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West Virginia Sales Tax Calculator

Free West Virginia sales tax calculator for 2026. Calculate sales tax at 6% state + 0.55% average local = 6.55% combined rate. Includes reverse calculator and tax-exempt items. No sign-up required.

How West Virginia Sales Tax Works

West Virginia charges a 6% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 6.55%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $65.50 in sales tax for a total of $1065.50.
The West Virginia state rate of 6% applies uniformly across the state, but local surtaxes vary significantly by location. The average local rate across WV is 0.55%, but some cities and counties charge more or less than this average. This calculator uses the average local rate, but you can override it with your specific city rate for a more accurate calculation.
Good news: West Virginia exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in West Virginia. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.
Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1065.50 total with 6.55% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1065.50 ÷ 1.655). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect West Virginia sales tax on purchases shipped to WV residents. Most online purchases now include West Virginia sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

West Virginia Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

West Virginia State Rate

6%

West Virginia Avg Local Rate

0.55%

West Virginia Combined Rate

6.55%

Tax on $1,000

$65.50

Total on $1,000

$1065.50

West Virginia Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in West Virginia?

The state sales tax rate in West Virginia is 6%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 6.55%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within West Virginia.

Why does the sales tax rate vary within West Virginia?

West Virginia allows local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales taxes on top of the 6% state rate. These local rates vary by location, which is why you might pay a different total rate in different cities within West Virginia.

What items are exempt from sales tax in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in West Virginia?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 6.55% combined rate in West Virginia: $100 × 0.655 = $6.55 in tax. Total price: $106.55.

Does West Virginia charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect West Virginia sales tax on purchases shipped to West Virginia residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within West Virginia.

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