HB 4846 changes how certain high-technology property is taxed in West Virginia by valuing qualifying servers and equipment at their scrap value (instead of full market value) for property tax purposes. It applies only to assets over $100 million owned by businesses in high-tech or internet advertising sectors, as defined by existing law. This reduces the taxable value of these assets, directly lowering property tax bills for qualifying businesses. The bill does not alter tax rates but modifies the valuation method for specific high-value technology assets.
HB 4913 exempts the first 100 acres of qualifying working farms from all state, county, and municipal property taxes. A "working farm" is defined as land primarily used for agricultural production (crops, livestock, etc.), actively managed, and producing goods for sale. The exemption applies per parcel - not per owner - to prevent landowners from splitting parcels to gain more tax breaks, and a clawback provision reinstates taxes if the land stops farming or is subdivided. The bill also prohibits reassessments based on nearby development or "highest and best use" theories unrelated to agriculture.
HB 4260 authorizes West Virginia's Tax Department to establish specific rules for claiming property tax payments as income tax credits. This directly affects homeowners who pay property taxes and may qualify for these credits. The bill approves a previously modified rule (110 CSR 21H) that clarifies how property tax payments can be applied toward income tax obligations, without changing the credit amount or eligibility criteria. It ensures the Tax Department can implement administrative procedures for this existing credit mechanism.
HB 4822 redirects tax revenue from "High Impact Data Centers" (as defined under West Virginia law) to three specific recipients: the Public Employees Insurance Association (PEIA) fund, local counties, and public school boards. The bill amends tax distribution rules to require that incremental property tax revenue from these data centers - calculated using a new formula based on assessed value and levy rates - be reallocated instead of following previous distribution methods. This change directly affects data centers certified as "High Impact" under §11-6N-2, ensuring their tax contributions support state health insurance programs, county services, and school funding. The policy shift replaces prior tax allocation rules with a fixed distribution structure for these facilities.
HB 4031 requires West Virginia counties to conduct regular, three-year evaluations of all real property for tax assessment purposes, replacing arbitrary increases. The bill prohibits raising property tax assessments without a valid justification - such as a verified change in a property's market value - and bans using assessments solely to generate new revenue. It mandates that any assessment increase must be publicly justified and disclosed, ensuring transparency for property owners. This directly affects residential and commercial property owners by standardizing assessment practices and preventing sudden, unexplained tax hikes.
HB 4042 would exempt farm real property (including land and structures) used for agricultural purposes from property taxes in West Virginia, provided the owner-farmer resides on the property and earns at least 40% of their income from farming. The bill amends West Virginia Code §11-3-9 to add this specific tax exemption to the state's existing list of property tax exemptions. This policy change directly affects qualifying farmers who meet both the income threshold (40% from farming) and residency requirement (living on the farm property). The exemption applies only to property actively used for farming operations, not to other personal or investment properties.
HJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase West Virginia's homestead exemption from $20,000 to $50,000. This exemption currently protects the first $20,000 of assessed value on a primary residence (or mobile home) from property taxes for homeowners aged 65 or older, or permanently disabled residents. The change would reduce property taxes for qualifying homeowners by exempting an additional $30,000 of their home's assessed value. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.
HJR 21 proposes a constitutional amendment to lock the property tax valuation for West Virginia homeowners aged 65 or older (or permanently disabled) at the assessed value when they turned 65 or purchased their home - whichever occurred later. This would prevent their taxable value from increasing due to rising market prices, potentially reducing annual property tax bills over time. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2028 general election to take effect. It directly affects senior homeowners who occupy their primary residence as their principal dwelling.
HJR 15 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow West Virginia to increase the homestead property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners. Currently, the exemption covers the first $20,000 of assessed value for owners aged 65+ or permanently disabled. This amendment would let the legislature set a higher exemption amount (without specifying a new dollar figure) for homeowners with annual income under $20,000. It requires voter approval in the 2028 general election to take effect. If approved, it would enable future legislative action to expand property tax relief for low-income seniors and disabled residents.
HB 4929, the Truth in Taxation Act, requires West Virginia counties and local taxing subdivisions (like cities or towns) to calculate a "revenue neutral rate" each year. This rate ensures property tax increases match previous year's revenue when adjusted for current property valuations. Local governments cannot exceed this rate without holding a public hearing and sending detailed notices to taxpayers - showing the previous year's tax, proposed rate, and budget impact - 10 days in advance. Noncompliance requires refunds for over-collected taxes. The law excludes school districts and very small taxing subdivisions earning under $5,000 annually in property tax revenue.
