HB 5598 would increase West Virginia's general sales tax rate from 6% to 8% for most goods and services while repealing all state personal income tax provisions. The bill would change the sales tax calculation method for fractional dollar amounts as detailed in the current law. This would directly affect businesses that collect sales tax and consumers who purchase taxable goods and services, shifting the state's primary revenue source from income tax to sales tax.
SB 150 would exempt passenger cars that are 25 years old or older from West Virginia's personal property tax. The bill amends the state tax code to add these vintage vehicles to the list of property already exempt from taxation. This change directly affects owners of older vehicles meeting the age requirement by eliminating their annual property tax obligation for qualifying cars. The exemption applies to all qualifying passenger cars without regard to their value, condition, or whether they are used for personal or collector purposes.
SB 596 eliminates transfer taxes for two specific scenarios in West Virginia: transfers of property between siblings, and transfers involving a limited liability company (LLC) solely owned by an individual. This means individuals transferring property to siblings or transferring their personal LLC (without other owners) would no longer owe the state's excise tax on the transfer. The bill amends existing tax law to explicitly add these exemptions, building on current exemptions for transfers between parents/children, spouses, and other family members. It directly affects West Virginia residents who transfer property through these specific family or LLC arrangements.
SJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate West Virginia's tax on business inventory, which would prohibit the state from taxing goods, materials, or products held for sale, manufacturing, or processing. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this amendment would require the state to replace lost revenue for counties, municipalities, and school districts through alternative funding mechanisms. The amendment specifies that local governments may adjust tax policies within state law to maintain fiscal stability after the tax is removed. This is a voter-approved constitutional change, not an immediate law, and would take effect upon ratification.
SB 508 creates a tax credit allowing West Virginia businesses to deduct up to 50% of the cost of purchasing products manufactured in the state, directly benefiting companies with headquarters in West Virginia that buy locally made goods. The credit is capped at $100,000 per business annually, with unused credits carrying forward for up to four years. Businesses must provide proof of purchase for qualifying WV-manufactured products to claim the credit, which reduces franchise or income taxes. This policy aims to incentivize local procurement by lowering tax burdens for businesses purchasing in-state products.
HJR 30 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate all property taxes on primary residences (homestead real property) in West Virginia starting July 1, 2027. It directly affects homeowners who currently pay these taxes and counties that rely on homestead tax revenue for funding. The amendment requires the state legislature to create a new funding mechanism to replace the lost revenue for counties before the tax repeal takes effect. This resolution must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to become part of the state constitution. The bill is currently in committee referral after its January 29, 2026, introduction.
HB 4445 would exempt the sale of small arms (such as rifles, shotguns, and pistols) and related items from West Virginia's sales and service taxes. This includes small arms ammunition, accessories like holsters and optics, storage devices (e.g., safes and cases), and fees for shooting sports events. The bill defines these terms to clarify the scope of the exemption, ensuring it applies only to specified firearms and related products. The stated purpose is to reduce costs for residents purchasing these items to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
SB 76 would exempt coal sold to coal-fired power plants located within West Virginia from the state's 5% severance tax. This directly affects coal producers who sell thermal coal (used for electricity generation) to in-state power plants, reducing their tax burden on these specific sales. The bill amends existing law to create this exemption, removing the tax that would otherwise apply to coal sold for electricity generation at facilities operating in West Virginia. The change would provide immediate tax savings for coal producers supplying local power plants, without altering other severance tax rates or provisions.
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 4916 would eliminate West Virginia's state taxes on tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), alcohol, and gambling. The bill repeals specific tax code sections (like those covering tobacco excise taxes, alcohol sales taxes, and lottery table game taxes) that currently impose state levies on these industries. This change would directly affect businesses selling these products (e.g., tobacco shops, liquor stores, casinos) and consumers who pay these taxes. If passed, the bill would remove these tax obligations from West Virginia law.
