no county shall be authorized under this section to impose a tax within a municipality on consumers of services provided by an electric light and power, water or gas company owned by that municipality. Any county tax imposed hereunder shall not apply within the limits of any incorporated town located within such county which town imposes a town tax on consumers of utility service or services provided by any corporation coming within the provisions of Chapter 26 (§ 58.1-2600 et seq.), provided that such town (i) provides police or fire protection, and water or sewer services, provided that any such town served by a sanitary district or service authority providing water or sewer services or served by the county in which the town is located when such service or services are provided pursuant to an agreement between the town and county shall be deemed to be providing such water and sewer services itself, or (ii) constitutes a special school district and is operated as a special school district under a town school board of three members appointed by the town council.

Any county, city or town may provide for an exemption from the tax for any public safety answering point as defined in § 58.1-3813.1.

Any municipality required to collect a tax imposed under authority of this section for another city or county or town shall be entitled to a reasonable fee for such collection.

D. In a consolidated county wherein a tier-city exists, any county tax imposed hereunder shall apply within the limits of any tier-city located in such county, as may be provided in the agreement or plan of consolidation, and such tier-city may impose a tier-city tax on the same consumers of utility service or services, provided that the combined county and tier-city rates do not exceed the maximum permitted by state law.

E. The tax authorized by this section shall not apply to:

1. Utility sales of products used as motor vehicle fuels; or

2. Natural gas used to generate electricity by a public utility as defined in § 56-265.1 or an electric cooperative as defined in § 56-231.15.

F. 1. Any county, city or town may impose a tax on consumers of electricity provided by electric suppliers as defined in § 58.1-400.2.

The tax so imposed shall be based on kilowatt hours delivered monthly to consumers, and shall not exceed the limits set forth in this subsection. The provider of billing services shall bill the tax to all users who are subject to the tax and to whom it bills for electricity service, and shall remit such tax to the appropriate locality in accordance with § 58.1-2901. Any locality that imposed a tax pursuant to this section prior to January 1, 2001, based on the monthly revenue amount charged to consumers of electricity shall convert its tax to a tax based on kilowatt hours delivered monthly to consumers, taking into account minimum billing charges. The kilowatt hour tax rates shall, to the extent practicable: (i) avoid shifting the amount of the tax among electricity consumer classes and (ii) maintain annual revenues being received by localities from such tax at the time of the conversion. The current service provider shall provide to localities no later than August 1, 2000, information to enable localities to convert their tax. The maximum amount of tax imposed on residential consumers as a result of the conversion shall be limited to $3 per month, except any locality that imposed a higher maximum tax on July 1, 1972, may continue to impose such higher maximum tax on residential consumers at an amount no higher than the maximum tax in effect prior to January 1, 2001, as converted to kilowatt hours. For nonresidential consumers, the initial maximum rate of tax imposed as a result of the conversion shall be based on the annual amount of revenue received from each class of nonresidential consumers in calendar year 1999 for the kilowatt hours used that year. Kilowatt hour tax rates imposed on nonresidential consumers shall be based at a class level on such factors as existing minimum charges, the amount of kilowatt hours used, and the amount of consumer utility tax paid in calendar year 1999 on the same kilowatt hour usage. The limitations in this section on kilowatt hour rates for nonresidential consumers shall not apply after January 1, 2004. On or before October 31, 2000, any locality imposing a tax on consumers of electricity shall duly amend its ordinance under which such tax is imposed so that the ordinance conforms to the requirements of subsections C through J. Notice of such amendment shall be provided to service providers in a manner consistent with subsection B except that "registered agent of the provider of billing services" shall be substituted for "registered agent of the utility corporation." Any conversion of a tax to conform to the requirements of this subsection shall not be effective before the first meter reading after December 31, 2000, prior to which time the tax previously imposed by the locality shall be in effect.

2. For purposes of this section, "kilowatt hours delivered" shall mean in the case of eligible customer-generators, as defined in § 56-594, those kilowatt hours supplied from the electric grid to such customer-generators, minus the kilowatt hours generated and fed back to the electric grid by such customer-generators.

G. Until the consumer pays the tax to such provider of billing services, the tax shall constitute a debt to the locality. If any consumer receives and pays for electricity but refuses to pay the tax on the bill that is imposed by a locality, the provider of billing services shall notify the locality of the name and address of such consumer. If any consumer fails to pay a bill issued by a provider of billing services, including the tax imposed by a locality as stated thereon, the provider of billing services shall follow its normal collection procedures with respect to the charge for electric service and the tax, and upon collection of the bill or any part thereof shall (i) apportion the net amount collected between the charge for electric service and the tax and (ii) remit the tax portion to the appropriate locality. After the consumer pays the tax to the provider of billing services, the taxes shall be deemed to be held in trust by such provider of billing services until remitted to the localities.

H. Any county, city or town may impose a tax on consumers of natural gas provided by pipeline distribution companies and gas utilities. The tax so imposed shall be based on CCF delivered monthly to consumers and shall not exceed the limits set forth in this subsection. The pipeline distribution company or gas utility shall bill the tax to all users who are subject to the tax and to whom it delivers gas and shall remit such tax to the appropriate locality in accordance with § 58.1-2905. Any locality that imposed a tax pursuant to this section prior to January 1, 2001, based on the monthly revenue amount charged to consumers of gas shall convert to a tax based on CCF delivered monthly to consumers, taking into account minimum billing charges. The CCF tax rates shall, to the extent practicable: (i) avoid shifting the amount of the tax among gas consumer classes and (ii) maintain annual revenues being received by localities from such tax at the time of the conversion. Current pipeline distribution companies and gas utilities shall provide to localities not later than August 1, 2000, information to enable localities to convert their tax. The maximum amount of tax imposed on residential consumers as a result of the conversion shall be limited to $3 per month, except any locality that imposed a higher maximum tax on July 1, 1972, may continue to impose such higher maximum tax on residential consumers at an amount no higher than the maximum tax in effect prior to January 1, 2001, as converted to CCF. For nonresidential consumers, the initial maximum rate of tax imposed as a result of the conversion shall be based on the annual amount of revenue received and due from each of the nonresidential gas purchase and gas transportation classes in calendar year 1999 for the CCF used that year. CCF tax rates imposed on nonresidential consumers shall be based at a class level on such factors as existing minimum charges, the amount of CCF used, and the amount of consumer utility tax paid and due in calendar year 1999 on the same CCF usage. The initial maximum rate of tax imposed under this section shall continue, unless lowered, until December 31, 2003. Beginning January 1, 2004, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or limit any locality from imposing a consumer utility tax on nonresidential customers up to the amount authorized by subsection A.

On or before October 31, 2000, any locality imposing a tax on consumers of gas shall duly amend its ordinance under which such tax is imposed so that the ordinance conforms to the requirements of subsections C through J of this section. Notice of such amendment shall be provided to pipeline distribution companies and gas utilities in a manner consistent with subsection B except that "registered agent of the pipeline distribution company or gas utility" shall be substituted for "registered agent of the utility corporation." Any conversion of a tax to conform to the requirements of this subsection shall not be effective before the first meter reading after December 31, 2000, prior to which time the tax previously imposed by the locality shall be in effect.

I. Until the consumer pays the tax to such gas utility or pipeline distribution company, the tax shall constitute a debt to the locality. If any consumer receives and pays for gas but refuses to pay the tax that is imposed by the locality, the gas utility or pipeline distribution company shall notify the localities of the names and addresses of such consumers. If any consumer fails to pay a bill issued by a gas utility or pipeline distribution company, including the tax imposed by a locality, the gas utility or pipeline distribution company shall follow its normal collection procedures with regard to the charge for the gas and the tax and upon collection of the bill or any part thereof shall (i) apportion the net amount collected between the charge for gas service and the tax and (ii) remit the tax portion to the appropriate locality. After the consumer pays the tax to the gas utility or pipeline distribution company, the taxes shall be deemed to be held in trust by such gas utility or pipeline distribution company until remitted to the localities.

J. For purposes of this section:

"Class of consumers" means a category of consumers served under a rate schedule established by the pipeline distribution company and approved by the State Corporation Commission.

"Gas utility" has the same meaning as provided in § 56-235.8.

"Pipeline distribution company" has the same meaning as provided in § 58.1-2600.

"Service provider" and "provider of billing services" have the same meanings as provided in subsection E of § 58.1-2901, and "class" of consumers means a category of consumers defined as a class by their service provider.

K. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a locality from enacting an ordinance or other local law to allow such locality to impose a tax on consumers of natural gas provided by pipeline distribution companies and gas utilities, beginning at such time as natural gas service is first made available in such locality. The maximum amount of tax imposed on residential consumers based on CCF delivered monthly to consumers shall not exceed $3 per month. The maximum tax rate imposed by such locality on nonresidential consumers based on CCF delivered monthly to consumers shall not exceed an average of the tax rates on nonresidential consumers of natural gas in effect (at the time natural gas service is first made available in such locality) in localities whose residents are being provided natural gas from the same pipeline distribution company or gas utility or both that is also providing natural gas to the residents of such locality. Beginning January 1, 2004, the tax rates for residential and nonresidential consumers of natural gas in such locality shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of subsection H.

Code 1950, § 58-617.2; 1966, c. 540; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 90; 1972, cc. 338, 459; 1975, c. 55; 1976, c. 565; 1982, c. 616; 1984, cc. 154, 675, 695; 1986, c. 38; 1992, c. 399; 1995, cc. 553, 590; 1998, c. 337; 1999, c. 971; 2000, cc. 614, 691, 706, 1064; 2001, cc. 737, 748; 2004, cc. 8, 159; 2008, c. 883; 2012, cc. 4, 582.

Not set out. (1988, c. 702; 1990, c. 492.)

Any county, city or town authorized to levy and collect consumer utility taxes as provided in § 58.1-3814 may levy such taxes upon and collect them from the occupant or lessee of any premises, title to which is held by (i) a person whose property is tax exempt under Chapter 36 (§ 58.1-3600 et seq.) of this title, or (ii) by a person who is exempt from license taxation by virtue of § 58.1-2508. Such taxes shall be applied to the utility services purchased by such person and furnished at such premises for the use and benefit of such occupant or lessee. Such taxes may be fixed at a specific amount per rental unit or other base or measured in some other manner as the county, city or town levying such taxes may prescribe. This section shall not be construed to empower any county, city or town to impose such taxes upon (i) the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions or agencies of either, or (ii) the federal government or any of its agencies, or (iii) any person who by law is exempt therefrom.

Code 1950, § 58-851.4; 1964, c. 530; 1984, c. 675; 2006, c. 780.

No county with a population of over 150,000, shall levy a utility consumers' tax as authorized by this article if such county levies a personal property tax on household goods and personal effects. Household goods shall be limited to furniture, furnishings, machinery, tools and appliances used by an owner or a member of his household in and about their place of residence.

Code 1950, § 58-851.5; 1966, c. 542; 1984, c. 675.

Any county, city or town which requires local businesses, or any class thereof, to collect, account for and remit to such locality a local tax imposed on the consumer, may allow such businesses a commission for such service in the form of a deduction from the tax remitted. Such commission shall be provided for by ordinance, which shall set the rate thereof, not to exceed five percent of the amount of tax due and accounted for. No deduction shall be allowed if the amount due was delinquent.

Code 1950, § 58-851.5:1; 1984, c. 168.

The governing body of any county, city or town may exempt utilities consumed on all property that has been designated or classified as exempt from property taxes pursuant to Article X, Section 6 (a) (2) or Article X, Section 6 (a) (6) of the Constitution of Virginia, from the consumer utility taxes that may be imposed under this article.

2001, c. 302; 2004, cc. 8, 159; 2006, c. 780.

In accordance with the provisions of Article X, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia, events to which admission is charged shall be divided into the following classes for the purposes of taxation:

1. Admissions charged for attendance at any event, the gross receipts of which go wholly to charitable purpose or purposes.

2. Admissions charged for attendance at public and private elementary, secondary, and college school-sponsored events, including events sponsored by school-recognized student organizations.

3. Admissions charged for entry into museums, botanical or similar gardens, and zoos.

4. Admissions charged to participants in order to participate in sporting events.

5. Admissions charged for entry into major league baseball games and events at any major league baseball stadium which has seating for at least 40,000 persons.

6. All other admissions.

Code 1950, § 58-404.1; 1950, p. 635; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 1; 1984, c. 675; 1989, c. 291; 1997, c. 287.

A. Any county, except as provided in subsection C, is hereby authorized to levy a tax on admissions charged for attendance at any event. The tax shall not exceed 10 percent of the amount of charge for admission to any such event. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the governing bodies of such counties shall prescribe by ordinance the terms, conditions, and amount of such tax and may classify between events conducted for charitable purposes and events conducted for noncharitable purposes.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, localities may, by ordinance, elect not to levy an admissions tax on admission to an event, provided that the purpose of the event is solely to raise money for charitable purposes and that the net proceeds derived from the event will be transferred to an entity or entities that are exempt from sales and use tax pursuant to § 58.1-609.11.

C. No tax under this section shall be authorized in any county in which a state sales and use tax, in addition to the taxes authorized pursuant to §§ 58.1-603 and 58.1-604, is imposed at a rate of at least one percent, a portion of which is dedicated to the promotion of tourism.

Code 1950, § 58-404.2; 1971, c. 212; 1977, c. 573; 1978, c. 432; 1984, c. 675; 1995, c. 201; 1998, cc. 150, 532; 1999, c. 986; 2001, c. 485; 2003, cc. 757, 758; 2005, c. 106; 2007, c. 813; 2020, cc. 1214, 1263.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1214 and 1263, cl. 2.

Expired.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1214 and 1263, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2006, c. 780, cl. 2, effective January 1, 2007. See Editor's notes for expiration.

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Accommodations" means any room or space for which tax is imposed on the retail sale of the same pursuant to this article.

"Accommodations fee" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Accommodations intermediary" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Accommodations provider" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Affiliate" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-439.18.

"Discount room charge" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Retail sale" means a sale to any person for any purpose other than for resale.

"Room charge" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

A. 1. Any county, by duly adopted ordinance, may levy a transient occupancy tax on hotels, motels, boarding houses, travel campgrounds, and other facilities offering guest rooms rented out for continuous occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The tax shall be imposed on the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of the room or space occupied in a retail sale. Such tax shall be in such amount and on such terms as the governing body may, by ordinance, prescribe.

2. Unless otherwise provided in this article, any county that imposes a transient occupancy tax at a rate greater than two percent shall, by ordinance, provide that (i) any excess from a rate over two percent shall be designated and spent solely for such purpose as was authorized under this article prior to January 1, 2020, or (ii) if clause (i) is inapplicable, any excess from a rate over two percent but not exceeding five percent shall be designated and spent solely for tourism and travel, marketing of tourism or initiatives that, as determined after consultation with the local tourism industry organizations, including representatives of lodging properties located in the county, attract travelers to the locality, increase occupancy at lodging properties, and generate tourism revenues in the locality. Unless otherwise provided in this article, for any county that imposes a transient occupancy tax pursuant to this section or an additional transient occupancy tax pursuant to another provision of this article, any excess over five percent, combining the rates of all taxes imposed pursuant to this article, shall not be restricted in its use and may be spent in the same manner as general revenues. If any locality has enacted an additional transient occupancy tax pursuant to subsection C of § 58.1-3823, then the governing body of the locality shall be deemed to have complied with the requirement that it consult with local tourism industry organizations, including lodging properties. If there are no local tourism industry organizations in the locality, the governing body shall hold a public hearing prior to making any determination relating to how to attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality.

B. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days in hotels, motels, boarding houses, travel campgrounds, and other facilities offering guest rooms. In addition, that portion of any tax imposed hereunder in excess of two percent shall not apply to travel campgrounds in Stafford County.

C. Nothing herein contained shall affect any authority heretofore granted to any county, city or town to levy such a transient occupancy tax. The county tax limitations imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3711 shall apply to any tax levied under this section, mutatis mutandis.

D. Any county, city or town that requires local hotel and motel businesses, or any class thereof, to collect, account for and remit to such locality a local tax imposed on the consumer may allow such businesses a commission for such service in the form of a deduction from the tax remitted. Such commission shall be provided for by ordinance, which shall set the rate thereof at no less than three percent and not to exceed five percent of the amount of tax due and accounted for. No commission shall be allowed if the amount due was delinquent.

E. All transient occupancy tax collections shall be deemed to be held in trust for the county, city or town imposing the tax.

Code 1950, § 76.1; 1970, c. 443; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 214; 1973, c. 433; 1974, c. 614; 1983, c. 313; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 556; 1992, cc. 263, 834; 1996, c. 833; 1997, cc. 757, 764; 1998, cc. 729, 733; 1999, cc. 233, 234, 241, 253, 260; 2000, c. 470; 2001, cc. 571, 585; 2003, c. 939; 2004, cc. 7, 610; 2005, cc. 76, 915; 2006, cc. 67, 376; 2007, cc. 86, 596, 767; 2008, c. 230; 2009, cc. 13, 31, 116, 497, 513, 524; 2010, c. 505; 2011, cc. 385, 606; 2012, c. 290; 2013, cc. 19, 200, 319, 378; 2014, c. 188; 2015, cc. 57, 78, 98; 2016, c. 51; 2017, c. 23; 2018, c. 293; 2020, cc. 330, 1214, 1263; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, and in lieu of any authority to impose a transient occupancy tax in any other provision of law, general or special, Roanoke County may impose a total transient occupancy tax not to exceed seven percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room, space, or overnight guest room occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

2. The revenue generated and collected from the two percent tax rate increase shall be designated and expended solely for advertising the Roanoke metropolitan area as an overnight tourist destination by members of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. For purposes of this subsection, "advertising the Roanoke metropolitan area as an overnight tourism destination" means advertising that is intended to attract visitors from a sufficient distance so as to require an overnight stay.

2012, c. 340; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1214 and 1263, cl. 2, effective May 1, 2021.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 305, cl. 2.

A. Hanover County, Chesterfield County and Henrico County may impose:

1. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed four percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for promoting tourism, travel or business that generates tourism or travel in the Richmond metropolitan area; and

2. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for expanding the Richmond Centre, a convention and exhibition facility in the City of Richmond.

3. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed one percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the development and improvement of the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation's facilities in Richmond, for promoting the use of the Richmond Centre and for promoting tourism, travel or business that generates tourism and travel in the Richmond metropolitan area.

B. Any county with the county manager plan of government may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale, provided that the county's governing body approves the construction of a county conference center. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the design, construction, debt payment, and operation of such conference center.

C. (For expiration date, see Acts 2018, c. 850) The Counties of James City and York may impose an additional transient occupancy tax for the use or possession of any overnight guest room in an amount not to exceed $2 per room per night. The tax imposed by this subsection shall not apply to travel campground sites or to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. Of the revenues generated by the tax authorized by this subsection, one-half of the revenues generated from each night of occupancy of an overnight guest room shall be deposited into the Historic Triangle Marketing Fund, created pursuant to subsection F of § 58.1-603.2, and one-half of the revenues shall be retained by the locality in which the tax is imposed.

C. (For effective date, see Acts 2018, c. 850) 1. The Counties of James City and York may impose an additional transient occupancy tax for the use or possession of any overnight guest room in an amount not to exceed $2 per room per night. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and expended solely for advertising the Historic Triangle area, which includes all of the City of Williamsburg and the Counties of James City and York, as an overnight tourism destination by the members of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. The tax imposed by this subsection shall not apply to travel campground sites or to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

1. The Counties of James City and York may impose an additional transient occupancy tax for the use or possession of any overnight guest room in an amount not to exceed $2 per room per night. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and expended solely for advertising the Historic Triangle area, which includes all of the City of Williamsburg and the Counties of James City and York, as an overnight tourism destination by the members of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. The tax imposed by this subsection shall not apply to travel campground sites or to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

2. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall consist of the members as provided herein. The governing bodies of the City of Williamsburg, the County of James City, and the County of York shall each designate one of their members to serve as members of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee. These three members of the Committee shall have two votes apiece. In no case shall a person who is a member of the Committee by virtue of the designation of a local governing body be eligible to be selected a member of the Committee pursuant to subdivision a.

a. Further, one member of the Committee shall be selected by the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association; one member of the Committee shall be from The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and shall be selected by the Foundation; one member of the Committee shall be an employee of Busch Gardens Europe/Water Country USA and shall be selected by Busch Gardens Europe/Water Country USA; one member of the Committee shall be from the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and shall be selected by the Foundation; one member of the Committee shall be selected by the Executive Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce; and one member of the Committee shall be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tourism Authority who shall serve ex officio. Each of these six members of the Committee shall have one vote apiece. The President of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges unless chosen by the Executive Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce to serve as its voting representative. The Executive Director of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges unless chosen by the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association to serve as its voting representative.

In no case shall more than one person of the same local government, including the governing body of the locality, serve as a member of the Committee at the same time.

If at any time a person who has been selected to the Committee by other than a local governing body becomes or is (a) a member of the local governing body of the City of Williamsburg, the County of James City, or the County of York, or (b) an employee of one of such local governments, the person shall be ineligible to serve as a member of the Committee while a member of the local governing body or an employee of one of such local governments. In such case, the body that selected the person to serve as a member of the Commission shall promptly select another person to serve as a member of the Committee.

3. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall maintain all authorities granted by this section. The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce shall serve as the fiscal agent for the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee with specific responsibilities to be defined in a contract between such two entities. The contract shall include provisions to reimburse the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce for annual audits and any other agreed-upon expenditures. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall also contract with the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce to provide administrative support services as the entities shall mutually agree.

4. The provisions in subdivision 2 relating to the composition and voting powers of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall be a condition of the authority to impose the tax provided herein.

For purposes of this subsection, "advertising the Historic Triangle area" as an overnight tourism destination means advertising that is intended to attract visitors from a sufficient distance so as to require an overnight stay of at least one night.

D. Bedford County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent solely for tourism and travel; marketing of tourism; or initiatives that, as determined after consultation with local tourism industry organizations, including representatives of lodging properties located in the county, attract travelers to the locality, increase occupancy at lodging properties, and generate tourism revenues in the locality.

E. Botetourt County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

The revenue generated and collected from the two percent tax rate increase shall be designated and expended solely for advertising the Roanoke metropolitan area as an overnight tourist destination by members of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. For purposes of this subsection, "advertising the Roanoke metropolitan area as an overnight tourism destination" means advertising that is intended to attract visitors from a sufficient distance so as to require an overnight stay.

F. The county tax limitations imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3711 shall apply to any tax levied under this section, mutatis mutandis.

G. The authority to impose a tax pursuant to this section shall be in addition to the authority provided by the provisions of § 58.1-3819.

1996, c. 712; 1998, cc. 74, 444; 2002, cc. 173, 259; 2004, cc. 50, 610, 828; 2006, c. 377; 2008, c. 839; 2011, c. 677; 2016, cc. 52, 56, 305; 2018, c. 850; 2020, cc. 1214, 1263; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383; 2022, c. 652.

In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by this chapter, beginning July 1, 2004, Fairfax County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale, provided that the board of supervisors of the County appropriates the revenues collected from such tax as follows:

1. No more than 75 percent of such revenues shall be designated for and appropriated to Fairfax County to be spent for tourism promotion in the County after consultation with local tourism industry organizations and in support of the local tourism industry; and

2. The remaining portion of such revenues shall be designated for and appropriated to a nonprofit convention and visitor's bureau located in Fairfax County.

The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

For purposes of this section, "tourism promotion" means direct funding designated and spent solely for tourism, marketing of tourism or initiatives that, as determined in consultation with the local tourism industry organizations, attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality.

2004, c. 9; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

Any additional transient occupancy tax or any increase in the rate of an existing transient occupancy tax in Fairfax County first imposed on or after July 1, 2010, shall not apply within the limits of any town located in such county, without the consent of the governing body of the town.

2010, cc. 116, 660.

In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by this chapter, Rockbridge County and the Cities of Lexington and Buena Vista may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The authority to impose such tax is hereby individually granted to the local governing bodies of such county and cities. However, if such tax is adopted, the local governing body of such county or cities adopting the tax shall appropriate the revenues collected therefrom to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation to be used by the Foundation for the sole purpose of making principal and interest payments on a promissory note or notes signed or executed by the Virginia Horse Center Foundation or the Virginia Equine Center Foundation prior to January 1, 2004, with the Rockbridge Industrial Development Authority as the obligee or payee, as part of an agreement for the Authority to issue bonds on behalf of or for improvements at the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, Virginia Equine Center Foundation, or Virginia Equine Center.

For purposes of this section, such note or notes signed or executed prior to January 1, 2004, shall include any notes or other indebtedness incurred to refinance such note or notes, regardless of the date of refinancing, provided that such refinancing shall not include any debt or the payment of any debt for any activity relating to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, Virginia Equine Center Foundation, or Virginia Equine Center that occurs on or after January 1, 2004.

The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. Such tax may no longer be imposed in such county or such cities after final payment of the note or notes described herein.

2004, c. 598; 2007, c. 61; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 305, cl. 2.

A. In addition to such transient occupancy tax as is authorized by § 58.1-3819, Bath County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale.

B. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent as follows:

1. One-half of such revenue shall be designated and spent solely for tourism and travel, marketing of tourism, or initiatives that, as determined after consultation with the local tourism industry organizations, attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality. If there are no local tourism industry organizations in the locality, the governing body shall hold a public hearing prior to making any determination relating to how to attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality.

2. One-half of such revenue shall be designated and spent solely for the design, operation, construction, improvement, acquisition, and debt service for such expenses on debt incurred after June 30, 2009, of tourism facilities, historic sites, beautification projects, promotion of the arts, regional tourism marketing efforts, capital costs related to travel and transportation including air service, public parks and recreation, and information centers that attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality.

C. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days in hotels, motels, boarding houses, travel campgrounds, and other facilities offering guest rooms.

D. If Bath County requires local hotel and motel businesses, or any class thereof, to collect, account for, and remit the tax imposed pursuant to this section, the County may allow such businesses a commission for such service in the form of a deduction from the tax remitted. Such commission shall be provided for by ordinance, which shall set the rate thereof, no less than three percent and not to exceed five percent of the amount of tax due and accounted for. No commission shall be allowed if the amount due is delinquent.

E. All tax collections pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be held in trust for Bath County.

2009, c. 16; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible historic lodging property" means a structure (i) that contains 450 or more rooms for overnight lodging purposes, (ii) that is situated on one or more parcels of land exceeding 700 acres, and (iii) of which some or all portions of the structure were constructed prior to 1930.

"Qualified county" means a county in which at least 40 percent of the employment is in accommodations and food services, as set forth in the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages for the second quarter of 2017, as published by the Virginia Employment Commission.

B. In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by this chapter, a qualified county may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed five percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied at an eligible historic lodging property. The qualified county may adopt an ordinance implementing the tax only after it holds a public hearing regarding the implementation of such a tax.

C. The revenues collected from the additional tax authorized by this section shall be designated solely as local funds to be used to incentivize other entities to invest in substantial rehabilitation, renovation, and expansion projects on eligible historic lodging properties that would enhance local economic development and tourism opportunities.

D. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

2018, c. 626.

In addition to the transient occupancy tax authorized by § 58.1-3819, Arlington County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed one-fourth of one percent of the total price paid by the customer for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a retail sale. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the purpose of promoting tourism and business travel in the county.

2016, cc. 316, 365; 2018, c. 611; 2020, cc. 61, 238, 1214, 1263; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

A. In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by §§ 58.1-3819 through 58.1-3825.3, Prince George County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

B. The governing body of Prince George County shall appropriate the revenue generated and collected from the additional tax solely for the purposes of promoting tourism, including marketing generally and marketing Prince George County as an overnight tourist destination, programs, staff, events, and capital projects. For purposes of this section, "marketing Prince George County as an overnight tourist destination" means advertising that is intended to attract visitors from a sufficient distance so as to require an overnight stay.

2020, c. 787.

A. The transient occupancy tax imposed pursuant to the authority of this article shall be imposed only for the use or possession of any room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes.

B. For any retail sale of accommodations not facilitated by an accommodations intermediary, the accommodations provider shall collect the tax imposed pursuant to this article, computed on the total price paid for the use or possession of the accommodations, and shall remit the same to the locality and shall be liable for the same.

C. For any retail sale of accommodations facilitated by an accommodations intermediary, the accommodations intermediary shall be deemed under this article as a facility making a retail sale of an accommodation. The accommodations intermediary shall collect the tax imposed pursuant to this article, computed on the room charge, and shall remit the same to the locality and shall be liable for the same.

D. For any transaction for the retail sale of accommodations involving two or more parties that meet the definition of accommodations intermediary, nothing in this section shall prohibit such parties from making an agreement regarding which party shall be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax, so long as the party so responsible is registered with the locality for purposes of remitting the tax. In such event, the party that agrees to collect and remit the tax shall be the sole party liable for the tax, and the other parties to such agreement shall not be liable for such tax.

E. In any retail sale of any accommodations in which an accommodations intermediary does not facilitate the sale of the accommodations, the accommodations provider shall separately state the amount of the tax in the bill, invoice, or similar documentation and shall add the tax to the total price paid for the use or possession of the accommodations. In any retail sale of any accommodations in which an accommodations intermediary facilitates the sale of the accommodation, the accommodations intermediary shall separately state the amount of the tax on the bill, invoice, or similar documentation and shall add the tax to the room charge; thereafter, such tax shall be a debt from the customer to the accommodations intermediary, recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts.

F. Subject to applicable laws, an accommodations intermediary shall submit to a locality the property addresses and gross receipts for all accommodations facilitated by the accommodations intermediary in such locality. Such information shall be submitted monthly.

2005, c. 20; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383; 2022, cc. 7, 640.

A. The tax-assessing officer of a county, city, or town shall administer and enforce the assessment of, and the treasurer of such county, city, or town shall collect, transient occupancy taxes from accommodations intermediaries.

B. In administering the assessment of transient occupancy taxes from accommodations intermediaries, the tax-assessing officer of a county, city, or town shall provide adequate information to accommodations intermediaries to enable them to identify transient occupancy rates, the applicable jurisdiction, and any discounts, deductions, or exemptions.

C. Every accommodations intermediary required to collect or pay the transient occupancy tax, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the month in which the tax shall become effective, shall transmit to the tax-assessing officer of a county, city, or town a return showing the gross receipts, any allowable discounts, deductions, or exemptions, and the rate applied to the resultant net receipts and shall remit to the treasurer of such locality the total local transient occupancy tax due, as well as any penalties and interest due, arising from all transactions taxable under this chapter during the preceding calendar month. Where applicable, the return shall also include the number of room nights and the room tax rate applied, the total amount of room tax due, and any regional transportation transient occupancy taxes due. Thereafter, a like return shall be prepared and transmitted to the tax-assessing officer of a county, city, or town by every accommodations intermediary on or before the twentieth day of each month, for the preceding calendar month.

2023, c. 410.

A. Any locality is authorized to levy taxes upon the sale or use of cigarettes. The governing body of any locality that levies a cigarette tax and permits the use of meter impressions or stamps to evidence its payment may authorize an officer of the local or joint enforcement authority to enter into an arrangement with the Department of Taxation under which a tobacco wholesaler who so desires may use a dual die or stamp to evidence the payment of both the local tax and the state tax, and the Department is hereby authorized to enter into such an arrangement. The procedure under such an arrangement shall be such as may be agreed upon by and between the authorized local or joint enforcement authority officer and the Department.

B. Any county cigarette tax imposed shall not apply within the limits of any town located in such county where such town now, or hereafter, imposes a town cigarette tax. However, if the governing body of any such town shall provide that a county cigarette tax, as well as the town cigarette tax, shall apply within the limits of such town, then such cigarette tax may be imposed by the county within such town.

C. The maximum tax rate imposed by a locality on cigarettes pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be as follows:

1. If such locality is (i) a city or town that, on January 1, 2020, had in effect a rate not exceeding two cents ($0.02) per cigarette sold or (ii) a county, then the maximum rate shall be two cents ($0.02) per cigarette sold.

2. If such locality is a city or town that, on January 1, 2020, had in effect a rate exceeding two cents ($0.02) per cigarette sold, then the maximum rate shall be the rate in effect on January 1, 2020.

D. Any locality that increases its tax rate shall, for one calendar year after the increase, allow a person with unsold inventory to pay the tax increase on the unsold inventory by filing a return, rather than requiring the use of a stamp or meter impression. Such return shall identify the amount of unsold inventory, the amount of tax paid on such unsold inventory, and the amount of tax due as a result of the tax rate increase. Such return shall be due six calendar months after the effective date of the tax rate increase. For purposes of this subsection, "unsold inventory" means cigarettes held prior to the tax rate increase.

Code 1950, § 58-757.27; 1960, c. 392, § 27; 1962, c. 473; 1977, c. 595; 1984, c. 675; 2020, cc. 1214, 1263; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 61; 2022, cc. 223, 224.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1214 and 1263, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2021.

Any county, city or town having a tax upon the sale or use of cigarettes may by ordinance, provide for the administration and enforcement of any such cigarette tax. Such local ordinance may:

1. Provide for the registration of any distributor, wholesaler, vendor, retailer or other person selling, storing or possessing cigarettes within or transporting cigarettes within or into such taxing jurisdiction for sale or use. Such registration may be conditioned upon the filing of a bond with a surety company authorized to do business in Virginia as surety, which bond shall not exceed one and one-half times the average monthly liability of such taxpayer. The county, city or town may revoke registration if such bond is impaired, but for no other reason. Any such distributor, wholesaler, retailer or other person whose business and residence is outside the taxing jurisdiction, who shall sell, store or possess in the taxing jurisdiction therein any cigarettes shall, by virtue of such sale, storage or possession submit himself to its legal jurisdiction and appoint as his attorney for any service of lawful process such officer or person as may be designated in the local ordinance for that purpose. A copy of any such process served on the said officer or person shall be sent forthwith by registered mail to the distributor, wholesaler or retailer.

2. Provide for the use of a tax stamp or meter impression as evidence of payment of the tax or other method or system of reporting payment and collection of such tax. Any local tax stamp or meter impression required to be used to evidence payment of the tax shall be of the same stamp technology that is used or required by the Commonwealth for the state cigarette tax stamp pursuant to Chapter 10 (§ 58.1-1000 et seq.). The purchase price of any tax stamps purchased under this section shall be refunded, without penalties or additional fees, upon verification by the county, city, or town imposing the tax that the stamps have been returned to such county, city, or town.

3. Provide that tobacco products found in quantities of more than six cartons within the taxing jurisdiction shall be conclusively presumed for sale or use within the jurisdiction and may be seized and confiscated if:

a. They are in transit, and are not accompanied by a bill of lading or other document indicating the true name and address of the consignor or seller and of the consignee or purchaser, and the brands and quantity of cigarettes so transported, or are in transit and accompanied by a bill of lading or other document which is false or fraudulent, in whole or in part; or

b. They are in transit and are accompanied by a bill of lading or other document indicating:

(1) A consignee or purchaser in another state or the District of Columbia who is not authorized by the law of such other jurisdiction to receive or possess such tobacco products on which the taxes imposed by such other jurisdiction have not been paid, unless the tax of the state or District of destination has been paid and the said products bear the tax stamps of that state or District; or

(2) A consignee or purchaser in the Commonwealth of Virginia but outside the taxing jurisdiction who does not possess a Virginia sales and use tax certificate, a Virginia retail cigarette license and, where applicable, both a business license and retail cigarette license issued by the local jurisdiction of destination; or

c. They are not in transit and the tax has not been paid, nor have approved arrangements for payment been made, provided that this subparagraph shall not apply to cigarettes in the possession of distributors or public warehouses which have filed notice and appropriate proof with the taxing jurisdiction that those cigarettes are temporarily within the taxing jurisdiction and will be sent to consignees or purchasers outside the jurisdiction in the normal course of business.

4. Provide that cigarettes and other property, other than motor vehicles, used in the furtherance of any illegal evasion of the tax so seized and confiscated may be disposed of by sale or other method deemed appropriate by the local taxing authority. No credit from any sale or other disposition shall be allowed toward any tax or penalties owed.

5. Provide that persons violating any provision thereof shall be deemed guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and require the payment of penalties for late payment not to exceed 10 percent per month, penalties for fraud or evasion of the tax not to exceed 50 percent, and interest not to exceed three quarters of one percent per month, upon any tax found to be overdue and unpaid. The mere possession of untaxed cigarettes in quantities of not more than six cartons shall not be a violation of any such ordinance.

6. Provide for the forfeiture and sale of any property seized; provided, however, that proper notice of such seizure shall be given to the known holders of property interests in such property and shall include procedures for administrative appeal as well as affirmative defenses which may be asserted by such holders which procedures must be set forth in reasonable detail.

7. Provide that any coin-operated vending machine, in which any cigarettes are found, stored or possessed bearing a counterfeit or bogus cigarette tax stamp or impression or any unstamped tobacco products, or any cigarettes upon which the tax has not been paid, may be declared contraband property and shall be subject to confiscation and sale as provided in subsection 6. When any such vending machine is found containing such cigarettes it shall be presumed that such cigarettes were intended for distribution, sale or use therefrom. In lieu of immediate seizure and confiscation of any vending machines used in an illegal evasion of the tax it may be sealed by appropriate enforcement authorities to prevent continued illegal sale or removal of any cigarettes, and may be left unmoved until other civil and criminal penalties are imposed or waived. Notice requirements shall be the same as if the machine had been seized. Such seal may be removed and the machine declared eligible for operation only by authorized enforcement authorities. Nothing in this section shall prevent seizure and confiscation of a vending machine at any time after it is sealed.

8. Provide that any counterfeit stamps or counterfeit impression devices may also be seized and confiscated.

9. Any county, city or town may enact an ordinance which would delegate its administrative and enforcement authority under its cigarette tax ordinance to one agency or authority pursuant to the provisions of § 15.2-1300. Such agency or authority may promulgate rules and regulations governing the display of cigarette stamps in vending machines, tax liens against property of taxpayers hereunder, extend varying discount rates and establish different classes of taxpayers or those required to collect and remit the tax, requirements concerning keeping and production of records, administrative and jeopardy assessment of tax where reasonably justified, required notice to authorities of sale of taxpayer's business, audit requirements and authority, and criteria for authority of distributors and others to possess untaxed cigarettes and any other provisions consistent with the powers granted by this section or necessarily implied therefrom. Such ordinance may further provide that such agency or authority created may issue a common revenue stamp, employ legal counsel, bring appropriate court action, in its own name where necessary to enforce payment of the cigarette taxes or penalties owed any member jurisdiction and provide cigarette tax agents, and the necessary enforcement supplies and equipment needed to effectively enforce the cigarette tax ordinance promulgated by each such county, city or town. Any cigarette tax agents shall meet such requirements of training or experience as may be promulgated from time to time by the enforcement authority when performing their duties and shall be required to carry proper identification and may be armed for their own protection and for the enforcement of such ordinance. Any such agent shall have the power of arrest upon reasonable and probable cause that a violation of any tobacco tax ordinance has been committed. Any common revenue stamp issued by such agency or authority shall be of the same stamp technology that is used or required by the Commonwealth for the state cigarette tax stamp pursuant to Chapter 10 (§ 58.1-1000 et seq.).

Code 1950, § 58-757.29; 1974, c. 472; 1977, c. 595; 1984, c. 675; 2012, cc. 89, 258; 2017, c. 113.

A. As used in this section:

"Member locality" means a locality that elects to become a member of a regional cigarette tax board and have its local cigarette tax administered by the board.

"Region" means the group of localities for which the regional cigarette tax board administers local cigarette taxes.

"Regional cigarette tax board" means a board established by a group of at least six member localities pursuant to their powers under this article, Chapter 13 (§ 15.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 15.2, and the Regional Cooperation Act (§ 15.2-4200 et seq.), with the purpose of administering local cigarette taxes on a regional basis subject to the provisions of this section.

B. A regional cigarette tax board shall have the following duties:

1. Providing for the use of a uniform meter impression or stamp as evidence of payment of any local cigarette tax within the region.

2. Entering into an arrangement, on behalf of or in cooperation with its member localities, with the Department pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of § 58.1-3830, for the use of a dual die or stamp as evidence of payment of any applicable local and state tax.

3. Providing a single point of contact for a stamping agent authorized under this article or Chapter 10 (§ 58.1-1000) to remit local cigarette taxes due to any member locality.

4. Providing a discount to a stamping agent as compensation for accounting for the tax due under this article. The discount shall be in the amount of two percent of the tax otherwise due.

5. Distributing any local cigarette taxes collected by the board to the appropriate member locality.

6. Enforcing all local cigarette tax ordinances within the region.

7. Promoting uniformity of cigarette tax ordinances among its member localities.

8. To the extent possible, encouraging uniformity of cigarette tax rates among its member localities.

9. Allowing persons with unsold inventory subject to tax increase to pay such increase by filing a return consistent with the provisions of subsection D of § 58.1-3830.

10. Accomplishing any other purpose that helps promote the uniform administration of local cigarette taxes throughout the region.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 61; 2022, cc. 223, 224.

A. 1. Any county is hereby authorized to levy a tax on food and beverages sold, for human consumption, by a restaurant, as such term is defined in § 35.1-1, not to exceed six percent of the amount charged for such food and beverages. Such tax shall not be levied on food and beverages sold through vending machines or by (i) boardinghouses that do not accommodate transients; (ii) cafeterias operated by industrial plants for employees only; (iii) restaurants to their employees as part of their compensation when no charge is made to the employee; (iv) volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services agencies; nonprofit churches or other religious bodies; or educational, charitable, fraternal, or benevolent organizations the first three times per calendar year and, beginning with the fourth time, on the first $100,000 of gross receipts per calendar year from sales of food and beverages (excluding gross receipts from the first three times), as a fundraising activity, the gross proceeds of which are to be used by such church, religious body or organization exclusively for nonprofit educational, charitable, benevolent, or religious purposes; (v) churches that serve meals for their members as a regular part of their religious observances; (vi) public or private elementary or secondary schools or institutions of higher education to their students or employees; (vii) hospitals, medical clinics, convalescent homes, nursing homes, or other extended care facilities to patients or residents thereof; (viii) day care centers; (ix) homes for aged or infirm individuals, individuals with disabilities, battered women, narcotic addicts, or alcoholics; (x) age-restricted apartment complexes or residences with restaurants, not open to the public, where meals are served and fees are charged for such food and beverages and are included in rental fees; or (xi) sellers at local farmers markets and roadside stands, when such sellers' annual income from such sales does not exceed $2,500. For the exemption described in clause (xi), the sellers' annual income shall include income from sales at all local farmers markets and roadside stands, not just those sales occurring in the locality imposing the tax. Also, the tax shall not be levied on food and beverages: (a) when used or consumed and paid for by the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or the United States; (b) provided by a public or private nonprofit charitable organization or establishment to elderly, infirm, or needy individuals or individuals with blindness or other disabilities in their homes, or at central locations; or (c) provided by private establishments that contract with the appropriate agency of the Commonwealth to offer food, food products, or beverages for immediate consumption at concession prices to elderly, infirm, or needy individuals or individuals with blindness or other disabilities in their homes or at central locations.

2. Grocery stores and convenience stores selling prepared foods ready for human consumption at a delicatessen counter shall be subject to the tax, for that portion of the grocery store or convenience store selling such items.

The term "beverage" as set forth herein means alcoholic beverages as defined in § 4.1-100 and nonalcoholic beverages served as part of a meal. The tax shall be in addition to the sales tax currently imposed by the county pursuant to the authority of Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.). Collection of such tax shall be in a manner prescribed by the governing body.

B. Nothing herein contained shall affect any authority heretofore granted to any county, city, or town to levy a meals tax. The county tax limitations imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3711 shall apply to any tax levied under this section, mutatis mutandis. All food and beverage tax collections and all meals tax collections shall be deemed to be held in trust for the county, city, or town imposing the applicable tax. The wrongful and fraudulent use of such collections other than remittance of the same as provided by law shall constitute embezzlement pursuant to § 18.2-111.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no locality shall levy any tax under this section upon (i) that portion of the amount paid by the purchaser as a discretionary gratuity in addition to the sales price; (ii) that portion of the amount paid by the purchaser as a mandatory gratuity or service charge added by the restaurant in addition to the sales price, but only to the extent that such mandatory gratuity or service charge does not exceed 20 percent of the sales price; or (iii) alcoholic beverages sold in factory sealed containers and purchased for off-premises consumption or food purchased for human consumption as "food" is defined in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. § 2012, as amended, and federal regulations adopted pursuant to that act, except for the following items: sandwiches, salad bar items sold from a salad bar, prepackaged single-serving salads consisting primarily of an assortment of vegetables, and nonfactory sealed beverages.

1988, c. 847; 1989, c. 391; 1990, cc. 846, 862; 1992, c. 263; 1993, c. 866; 1999, c. 366; 2000, c. 626; 2001, c. 619; 2003, c. 792; 2004, c. 610; 2004, Sp. Sess. I, c. 3; 2005, c. 915; 2006, cc. 568, 602; 2009, c. 415; 2014, c. 673; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2017, c. 833; 2018, cc. 450, 730; 2020, cc. 241, 1214, 1263; 2023, cc. 148, 149.

In any case where a business is located partially within two or more local jurisdictions by reason of the boundary line between the local jurisdictions passing through such place of business, and one or more of the local jurisdictions imposes the food and beverage or meals tax, the tax rate shall be computed by applying the apportionment formula in § 58.1-3709 to the food and beverage or meals tax rate of each applicable local jurisdiction. Such apportioned rate shall be rounded to the nearest one-half percent.

1993, c. 104; 2020, cc. 1214, 1263.

A. The provisions of Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) to the contrary notwithstanding, any city or town having general taxing powers established by charter pursuant to or consistent with the provisions of § 15.2-1104 and, to the extent authorized in this chapter, any county may impose excise taxes on cigarettes, admissions, transient room rentals, meals, and travel campgrounds. No such taxes on meals may be imposed on (i) that portion of the amount paid by the purchaser as a discretionary gratuity in addition to the sales price of the meal; (ii) that portion of the amount paid by the purchaser as a mandatory gratuity or service charge added by the restaurant in addition to the sales price of the meal, but only to the extent that such mandatory gratuity or service charge does not exceed 20 percent of the sales price; or (iii) food and beverages sold through vending machines or on any tangible personal property purchased with food coupons issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Program or drafts issued through the Virginia Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. No such taxes on meals may be imposed when sold or provided by (a) restaurants, as such term is defined in § 35.1-1, to their employees as part of their compensation when no charge is made to the employee; (b) volunteer fire departments and volunteer emergency medical services agencies; nonprofit churches or other religious bodies; or educational, charitable, fraternal, or benevolent organizations, the first three times per calendar year and, beginning with the fourth time, on the first $100,000 of gross receipts per calendar year from sales of meals (excluding gross receipts from the first three times), as a fundraising activity, the gross proceeds of which are to be used by such church, religious body or organization exclusively for nonprofit educational, charitable, benevolent, or religious purposes; (c) churches that serve meals for their members as a regular part of their religious observances; (d) public or private elementary or secondary schools or institutions of higher education to their students or employees; (e) hospitals, medical clinics, convalescent homes, nursing homes, or other extended care facilities to patients or residents thereof; (f) day care centers; (g) homes for aged or infirm individuals, individuals with disabilities, battered women, narcotic addicts, or alcoholics; (h) age-restricted apartment complexes or residences with restaurants, not open to the public, where meals are served and fees are charged for such food and beverages and are included in rental fees; or (i) sellers at local farmers markets and roadside stands, when such sellers' annual income from such sales does not exceed $2,500. For the exemption described in clause (i), the sellers' annual income shall include income from sales at all local farmers markets and roadside stands, not just those sales occurring in the locality imposing the tax.

Also, the tax shall not be levied on meals: (1) when used or consumed and paid for by the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or the United States; (2) provided by a public or private nonprofit charitable organization or establishment to elderly, infirm, or needy individuals or individuals with blindness or other disabilities in their homes or at central locations; or (3) provided by private establishments that contract with the appropriate agency of the Commonwealth to offer food, food products, or beverages for immediate consumption at concession prices to elderly, infirm, or needy individuals or individuals with blindness or other disabilities in their homes or at central locations.

In addition, as set forth in § 51.5-98, no blind person operating a vending stand or other business enterprise under the jurisdiction of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and located on property acquired and used by the United States for any military or naval purpose shall be required to collect and remit meals taxes.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no city or town shall levy any tax under this section upon alcoholic beverages sold in factory sealed containers and purchased for off-premises consumption or food purchased for human consumption as "food" is defined in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. § 2012, as amended, and federal regulations adopted pursuant to that act, except for the following items: sandwiches, salad bar items sold from a salad bar, prepackaged single-serving salads consisting primarily of an assortment of vegetables, and nonfactory sealed beverages.

C. Any city or town that is authorized to levy a tax on admissions may levy the tax on admissions paid for any event held at facilities that are not owned by the city or town at a lower rate than the rate levied on admissions paid for any event held at its city- or town-owned civic centers, stadiums, and amphitheaters.

D. Expired.

1984, c. 675; 1986, cc. 545, 605; 1989, cc. 314, 391; 1999, c. 366; 2000, c. 626; 2003, c. 12; 2005, c. 106; 2006, cc. 568, 602; 2009, c. 415; 2014, c. 673; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2020, cc. 241, 1214, 1263; 2023, cc. 148, 149.

A. The situs for taxation for any tax levied on the sale of food and beverages or meals shall be the county, city, or town in which the sales are made, namely the locality in which each place of business is located without regard to the locality of delivery or possible use by the purchaser. The term "sale" means a final sale to the ultimate consumer.

B. If any person has a definite place of business or maintains an office in more than one locality, then such other locality may impose its tax on the sale of food and beverages or meals which are made by such person, provided the locality imposes a local tax on the sale of food and beverages or meals.

1990, c. 843.

A. Rappahannock County and Madison County, by duly adopted ordinance, are hereby authorized to levy a tax for the use or possession of any room or space occupied in a bed and breakfast establishment on which the county is authorized to levy a transient occupancy tax under § 58.1-3819 and on food and beverages sold for human consumption within such establishment on which the county is authorized to levy a food and beverage tax under § 58.1-3833, when the charges for the use or possession of the room or space and for the sale of food and beverages are assessed in the aggregate and not separately stated. The combined tax rate shall not exceed the sum of the rates authorized and enacted by ordinance pursuant to the provisions of §§ 58.1-3819 and 58.1-3833, and such rate shall be imposed on the price paid by the customer for the use or possession of the room or space occupied and for the food and beverages. Such tax shall be in such amount and on such terms as the governing body may, by ordinance, prescribe. The tax shall be in addition to the sales tax currently imposed by the county pursuant to the authority of Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.). Collection of such tax shall be in a manner prescribed by the governing body. All taxes collected under the authority of this article shall be deemed to be held in trust for the county imposing the tax.

B. If a bed and breakfast establishment separately states charges for the use or possession of the room or space occupied and for the sale of food and beverages, a transient occupancy tax levied under § 58.1-3819 and a food and beverage tax levied under § 58.1-3833 shall apply to such separately stated charges, as applicable.

C. Any tax imposed pursuant to this article shall not apply within the limits of any town located in such county, where such town now, or hereafter, imposes a town meals tax or a town transient occupancy tax on the same subject. If the governing body of any town within a county, however, provides that a county tax authorized by this article shall apply within the limits of such town, then such tax may be imposed within such towns.

D. Nothing herein contained shall affect any authority heretofore granted to any county to levy a food and beverage tax or a transient occupancy tax.

1999, c. 617; 2004, c. 610; 2011, c. 192; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 62, 383.

A. As used in this section:

"Accommodations" means any room or space for which tax is imposed on the retail sale of the same pursuant to this article.

"Accommodations fee" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Accommodations intermediary" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Accommodations provider" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Affiliate" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-439.18.

"Discount room charge" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

"Retail sale" means a sale to any person for any purpose other than for resale.

"Room charge" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-602.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, the tax imposed on transient room rentals pursuant to the authority of this article shall be imposed only for the use or possession of any room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes.

C. The scope of the transient occupancy tax imposed pursuant to this article shall be consistent with the scope of the transient occupancy tax imposed under Article 6 (§ 58.1-3818.8 et seq.).

2006, c. 216; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

A. Any city, county or town may establish, by ordinance, one or more technology zones. Each locality may grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in a technology zone.

B. The tax incentives may be provided for up to ten years and may include, but not be limited to: (i) reduction of permit fees; (ii) reduction of user fees; and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

C. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such zone which may include, but not be limited to: (i) special zoning for the district; (ii) permit process reform; (iii) exemption from ordinances; and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to ten years.

D. Each locality establishing a technology zone pursuant to this section may also adopt a local enterprise zone development taxation program for the technology zone as provided in § 58.1-3245.12.

E. The establishment of a technology zone shall not preclude the area from also being designated as an enterprise zone.

1995, c. 397; 1996, c. 830; 1997, c. 168; 2002, c. 449.

A. Any city, county, or town may establish, by ordinance, one or more tourism zones. Each locality may grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in a tourism zone.

B. The tax incentives may be provided for up to 20 years and may include, but not be limited to (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

C. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such zone that may include, but not be limited to (i) special zoning for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances, excluding ordinances or provisions of ordinances adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), the Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 62.1-44.15:51 et seq.), or the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§ 62.1-44.15:24 et seq.), and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

D. The establishment of a tourism zone shall not preclude the area from also being designated as an enterprise zone.

2006, c. 642; 2008, c. 462; 2013, cc. 756, 793.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Economic development authority" means a local industrial development authority or a local or regional political subdivision, the public purpose of which is to assist in economic development.

"Gap financing" means debt financing to compensate for a shortfall in project funding between the expected development costs of an authorized tourism project and the debt and equity capital provided by the developer of the project.

B. 1. If a locality has established a tourism zone pursuant to § 58.1-3851, has adopted an ordinance establishing a tourism plan as determined by guidelines set forth by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and has adopted an ordinance authorizing a tourism project to meet a deficiency identified in the adopted tourism plan approved by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and the tourism project has been certified by the State Comptroller as qualifying for the entitlement to tax revenues authorized by this section, the authorized tourism project shall be entitled to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a one percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project. The entitlement shall be contingent on the locality enacting an ordinance designating certain local tax revenues to the tourism project pursuant to subsection C and shall be subject to the conditions set forth in subsection D. The purpose of such entitlement shall be to assist the developer with obtaining gap financing and making payments of principal and interest thereon. The entitlement shall continue until the gap financing is paid in full. Entitled sales and use tax revenues shall be applied solely to payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

2. On a quarterly basis, the Tax Commissioner shall certify the amount of the entitled sales and use tax revenues to the Comptroller, who shall remit such revenues to the county or city in which the authorized tourism project is located. The county or city shall remit the revenues to the economic development authority. No payments herein shall be made until an agreement exists between the developer of the authorized tourism project and the economic development authority.

3. The state sales and use tax entitlement established in subdivision 1 shall not include any (i) sales and use tax revenues dedicated pursuant to § 58.1-638 or 58.1-638.1 or (ii) revenues generated pursuant to Chapter 766 of the Acts of Assembly of 2013, the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities assessed pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-603.1 and subsection B of § 58.1-604.01; or the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities of historic significance imposed under § 58.1-603.2.

C. If a locality has adopted the ordinances required by subdivision B 1 to entitle an authorized tourism project to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a one percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project, the local governing body of the county or city in which the authorized tourism project is located shall also direct by ordinance that an amount equal to the revenues generated by at least a one percent local sales and use tax, or an equivalent amount of other local tax revenues as designated by the ordinance, generated by transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project shall be applied to the payment of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing. Such revenues shall be remitted in the same manner, for the same time period, and under the same conditions as the remittances paid in accordance with subsection B, mutatis mutandis.

D. Prior to any entitlement to tax revenues for an authorized tourism project pursuant to subsections B and C, the owner of such project shall have a minimum of 70 percent of funding for the project in place through debt or equity, enter into a performance agreement with the economic development authority or political subdivision, and enter into an agreement to pay an access fee. The access fee shall be equivalent to the state sales and use tax revenue generated by and returned to the project pursuant to subdivision B 1 and shall be collected by the locality and remitted to the economic development authority on a quarterly basis. The access fee and the sales and use tax entitlement shall be used solely to make payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

E. In the event that the total amount of sales and use tax entitlement and the access fee exceeds any annual debt service on the qualified gap financing, such excess shall be paid to the principal of the loan until the qualified gap financing is paid in full.

F. A tourism project that is entitled to and receives revenues pursuant to this section shall not be eligible to receive revenues pursuant to § 58.1-608.3, 58.1-3851.2, or 58.1-3851.3.

2011, cc. 646, 814; 2012, cc. 73, 572; 2015, cc. 203, 349; 2022, c. 468.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Economic development authority" means a local industrial development authority or a local or regional political subdivision, the public purpose of which is to assist in economic development.

"Gap financing" means debt financing to compensate for a shortfall in project funding between the expected development costs of an authorized tourism project of regional significance and the debt and equity capital provided by the developer of the project.

"Tourism project of regional significance" means a tourism project that meets the requirements set forth in subdivision B 1 and that additionally represents a new capital investment of at least $100 million in a new tourism facility or in a substantial and significant renovation or expansion of an existing tourism facility by a private entity in the Commonwealth and, as determined by the Virginia Tourism Authority, that supports increased hotel occupancy, new job creation, an increase in the number of out-of-state visitors to the Commonwealth, and other factors of significant fiscal and economic impact. Any property, real, personal, or mixed, that is necessary or complementary, such as arenas, sporting facilities, hotels, and other tourism venues, developed in connection with any such tourism project of regional significance, including facilities for food preparation and serving, parking facilities, and administrative offices, is encompassed within this definition, as is theme-related retail activity by vendors or the private entity owner of the project that occurs on site and directly supports the tourism mission of the project. A tourism project of regional significance does not include, for purposes of this section, general retail outlets, ancillary retail structures not directly related to the tourism purpose of the project or other retail establishments commonly referred to as shopping centers or malls or residential condominiums, townhomes, or other residential units.

B. 1. If a locality has established a tourism zone pursuant to § 58.1-3851, has adopted an ordinance establishing a tourism plan as determined by guidelines set forth by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and has adopted an ordinance authorizing a tourism project of regional significance to meet a deficiency identified in the adopted tourism plan approved by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and if the tourism project of regional significance has been certified by the State Comptroller as qualifying for the entitlement to tax revenues authorized by this section, the authorized tourism project of regional significance shall be entitled to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a 1.5 percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project of regional significance. The entitlement shall be contingent on the locality's enacting an ordinance designating certain local revenues to the project pursuant to subsection C and shall be subject to the conditions set forth in subsection D. The purpose of such entitlement shall be to assist the developer with obtaining gap financing and making payments of principal and interest thereon.

2. On a quarterly basis, the Tax Commissioner shall certify the amount of the entitled sales and use tax revenues to the Comptroller, who shall remit such revenues to the county or city in which the authorized tourism project of regional significance is located. The county or city shall remit the revenues to the economic development authority. No payments herein shall be made until an agreement exists between the developer of the authorized tourism project of regional significance and the economic development authority. The entitlement shall continue until the gap financing is paid in full or for the length of time specified in the agreement between the developer and the economic development authority, but in no event shall the entitlement extend beyond 20 years from the date of the initial entitlement. Entitled sales and use tax revenues shall be applied solely to payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

3. The state sales and use tax entitlement established in subdivision 1 shall not include any (i) sales and use tax revenues dedicated pursuant to § 58.1-638 or 58.1-638.1 or (ii) revenues generated pursuant to Chapter 766 of the Acts of Assembly of 2013, the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities assessed pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-603.1 and subsection B of § 58.1-604.01; or the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities of historic significance imposed under § 58.1-603.2.

C. If a locality has adopted the ordinances required by subdivision B 1 to entitle an authorized tourism project of regional significance to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a 1.5 percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project of regional significance, the local governing body of the county or city in which the authorized tourism project of regional significance is located shall also direct by ordinance that an amount of local revenues, from any authorized source of revenues available to the locality, equal to the revenues generated by at least a 1.5 percent state sales and use tax generated by transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized tourism project of regional significance shall be applied to the payment of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing. Such revenues shall be remitted in the same manner, for the same time period, and under the same conditions as the remittances paid in accordance with subsection B, mutatis mutandis.

D. Prior to any entitlement to tax revenues for an authorized tourism project of regional significance pursuant to subsections B and C, the owner of such project shall have a minimum of 80 percent of funding for the project in place through debt or equity, enter into a performance agreement with the economic development authority or political subdivision, and enter into an agreement to pay an access fee. The access fee shall be equivalent to the state sales and use tax revenue generated by and returned to the project pursuant to subdivision B 1 and shall be collected by the locality and remitted to the economic development authority on a quarterly basis. The access fee and the state and local contributions pursuant to this section shall be used solely to make payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

E. In the event that the total amount of state and local contributions pursuant to this section and the access fee exceeds any annual debt service on the qualified gap financing, such excess shall be paid to the principal of the loan until the qualified gap financing is paid in full.

F. Neither the Commonwealth nor any political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall incur any debt under this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the pledging of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth, or any of its revenues, or the faith and credit of any other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any of its revenues, for the payment of any debt or debt financing, or meeting any contractual obligation incurred by the owner or developer of any authorized tourism project of regional significance.

G. An authorized tourism project of regional significance that is entitled to and receives revenues pursuant to this section shall not be eligible to receive revenues pursuant to § 58.1-608.3, 58.1-3851.1, or 58.1-3851.3.

2015, c. 349; 2022, c. 468.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Economic development authority" means a local industrial development authority or a local or regional political subdivision, the public purpose of which is to assist in economic development.

"Gap financing" means debt financing to compensate for a shortfall in project funding between the expected development costs of a major tourism project and the debt and equity capital provided by the developer of the project and any refinancing of a gap financing. "Gap financing" includes a developer's primary debt financing, as well as any refinancing thereof, if the entitlements to tax revenues provided under this section are pledged as collateral for such primary debt financing.

"Major tourism project" means a tourism project that meets the requirements set forth in subdivision B 1 and that additionally represents a new capital investment of at least $500 million in a new tourism facility or in a substantial and significant renovation or expansion of an existing tourism facility by a private entity in the Commonwealth, that will result in the creation of at least 500 net new jobs, and, as determined by the Virginia Tourism Authority, that supports increased hotel occupancy, an increase in the number of out-of-state visitors to the Commonwealth, and other factors of significant fiscal and economic impact. Any property, real, personal, or mixed, that is necessary or complementary, such as arenas, sporting facilities, hotels, and other tourism venues, developed in connection with any such major tourism project, including facilities for food preparation and serving, parking facilities, and administrative offices, is encompassed within this definition, as is theme-related retail activity that occurs on site and directly supports the tourism mission of the project. "Major tourism project" does not include, for purposes of this section, (i) general retail outlets, ancillary retail structures not directly related to the tourism purpose of the project, or other retail establishments commonly referred to as shopping centers or malls or (ii) residential condominiums, townhomes, or other residential units.

B. 1. If a locality has established a tourism zone pursuant to § 58.1-3851, has adopted an ordinance establishing a tourism plan as determined by guidelines set forth by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and has adopted an ordinance authorizing a major tourism project to meet a deficiency identified in the adopted tourism plan approved by the Virginia Tourism Authority, and if the major tourism project has been certified by the State Comptroller as qualifying for the entitlement to tax revenues authorized by this section, the major tourism project shall be entitled to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a two percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized major tourism project. The entitlement shall be contingent on the locality's enacting an ordinance designating certain local revenues to the project pursuant to subsection C and shall be subject to the conditions set forth in subsection D. The entitlement shall also be subject to review and approval by the MEI Project Approval Commission pursuant to § 30-310. The purpose of such entitlement shall be to assist the developer with obtaining gap financing and making payments of principal and interest thereon.

2. On a quarterly basis, the Tax Commissioner shall certify the amount of the entitled sales and use tax revenues to the Comptroller, who shall remit such revenues to the county or city in which the authorized major tourism project is located. The county or city shall remit the revenues to the economic development authority or such other entity as the economic development authority shall designate. No payments herein shall be made until an agreement exists between the developer of the authorized major tourism project and the economic development authority. The entitlement shall continue until the gap financing is paid in full or for the length of time specified in the agreement between the developer and the economic development authority, but in no event shall the entitlement extend beyond 20 years from the date of the accrual of the initial entitlement. Entitled sales and use tax revenues shall be applied solely to payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

3. The state sales and use tax entitlement established in subdivision 1 shall not include any (i) sales and use tax revenues dedicated pursuant to § 58.1-638 or 58.1-638.1 or (ii) revenues generated pursuant to Chapter 766 of the Acts of Assembly of 2013, the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities assessed pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-603.1 and subsection B of § 58.1-604.01; or the additional state sales and use tax in certain counties and cities of historic significance imposed under § 58.1-603.2.

C. If a locality has adopted the ordinances required by subdivision B 1 to entitle an authorized major tourism project to an amount equal to the revenues generated by a two percent state sales and use tax on transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized major tourism project, or subsequently acquired premises for the major tourism project, the local governing body of the county or city in which the authorized major tourism project is located shall also direct by ordinance that an amount of local revenues, from any authorized source of revenues available to the locality, equal to the revenues generated by at least a two percent state sales and use tax generated by transactions taking place on the premises of the authorized major tourism project, or subsequently acquired premises for the authorized major tourism project, shall be applied to the payment of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing. Such revenues shall be remitted in the same manner, for the same time period, and under the same conditions as the remittances paid in accordance with subsection B, mutatis mutandis.

D. Prior to any entitlement to tax revenues for a major tourism project pursuant to subsections B and C, the owner of such project shall have a minimum of 70 percent of funding for the project in place through debt or equity, enter into a performance agreement with the economic development authority or political subdivision, and enter into an agreement to pay an access fee. The access fee shall be equivalent to the state sales and use tax revenue generated by and returned to the project pursuant to subdivision B 1 and shall be collected by the locality and remitted to the economic development authority or such other entity as the economic development authority shall designate on a quarterly basis. The access fee and the state and local contributions pursuant to this section shall be used solely to make payments of principal and interest on the qualified gap financing.

E. In the event that the total amount of state and local contributions pursuant to this section and the access fee exceeds any annual debt service on the qualified gap financing, such excess shall be paid to the principal of the loan until the qualified gap financing is paid in full.

F. Neither the Commonwealth nor any political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall incur any debt under this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the pledging of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth, or any of its revenues, or the faith and credit of any other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any of its revenues, for the payment of any debt or debt financing, or meeting any contractual obligation incurred by the owner or developer of any authorized major tourism project.

G. A major tourism project that is entitled to and receives revenues pursuant to this section shall not be eligible to receive revenues pursuant to § 58.1-608.3, 58.1-3851.1, or 58.1-3851.2.

2022, c. 468.

A. As used in this article, unless the context clearly shows otherwise, the term or phrase:

"Green roof" means a solar roof or a vegetative roof.

"Solar roof" means a solar roofing system that generates reusable energy, which reusable energy accounts for at least 2.5 percent of the total electric energy used by the building to which the solar roofing system is attached.

"Vegetative roof" means a roofing system designed in accordance with the Virginia Stormwater Management Program's standards and specifications for green roofs, as set forth in the Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse, in which at least 50 percent of the total roofing area is vegetative.

B. Any county, city, or town may, by ordinance, grant incentives or provide regulatory flexibility to encourage the use of green roofs in the construction, repair, or remodeling of residential and commercial buildings. Any such incentive or regulatory flexibility shall require that green roofs be used.

C. The incentives or regulatory flexibility may include, but shall not be limited, to (i) a reduction in permit fees when green roofs are used, (ii) a streamlined process for the approval of building permits when green roofs are used, or (iii) a reduction in any gross receipts tax on green roof contractors as defined by the local ordinance.

D. The extent and duration of the incentives or regulatory flexibility shall conform to the requirements of the Constitutions of Virginia and of the United States.

2009, cc. 17, 604.

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Defense contractor" means a business, other than a defense production business, that is primarily engaged in providing services in support of national defense, including but not limited to logistics and technical support.

"Defense production business" means a business engaged in the design, development, or production of materials, components, or equipment required to meet the needs of national defense. A locality may also include as a defense production business any business that performs functions ancillary to or in support of the design, development, or production of such materials, components, or equipment.

B. Any city, county, or town may establish, by ordinance, one or more defense production and support services zones. Each locality may grant incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility in a defense production and support services zone.

C. The incentives may be provided to defense contractors or defense production businesses located in a defense production and support services zone for up to 20 years and may include, but not be limited to (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. In addition, local governing bodies are authorized to enter into agreements for the payment of economic development incentive grants to defense contractors or defense production businesses located in defense production and support services zones with payment of the grants conditioned upon the businesses making certain real property or capital investments, creating and maintaining new jobs, or performing or meeting other economic development objectives.

D. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such zone that may include, but not be limited to (i) special zoning for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances, and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 20 years.

E. Each locality establishing a defense production and support services zone pursuant to this section may also adopt a local enterprise zone development taxation program for the defense production and support services zone as provided in § 58.1-3245.12.

F. The establishment of a defense production and support services zone shall not preclude the area from also being designated as an enterprise zone.

2011, cc. 875, 877; 2012, c. 91.

A. As used in this section, "military centered community" means a community designated by a locality that has a significant presence of military personnel living or working in the designated area and where such presence drives, or has the potential to drive, significant economic activity.

B. Any locality may establish, by ordinance, one or more military centered community zones. Each locality, or another political subdivision acting on behalf of the locality, may offer unique benefits to businesses looking to locate within a military centered community zone for the purpose of serving the needs of military personnel.

C. The benefits may be provided to businesses, including new residential developments, located in a military centered community zone for up to 20 years and may include, but need not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, and (iii) notwithstanding any other provision of law, reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. In addition, local governing bodies are authorized to enter into agreements for the payment of economic development incentive grants to such businesses with payment of the grants conditioned upon the businesses making certain real property or capital investments, creating and maintaining new jobs, or performing or meeting other economic development objectives.

D. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such zone that may include, but need not be limited to, (i) special zoning for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances, and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 20 years.

E. The establishment of a military centered community zone shall not preclude the area from also being designated as an enterprise zone under the Enterprise Zone Grant Act (§ 59.1-538 et seq.) nor shall it preclude the area from receiving support under the Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program established in § 2.2-233.1.

2024, cc. 298, 350.

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Energy-efficient building" means a building that (i) exceeds the energy efficiency standards prescribed in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code by at least 30 percent as determined by any qualified architect, professional engineer, or licensed contractor who is not related to the taxpayer and who shall certify to the taxpayer that he has qualifications to provide the certification; (ii) is certified to meet or exceed performance standards of the Green Globes Green Building Rating System of the Green Building Initiative; (iii) is certified to meet or exceed performance standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the U.S. Green Building Council; or (iv) is certified to meet or exceed performance standards or guidelines under the EarthCraft House Program. Energy-efficient building certification for purposes of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) shall be determined by (a) the granting of a certification under one of the programs in clauses (i) through (iv) that certifies that the building meets or exceeds the performance standards or guidelines of the program or (b) a qualified architect or professional engineer designated by the county, city, or town, who shall determine whether the building meets or exceeds the performance standards or guidelines under any program described in clauses (i) through (iv).

"Green development business" means a business engaged primarily in the design, development, or production of materials, components, or equipment used to reduce negative impact on the environment.

B. Any county, city, or town may establish, by ordinance, one or more green development zones. Each locality may grant tax incentives and provide certain regulatory flexibility to green development businesses located in a green development zone or to businesses operating in an energy-efficient building located in a green development zone.

C. The tax incentives may be provided for up to 10 years and may include, but not be limited to, (i) reduction of permit fees, (ii) reduction of user fees, and (iii) reduction of any type of gross receipts tax. The extent and duration of such incentive proposals shall conform to the requirements of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.

D. The governing body may also provide for regulatory flexibility in such green technology zone, which may include, but not be limited to, (i) special zoning for the district, (ii) permit process reform, (iii) exemption from ordinances, and (iv) any other incentive adopted by ordinance, which shall be binding upon the locality for a period of up to 10 years.

E. Each locality establishing a green development zone pursuant to this section may also adopt a local enterprise zone development taxation program for the green development zone as provided in § 58.1-3245.12.

F. The establishment of a green development zone shall not preclude the area from also being designated as an enterprise zone.

2017, c. 27.