To exempt the first $20,000 of earnings from the state income tax for West Virginia residents

HB 4968 would exempt the first $20,000 of annual income from West Virginia state income tax for resident individuals and married couples filing jointly. Effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, the bill modifies the tax calculation by reducing taxable income by $20,000 before applying the state tax rate. This directly benefits low-to-moderate income West Virginia residents who earn under $20,000 annually. The change applies to both single filers and couples filing jointly, reducing their state tax liability without altering federal tax treatment.