West Virginia Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay in West Virginia. The state levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 4.82% (2.22% to 4.82% across 5 brackets). This means a portion of every paycheck goes toward state income tax in addition to federal withholding, Social Security, and Medicare.
Disclaimer: All figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates, brackets, and withholding rules change and vary by locality and personal circumstances. Verify current rates with the West Virginia Department of Revenue or the IRS, and consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions.
West Virginia Tax Snapshot
- State Income Tax
- 4.82% top rate
- Sales Tax (state + local avg)
- 6.60%
- Avg Property Tax Rate
- 0.57%
- Median Home Value
- $128,800
- State Minimum Wage
- $8.75/hr
Did You Know?
West Virginia's income tax rates have fallen roughly 26% since 2023 under its revenue-triggered rate cuts, reaching a 4.82% top rate in 2026.
How West Virginia's Graduated Brackets Affect Your Paycheck
When you earn a paycheck in West Virginia, your employer withholds federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). On top of that, the state withholds income tax based on 2.22% to 4.82% across 5 brackets. The state minimum wage is $8.75 per hour, which sets the floor for hourly workers. Understanding these deductions helps you budget effectively and plan for the average 0.57% property tax rate on homes valued around $128,800.
West Virginia also levies a combined state and average local sales tax of 6.60%, which affects your overall purchasing power. Factor this into your budget when calculating how far your paycheck stretches.
Where You Live vs. Where You Work in West Virginia
West Virginia has income tax reciprocity agreements with Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. If you live in West Virginia and work in one of those jurisdictions — or the other way round — your wages are taxed only by your state of residence, provided you file the non-residence certificate your employer's state requires. Without that form on file, the work state will withhold anyway and you will have to claim it back.
Several West Virginia cities charge a flat weekly city service fee on people employed within city limits. Local withholding is separate from the state line on your pay stub, so check it explicitly if you move house or change work location without changing employer.
How West Virginia's Income Tax Compares Nationally
West Virginia uses a graduated income tax — 2.22% to 4.82% across 5 brackets — so higher slices of income are taxed at higher rates rather than one flat percentage.
Its 4.82% top rate is the 25th-highest nationally among the 42 states and jurisdictions that tax wages, below the median top rate of 5.25%.
For comparison, nearby states line up like this: Kentucky (top rate 3.5%); Maryland (top rate 6.5%); Ohio (top rate 2.75%); Pennsylvania (top rate 3.07%); Virginia (top rate 5.75%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Virginia have a state income tax? + −
Yes. West Virginia has a state income tax with a top rate of 4.82%. Your effective rate depends on your filing status and income brackets. West Virginia's income tax rates have fallen roughly 26% since 2023 under its revenue-triggered rate cuts, reaching a 4.82% top rate in 2026.
What is the sales tax rate in West Virginia? + −
The West Virginia state sales tax rate is 6%. When you include the average local rate of 0.6%, the combined rate is approximately 6.60%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
How do I calculate my West Virginia take-home pay? + −
Start with your gross salary, subtract federal income tax (based on your W-4 and tax bracket), subtract FICA taxes (7.65% — 6.2% Social Security up to the wage base + 1.45% Medicare), then subtract West Virginia state income tax at your marginal rate. The remainder is your net take-home pay. Our calculator does this automatically.
What payroll deductions apply in West Virginia? + −
All West Virginia employees pay federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%). State income tax is also withheld based on West Virginia's brackets. Additional deductions may include 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and any local taxes.
How often are West Virginia employees typically paid? + −
Most West Virginia employees are paid biweekly (26 paychecks per year) or semi-monthly (24 paychecks). Some employers use weekly or monthly pay schedules. Our calculator supports all frequencies — enter your gross pay for one period and it calculates your net pay after all applicable West Virginia taxes and deductions.
What are the West Virginia income tax brackets? + −
West Virginia uses a graduated structure: 2.22% to 4.82% across 5 brackets. Only the income that falls within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, so your effective rate is always lower than the 4.82% top rate.
Is West Virginia a high income tax state? + −
West Virginia's top rate of 4.82% ranks 25th-highest among the 42 states and jurisdictions with a wage income tax, below the national median top rate of 5.25%. Because the brackets are graduated (2.22% to 4.82% across 5 brackets), most filers pay an effective rate well below the headline number.
Does West Virginia have income tax reciprocity with other states? + −
Yes — with Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Under those agreements your wages are taxed only where you live, not where you work. You have to give your employer the non-residence withholding certificate for the work state; if you do not, that state withholds its tax and you have to file a return there to get it refunded.
Are there local income taxes in West Virginia? + −
Yes. Several West Virginia cities charge a flat weekly city service fee on people employed within city limits. That withholding is separate from the 4.82% state tax line and from federal tax and FICA, so your total deduction can be noticeably higher than the state rate alone suggests.
How do nearby states' income taxes compare with West Virginia's? + −
Kentucky (top rate 3.5%); Maryland (top rate 6.5%); Ohio (top rate 2.75%); Pennsylvania (top rate 3.07%); Virginia (top rate 5.75%). 2 of the 5 nearby states listed have a higher top rate than West Virginia's 4.82%.
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