West Virginia car tax
West Virginia counties tax cars every year as personal property, assessed at 60% of value, at the combined state, county, school, and city levy per $100. Bills are due in two halves on September 1 and March 1. A refundable state income tax credit returns the vehicle property tax paid on time.
Assessment = 60% of value. Levy rate in dollars per $100 (state, county, school, municipal). The Motor Vehicle Property Tax Adjustment Credit (TSD 454) refunds the tax paid on time through the state income tax, so the net cost can be zero.
Highest yearly car tax on a $25,000 car
Find your county
| Place | Rate | On a $25,000 car |
|---|---|---|
| Barbour County | $1.3184 per $100 | $198 |
| Berkeley County | $2.4316 per $100 | $365 |
| Boone County | $2.5565 per $100 | $383 |
| Braxton County | $1.538 per $100 | $231 |
| Brooke County | $2.6316 per $100 | $395 |
| Cabell County | $2.736 per $100 | $410 |
| Calhoun County | $1.8415 per $100 | $276 |
| Clay County | $1.9155 per $100 | $287 |
| Doddridge County | $2.3657 per $100 | $355 |
| Fayette County | $2.4964 per $100 | $374 |
| Gilmer County | $1.8578 per $100 | $279 |
| Grant County | $1.556 per $100 | $233 |
| Greenbrier County | $1.854 per $100 | $278 |
| Hampshire County | $1.7147 per $100 | $257 |
| Hancock County | $2.676 per $100 | $401 |
| Hardy County | $1.5384 per $100 | $231 |
| Harrison County | $2.33 per $100 | $350 |
| Jackson County | $2.4924 per $100 | $374 |
| Jefferson County | $2.324 per $100 | $349 |
| Kanawha County | $2.5194 per $100 | $378 |
| Lewis County | $1.8971 per $100 | $285 |
| Lincoln County | $2.462 per $100 | $369 |
| Logan County | $2.312 per $100 | $347 |
| Marion County | $2.4627 per $100 | $369 |
| Marshall County | $1.9835 per $100 | $298 |
| Mason County | $2.366 per $100 | $355 |
| McDowell County | $2.276 per $100 | $341 |
| Mercer County | $2.2664 per $100 | $340 |
| Mineral County | $2.3876 per $100 | $358 |
| Mingo County | $2.276 per $100 | $341 |
| Monongalia County | $2.1368 per $100 | $321 |
| Monroe County | $2.1156 per $100 | $317 |
| Morgan County | $1.9884 per $100 | $298 |
| Nicholas County | $1.9636 per $100 | $295 |
| Ohio County | $2.318 per $100 | $348 |
| Pendleton County | $1.358 per $100 | $204 |
| Pleasants County | $2.4107 per $100 | $362 |
| Pocahontas County | $1.26 per $100 | $189 |
| Preston County | $1.542 per $100 | $231 |
| Putnam County | $2.5284 per $100 | $379 |
| Raleigh County | $2.416 per $100 | $362 |
| Randolph County | $1.358 per $100 | $204 |
| Ritchie County | $2.2288 per $100 | $334 |
| Roane County | $1.7576 per $100 | $264 |
| Summers County | $1.358 per $100 | $204 |
| Taylor County | $2.1805 per $100 | $327 |
| Tucker County | $1.2372 per $100 | $186 |
| Tyler County | $2.1904 per $100 | $329 |
| Upshur County | $1.358 per $100 | $204 |
| Wayne County | $2.6364 per $100 | $395 |
| Webster County | $1.3588 per $100 | $204 |
| Wetzel County | $2.2943 per $100 | $344 |
| Wirt County | $2.4303 per $100 | $365 |
| Wood County | $2.3729 per $100 | $356 |
| Wyoming County | $2.4837 per $100 | $373 |
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Buying a car in West Virginia: one-time tax
West Virginia motor vehicle privilege tax — 6%. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
6% (flat $30 for cars under $500).
Registration and due dates
Registration is about $51.50 a year. A title costs $15.
Due in two halves on September 1 and March 1 (2.5% discount for early payment). You need a paid receipt to renew registration.
Cut what your car costs in West Virginia
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
How is the WV car tax calculated?
Value × 60% × the levy rate per $100 ÷ 100.
Can I get the car tax back?
Yes. Personal property tax paid on time on a vehicle can be claimed as a refundable credit on your WV income tax return.
Can I deduct West Virginia car taxes on my federal return?
Yes, the value-based part is deductible. West Virginia's yearly car tax is based on the car's value, so it can be claimed as personal property tax if you itemize on your federal return (subject to the SALT cap). Flat registration fees are not deductible.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.