Use our West Virginia Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your West Virginia Paycheck is Calculated
Your paycheck in West Virginia is calculated using a few key components that determine how much you take home after taxes and deductions.
The general formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each term means:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before taxes or deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: A tax withheld based on your earnings, filing status, and the IRS tax brackets.
- FICA Taxes: Includes Social Security and Medicare taxes that fund federal programs.
- State Income Tax: A state tax withheld from your paycheck based on West Virginia’s progressive tax system.
- Local Taxes: Some municipalities may add small local income taxes.
A Guide to West Virginia State Payroll Taxes
West Virginia State Income Tax
West Virginia uses a progressive income tax structure, meaning higher income levels are taxed at higher rates. The 2025 West Virginia tax brackets are as follows:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | 2.36% |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | 2.75% |
| $25,001 – $40,000 | 3.15% |
| $40,001 – $60,000 | 3.54% |
| Over $60,000 | 4.72% |
West Virginia allows a standard deduction equal to the federal standard deduction. Taxpayers can also claim personal exemptions and other deductions to reduce their taxable income.
State-Specific Programs and Withholdings
West Virginia employees do not pay any additional state-specific payroll taxes like disability insurance or paid family leave. However, all employers must pay into the State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) program. Employees do not contribute to this fund.
While there are no mandatory employee contributions beyond income tax, employers must follow state regulations regarding unemployment and workers’ compensation coverage.
Understanding Federal and FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes apply nationwide, and these make up a significant portion of most paychecks.
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% of gross wages, up to an annual wage limit of $168,600 in 2025.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% of all gross wages, with an additional 0.9% on income above $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for joint filers.
- Federal Income Tax: Based on the IRS tax brackets for 2025 and your filing status (single, married, etc.), as well as any credits or deductions you claim.
These deductions apply equally to all workers across the United States, including those in West Virginia.
Local Taxes in West Virginia
Some municipalities in West Virginia collect local income taxes, also called occupational taxes. These are relatively small and are typically a flat amount rather than a percentage of income. Examples include:
- Charleston: $2 per week
- Huntington: $3 per week
- Parkersburg: $2 per week
These local taxes are withheld directly from employee paychecks if applicable based on where they work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About West Virginia Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in West Virginia?
As of 2025, the minimum wage in West Virginia is $8.75 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage. Employers must pay at least this amount unless an exemption applies.
How often are paydays in West Virginia?
West Virginia law requires employers to pay employees at least twice per month. Many employers choose bi-weekly or semi-monthly pay schedules for convenience.
What is the West Virginia state tax rate for 2025?
For 2025, West Virginia has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.36% to 4.72%, depending on your taxable income.
Are 1099 contractors subject to West Virginia taxes?
Yes, independent contractors are responsible for paying West Virginia state income taxes on their earnings. Since taxes are not withheld from their payments, they must file quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties.
What are the overtime laws in West Virginia?
Non-exempt employees in West Virginia must receive 1.5 times their regular pay rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Certain jobs and salary levels may be exempt under federal or state law.
Disclaimer
Washington Paycheck Calculator | Virginia Paycheck Calculator | Vermont Paycheck Calculator