How to File a WV IT-140 Tax Return for West Virginia
Learn how to accurately file a WV IT-140 tax return, including key steps, available credits, payment options, and how to handle extensions or amendments.
Filing your West Virginia state tax return using Form IT-140 is essential for residents and certain nonresidents with state-sourced income. Accuracy helps avoid penalties, maximize refunds, and maintain compliance with tax laws.
Properly completing your WV IT-140 involves selecting the correct filing status, calculating taxable income, and applying eligible credits or adjustments.
Filing Status Categories
Your filing status on the WV IT-140 determines tax rates, deductions, and credit eligibility. West Virginia follows federal filing status categories, requiring taxpayers to use the same status as on their federal return. The five options are Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
Single status applies to unmarried individuals who do not qualify for another category. This often results in a higher tax burden due to West Virginia’s progressive tax brackets. Married couples can file jointly or separately. Joint filers typically benefit from lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction, while separate filers may find advantages if one spouse has significant deductions or liabilities.
Head of Household status is for unmarried individuals providing more than half the financial support for a qualifying dependent, such as a child or elderly parent. This status offers a lower tax rate and a higher standard deduction than Single filers. Qualifying Surviving Spouse applies to widows or widowers with a dependent child, allowing them to use the same tax rates as Married Filing Jointly for up to two years after their spouse’s death.
Calculating Taxable Income
Taxable income on the WV IT-140 starts with federal adjusted gross income (AGI), which includes wages, salaries, business income, rental earnings, and other federally reported sources. West Virginia generally follows federal guidelines but requires state-specific modifications.
State additions and subtractions adjust AGI to reflect West Virginia’s tax laws. Additions may include interest from non-West Virginia municipal bonds or lump-sum pension distributions not taxed federally. Subtractions often involve income exempt from state taxation, such as certain military retirement benefits or Social Security income, depending on total income.
Once adjusted West Virginia income is determined, taxpayers apply the state’s progressive tax rates. As of 2024, rates range from 2.36% on the first $10,000 of taxable income to 5.12% on income exceeding $60,000. These brackets apply to Single, Married Filing Separately, and Head of Household filers individually, while Married Filing Jointly and Qualifying Surviving Spouse taxpayers combine income but use the same bracket structure.
Credits and Adjustments
West Virginia offers refundable and nonrefundable credits to reduce tax liability. Refundable credits, such as the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), can generate refunds if they exceed tax liability. Nonrefundable credits, including the Homestead Excess Property Tax Credit, only offset taxes owed.
Education-related credits help residents manage higher education costs. The West Virginia Senior Citizen Tax Credit assists eligible taxpayers aged 65 and older who pay property taxes on their primary residence. The Neighborhood Investment Program Credit provides a 50% credit on qualifying charitable contributions to approved nonprofit organizations.
Adjustments to taxable income also impact the final tax bill. Contributions to West Virginia’s SMART529 college savings plan may be deducted, reducing taxable income while promoting education savings. Certain health savings account (HSA) contributions qualify for state deductions if they meet federal guidelines.
Payment Methods
Settling a tax balance on a WV IT-140 requires selecting a payment method that ensures compliance while minimizing penalties. The West Virginia State Tax Department offers electronic payments, paper checks, and third-party services.
Electronic payments through the state’s MyTaxes portal allow direct bank account payments via ACH debit, eliminating mailing delays and providing immediate confirmation. Taxpayers can also schedule future payments. Credit or debit card payments are available through third-party processors like ACI Payments, Inc., though these services charge a convenience fee.
For traditional payment methods, checks or money orders should be made payable to the “West Virginia State Tax Department” and mailed with a completed IT-140V payment voucher. Including the taxpayer’s Social Security number and tax year on the check helps prevent processing errors. For large payments, using certified mail or tracking services provides proof of timely submission.
Filing an Extension
If additional time is needed to file a WV IT-140, taxpayers can request an extension to avoid late-filing penalties. An extension grants up to six extra months to submit the return, aligning with the federal extension deadline. However, it does not extend the time to pay taxes owed, meaning estimated payments must still be made by the original due date to avoid interest and penalties.
To obtain an extension, taxpayers can file Form WV-4868. Those who receive a federal extension automatically receive a state extension without filing a separate request, as long as they indicate the extension on their WV IT-140. If taxes are owed, an estimated payment should be submitted using Form IT-140ES or through the MyTaxes portal to prevent late payment penalties, which accrue at 9.5% annually on unpaid balances.
Amended Returns
Errors or omissions on a previously filed WV IT-140 may require submitting an amended return. Taxpayers must file a new IT-140 and mark the “Amended” box. The amended return should include an explanation of the changes and supporting documentation, such as revised W-2s, corrected 1099s, or updated federal tax return information.
If the amendment results in additional taxes owed, payment should be made promptly to avoid penalties and interest. If the correction leads to a refund, taxpayers must file within three years of the original due date or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. If the IRS adjusts a federal return, any corresponding state changes must be reported to West Virginia within 90 days.