RICHMOND, Va. – As many lawmakers around the country are working overtime to lower the cost of concert tickets and fighting fees from Ticketmaster, Virginia lawmakers want to add a new fee to the cost of seeing a concert in the state.
Virginians attending concerts, festivals, and other ticketed events may be paying more than they realize, as local governments across the state continue to collect admissions taxes of up to 10 percent on ticket prices. The tax, authorized under Virginia Code § 58.1-3818, allows cities and counties to set their own rates on entertainment and amusement admissions.
Richmond and Fredericksburg currently impose a 7 percent admissions tax on the sale of concert and event tickets, while other localities may charge less or choose not to levy the tax at all. The additional cost is collected by venues or event organizers at the time of ticket purchase and remitted to the locality.
The state’s general sales tax does not typically apply to ticket sales unless the price of admission includes food, beverages, or other tangible items. When such items are bundled into a “cover charge,” both the admissions tax and sales tax may apply.
Under the law, localities are permitted to exempt certain events from the tax, particularly those where proceeds benefit charitable or nonprofit organizations. The decision to levy or waive the tax remains at the discretion of each city or county.
The Virginia Code caps the admissions tax rate at 10 percent, though most localities remain below that threshold. Concertgoers and event organizers are encouraged to check local ordinances before purchasing or selling tickets to determine the exact rate in effect.
Key points:
- Virginia law allows localities to impose an admissions tax of up to 10 percent on concert and event tickets.
- Richmond and Fredericksburg currently charge 7 percent on amusement and entertainment admissions.
- Taxes are collected at the point of sale and may be waived for charitable events.