The Young Professional Tax Credits

HB 5269 creates two tax credits for West Virginia residents aged 18-40 who are college graduates. It provides a credit equal to accumulated student loan interest (or up to $1,000 annually for graduates without debt) and a refundable child care credit tied to federal dependent care deductions. To qualify, taxpayers must reside in West Virginia for at least three years and have student loan debt (or be debt-free). The credits apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, reducing state income tax liability for eligible individuals.