Everything you need to know about West Virginia state sales and use tax

What is the sales tax rate in West Virginia?

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The West Virginia sales tax rate is currently 6%. In West Virginia, no other municipality can add sales taxes on top of the state rate.

Taxes in West Virginia are destination-based, meaning the sales tax rate is based, or determined from, the destination location an item is shipped to. This complicates business for retailers who need to have the exact and up-to-date sales tax rate for every shipment they make.

To see a full breakout of sales tax rates in WV by state, county, city and special district, use our easy West Virginia sales tax calculator. After putting in any ZIP code, you can enter a retail price to calculate sales tax totals.

What is the use tax in West Virginia?

The West Virginia state use tax rate is the same as the state, county, city and special district rates.

If you reside in WV, use tax is due to the state on any and all transactions where sales tax has not been paid, even out-of-state internet sales.

Who has to pay sales or use tax to West Virginia?

In general, a business must collect and remit all applicable sales taxes if that business has nexus, a physical presence such as a brick-and-mortar location, within a given state. The presence of an employee or salesperson, delivery by the seller's vehicle, and storage of materials usually establishes nexus as well.

West Virginia says that an out-of-state seller is required to collect tax if they can be defined as a "retailer engaging in business". West Virginia does not currently have additional laws establishing nexus for other reasons such as out-of-state businesses using in-state affiliates, advertisers or vendors, or businesses that make internet sales or mail catalogs.

If you are not sure if you have established nexus in West Virginia, you can usually get free help by contacting the West Virginia State Tax Department. Click here for an updated listing of direct phone numbers. You could also contact a qualified certified public accountant or lawyer who specializes in tax law in West Virginia. Click here for listing of recommended resources.

Special rules applying to
sales and use taxes in West Virginia

• Shipping is taxable.
• Finance charges are exempt from sales tax, when stated separately.
• Clothing is taxed at the same rate as the general sales tax.
• Sales tax holidays are not planned for this state.

Since West Virginia legislators can vote to change sales and use tax rates at any time, it is very difficult for individuals to keep track of the changes. The population of WV state is also rapidly changing, which can cause frequent updates to the ZIP codes and local municipality names and complicates the job of keeping track of sales tax jurisdictions.