West Virginia Sales Tax Rate Explained
West Virginia's state sales tax is 6%, a rate that has been stable for years. The Tax Foundation's midyear 2026 data adds an average local rate of 0.60%, bringing the typical combined rate to 6.60% and ranking the state 31st nationally. It is a modest, middle-of-the-road tax state.
The local layer is thin because West Virginia only recently gave cities broader authority to add their own sales taxes. Charleston and Huntington use it to reach 7%, but many smaller towns still sit at the 6% state base.
What Is Taxed and What Is Exempt in West Virginia
West Virginia taxes most tangible goods at the full rate, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and restaurant meals. The state also taxes a wide range of services, giving it a broader base than neighbors that exempt services wholesale.
Groceries are fully exempt from the state rate, a meaningful break in a state where the tax otherwise reaches far. Prescription drugs are exempt as well. The grocery exemption is relatively recent policy and remains one of the more popular features of the tax code.
Example: A $1,000 Purchase in Charleston
Charleston's combined rate is 7%, from the 6% state tax plus a 1% city tax. A $1,000 purchase works out to $1,000 times 0.07, which is $70.00 in tax, for a total of $1,070.00.
Shop in a town without the city add-on and the same purchase costs $60.00 in tax for a $1,060.00 total. The city layer is new enough that many West Virginians are still getting used to checking which towns charge it.
Local Sales Taxes in West Virginia
West Virginia cities can now levy their own sales taxes up to 1%, and the larger cities have moved quickly. Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown all add the city layer, while smaller municipalities are adopting it at their own pace.
The Tax Foundation lists the maximum local add-on at 1.40%, reflecting the city tax plus minor special districts. The local layer is still growing, so the statewide average will likely creep up as more cities opt in.
Online Shopping and Marketplace Sales in West Virginia
West Virginia requires remote sellers and marketplace facilitators to collect once they meet economic nexus thresholds, so major online retailers charge West Virginia tax at checkout. The rate follows the delivery address, including the city layer where it applies.
A package delivered to Charleston is taxed at 7% while one sent to a town without the city tax is taxed at 6%. The delivery zip code decides, which makes the city boundary genuinely matter for online orders.
Does West Virginia Have a Sales Tax Holiday?
No. West Virginia does not run a sales tax holiday and has never made one part of its tax policy. Back-to-school shopping in August is taxed at the full rate statewide.
The state's approach has been permanent base-narrowing instead, like the grocery exemption, rather than temporary weekends. Shoppers get the break every day rather than three days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Virginia sales tax rate?
The state rate is 6%. With average local add-ons of 0.60%, the typical combined rate is 6.60%; Charleston and Huntington are 7%.
Are groceries taxed in West Virginia?
No. Groceries are fully exempt from the state sales tax.
What is the sales tax in Charleston WV?
Charleston's combined rate is 7%, from the 6% state tax plus a 1% city tax.
Does West Virginia have a sales tax holiday?
No. The state has never offered one.
Are services taxed in West Virginia?
Many are. West Virginia taxes a broader range of services than most neighboring states.
Do online sellers collect West Virginia tax?
Yes, once they meet nexus thresholds. The rate follows the delivery address, including city add-ons.
Related Calculators
Compare every state on the main Sales Tax Calculator, or check the region on our Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania pages. For take-home pay, try the West Virginia Paycheck Calculator.
Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026. Figures reviewed for 2026. This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes and is not tax advice, confirm your exact rate with the West Virginia State Tax Department.