Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the West Virginia Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in West Virginia. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0.6%, the total average in West Virginia comes to 6.60%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
West Virginia Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0.6%
- Combined Average
- 6.60%
Quick Reference
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.
State income tax: 4.82% top rate
West Virginia Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.60% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.66 | $10.66 |
| $25 | $1.65 | $26.65 |
| $50 | $3.30 | $53.30 |
| $100 | $6.60 | $106.60 |
| $250 | $16.50 | $266.50 |
| $500 | $33.00 | $533.00 |
| $1,000 | $66.00 | $1066.00 |
| $2,500 | $165.00 | $2665.00 |
| $5,000 | $330.00 | $5330.00 |
How West Virginia Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in West Virginia is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0.6% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in West Virginia, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $128,800 and a property tax rate of 0.57%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in West Virginia
Unprepared groceries are exempt from West Virginia state sales tax — prepared food and soft drinks are taxable.
Prescription medicines are exempt in West Virginia, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect West Virginia tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
West Virginia Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 6.6% combined (state plus average local), West Virginia's sales tax ranks 31st-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
The 6% state rate does most of the work in West Virginia, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 0.6%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Kentucky (6%); Maryland (6%); Ohio (7.29%); Pennsylvania (6.34%); Virginia (5.77%). Virginia has the lowest nearby rate at 5.77%.