Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

HJR 28 is a constitutional amendment proposal (not a bill) that would require voter approval to allow West Virginia's legislature to later create a law exempting owner-occupied primary residences from property tax once the mortgage is paid off. It does not create the exemption itself but would permit future legislation to do so for homes with no outstanding mortgage. This would directly affect homeowners who pay off their mortgages and occupy the property as their primary residence. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

HB 4928 prohibits counties and municipalities from taxing residential rental properties at higher rates than owner-occupied homes. It requires all property taxes on rental properties to match the rate for owner-occupied housing and bans additional taxes based on zoning. The bill directly affects landlords who own rental properties and aims to reduce their tax burden, potentially helping keep rents stable. It does not change sales or service taxes for rental businesses. The legislation focuses on changing property tax assessment rules, not on broader rent control or other housing policies.

SB 156 changes West Virginia's motor vehicle property tax system by replacing tax credits with direct refunds for eligible owners. It defines "eligible taxpayers" to include vehicle owners (including those with financing or leases), lessors who pass savings to lessees, and pass-through entity owners, while excluding motor vehicle dealers on retail inventory. The bill streamlines processing by requiring counties to report eligible claims weekly and mandating refunds within 30 days via check or direct deposit. This update simplifies the current system by shifting from credits applied against income tax to immediate cash refunds for timely-paid property taxes.

HB 5014 modifies West Virginia's real property tax rules for farm structures used in agricultural activities. It phases out taxes on eligible structures over three years: 33% reduction in 2026, 67% in 2027, and full exemption by 2028 for structures appraised in 2025. The exemption applies only to farm structures on agricultural land (per §19-19-2b) used for farming operations, excluding commercial solar installations, wood processing facilities, and event venues. This directly affects farm property owners who maintain qualifying structures for agricultural production, storage, or distribution.