Virginia Zapper & Sales Suppression Law
Virginia prohibits automated sales suppression devices.
- Citation
- Va. Code Ann. §§ 58.1-1814(B)-(C), 58.1-3907(B)
- Type
- A provision reaching only the use of suppression software — not its sale, manufacture, or possession — and only as a misdemeanor
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor (use only) + $20,000 civil penalty
- Enacted
- 2014
Automated sales suppression software — commonly called a “zapper” or “phantomware” — alters the electronic records of a point-of-sale or electronic cash register system so that sales, and the tax collected on them, go unreported. Virginia addresses this conduct through a provision reaching only the use of suppression software — not its sale, manufacture, or possession — and only as a misdemeanor.
Real 2014 sales-suppression provision, BUT use-only, misdemeanor, never uses zapper terminology. Should not be lumped in with felony states.
If you have received an audit notice, a reassessment, or an inquiry concerning suppression software in Virginia, the statute above is the provision most likely at issue. Confirm its current text before relying on it.
Facing a sales suppression allegation or a sales tax reassessment? We defend these matters. Email [email protected].
Reviewed July 2026 against primary sources. This page is a research aid, not legal advice.