Virginia General Bill of Sale Overview
Virginia charges a combined 5.3% sales tax (4.3% state + 1% local) on most tangible personal property. An additional 0.7% applies in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, bringing the total to 6% in those areas. Virginia exempts most food purchased for home consumption at a reduced rate.
Virginia follows the UCC (Title 8.2) for sales of goods. A bill of sale is a well-recognized legal document for personal property transfers. Virginia\'s large and diverse population creates a varied secondary market.
5.3%
State sales tax
No
Notarization required
$500
UCC writing threshold
Virginia Requirements for Personal Property Sales
A Virginia bill of sale should include both parties\' full names and addresses, a comprehensive property description, the sale price, payment method, date, condition terms, and signatures.
Important: Document Everything
For any personal property sale over $500 in Virginia, a written bill of sale is essential under the UCC Statute of Frauds. Without written documentation, the agreement may not be enforceable in court. Always create a bill of sale for items of significant value.
What to Include in Your Virginia Bill of Sale
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed description including brand, model, serial number, color, and distinguishing features
- Sale Price: Amount in both numbers and words, plus the payment method
- Condition Statement: Current condition, known defects, and as-is or warranty terms
- Ownership Warranty: Seller confirms legal ownership and right to sell
- Date and Signatures: Date of sale with signatures from both buyer and seller
How to Fill Out a Virginia General Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Virginia general bill of sale properly and ensure it meets all state requirements for a legally sound document.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current Virginia mailing address. If the seller is a business, include the business name, entity type, and the name of the authorized representative. Add phone number and email for follow-up communication.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current address. The buyer's location in Virginia may affect the applicable use tax rate for the transaction. Include contact information for both parties.
Describe the Property
Provide a thorough description of the item: brand, model, serial number, color, size, and any distinguishing features. The description should be specific enough to uniquely identify the item. Attach photographs if possible for additional documentation.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method — cash, check, electronic transfer, or other. If the item is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price determines any use tax obligation for the buyer under Virginia law.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Virginia does not require notarization for general personal property bills of sale. For items valued over $500, notarization provides worthwhile legal protection.
Virginia Sales Tax & Use Tax on Personal Property
Virginia\'s use tax applies at the applicable rate on purchases where sales tax was not collected. Buyers report use tax on the Virginia income tax return (Form 760, Line 14). Virginia has been enhancing compliance, particularly in the Northern Virginia region.
| Tax / Detail | Rate / Information |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 5.3% |
| Local Taxes | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Use Tax | Same rate as sales tax — applies to private purchases |
| Notarization | No for general personal property |
| UCC Writing Requirement | Sales of $500+ must be in writing to be enforceable |
Sample Virginia General Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Virginia-specific general bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields appropriate for Virginia personal property transactions.
STATE OF VIRGINIA
GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Personal Property Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Virginia Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Virginia Address]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Item: [Detailed Description]
Serial No.: [If applicable]
Condition: [New / Used / As-Is]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Virginia General Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Virginia general bills of sale and personal property transactions.
Official Virginia Resources
Use these official resources to verify tax requirements and consumer protection laws for personal property transactions in Virginia.
Virginia Dept of Taxation — Sales & Use Tax
Tax rates, exemptions, and filing
Virginia Department of Taxation
General tax information and resources
UCC Article 2 — Sale of Goods
Uniform Commercial Code governing personal property sales
FTC — Warranty Laws & As-Is Sales
Understanding as-is clauses and warranty protections
Other Virginia Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Virginia? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Virginia Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Virginia Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Virginia Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Virginia ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Virginia Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Virginia Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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