Budget & Taxes

HCR 10 is a West Virginia legislative resolution urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically requests a convention limited to proposing an amendment to repeal the 16th Amendment, which authorizes federal income taxes. The resolution states West Virginia’s application will be aggregated with similar applications from other states to reach the required two-thirds threshold for Congress to act. This is a procedural step - West Virginia cannot repeal the 16th Amendment itself, but seeks to initiate the process for states to propose such a repeal. The resolution also notes plans for potential legal action if Congress fails to convene the convention.

HB 4927 would abolish West Virginia's personal income tax for all individuals, estates, trusts, and pass-through entities, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill amends §11-21-3 of the West Virginia Code to eliminate the tax imposition described in the section, removing the requirement for taxpayers to pay income tax under current law. This change directly affects all West Virginia residents and nonresidents with taxable income subject to the state's personal income tax. The policy change is a complete repeal of the tax, not a reduction or modification of rates.

HB 4885 would repeal West Virginia's state excise tax on gasoline, which is currently added to prices at the pump. The bill removes this tax by repealing the existing law (§11-14C-5) that imposed the motor fuel excise tax. This change would eliminate the state tax component from gasoline prices, directly affecting both consumers (who would no longer pay this tax) and retailers (who would no longer collect and remit it). The bill is pending in the House Finance Committee.