What is the Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax?
It's a gross receipts tax which means businesses are taxed on all revenue generated even if the business lost money for the year. This puts a heavy burden on all businesses but especially restaurants and others with slim profit margins.
WHY OPPOSE THE BPOL TAX?
Stafford Residents and Businesses Are Already Paying More
Over the past several years, Stafford County has significantly increased the cost of living and doing business through higher property taxes, raising the meals tax, increased property assessments, commercial impact fees, and the state's highest hotel occupancy tax. Adding another business tax would increase those costs even more. ​
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High business taxes discourage new business investment in the County. Look at the decades of delays with the Aquia Town Center & The Garrison developments.
Stafford County must stay affordable for businesses and residents!
Stafford's Tax Burden Has Already Increased
Recent Tax Increases Include:
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Property taxes have increased 56% in recent years.
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Rising property assessments have increased tax bills for many homeowners and businesses.
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New commercial transportation impact fees add $10x thousands to development projects.
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Stafford has the highest transient occupancy (hotel) tax in Virginia.
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Sales tax is proposed to increase by 1% in Nov
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The 6% meals tax is one of the highest in the state
Residents & Businesses are already paying enough.
BPOL Is Different Than Most Business Taxes
BPOL is a gross receipts tax.
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This means businesses pay tax on their total sales, not their actual profit.
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A business may owe BPOL even if it:
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Made very little profit
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Had unusually high expenses
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Lost money during the year
This can place a heavier burden on businesses with narrow profit margins.
Small Businesses Would Be Hit the Hardest
Businesses most likely to feel the impact include:
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Restaurants
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Retail stores
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Family-owned businesses
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Contractors
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Professional service firms
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Startups
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Local entrepreneurs
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Many of these businesses already face higher operating costs from inflation, wages, insurance, rent, and property taxes.
All Residents Ultimately Pay the Price
When business costs increase, those costs are often passed on through:
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Higher prices
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Higher rents
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Increased service fees
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Reduced hiring
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Fewer employee raises
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Delayed expansion
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Higher business taxes don't stay with businesses. They affect everyone.
Stafford Needs More Businesses, Not More Barriers
Many residents want to see more:
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Restaurants
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Retail shopping
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Entertainment
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Professional services
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Local employers
Higher business taxes may make it more difficult to attract and retain those investments.
More Taxes Can Make Stafford Less Competitive
Businesses compare counties before deciding where to invest.
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When neighboring communities have lower costs, they may become more attractive locations for:
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New businesses
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Employers
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Restaurants
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Retail centers
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Commercial development
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This can result in less convenient shopping & higher local prices.
THERE'S A BETTER OPTION
Instead of creating a new business tax, many residents believe Stafford should focus on:
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Better management of existing tax revenue
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Responsible spending
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Growing the tax base through economic development
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Reducing unnecessary barriers for businesses
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Supporting local employers
Make Your Voice Heard!
Tell County leaders to reject the proposed BPOL tax and support policies that encourage local investment, job creation, and economic growth.
Contact Your Supervisor Today!
Garrisonville District • Pamela Yeung
(540) 273-2506
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Rock Hill District • Crystal Vanuch
(571) 540-0303
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Aquia District • Maya Guy
(826) 204-0127
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Falmouth District • Kecia Evans
(540) 940-4692
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Hartwood District • Darrell English
(540) 295-5974
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George Washington District • Deuntay Diggs
(826) 204-0767
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Griffis Widewater District • Tinesha Allen
(540) 940-5099
Speak at An Upcoming Meeting
The Board typically meets on the first, third and fourth Tuesday of each month. The 4th meeting is reserved for work sessions.
Current Meeting Schedule
August 18, 2026 - 5pm
September 1, 2026 - 5pm
September 15, 2026 - 5pm