West Virginia Paycheck Calculator: How Much You Take Home After Taxes

West Virginia uses a progressive state income tax, with rates that have been reduced in recent years through phased-in cuts aimed at lowering the overall tax burden on residents.

What comes out of a West Virginia paycheck

  1. Federal income tax — based on income, filing status, and W-4 elections
  2. West Virginia state income tax — a progressive system with multiple brackets, currently being phased down
  3. Social Security tax — 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 for 2026
  4. Medicare tax — 1.45% on all wages, no cap

Worked example: $52,000 salary in West Virginia

Single filer, biweekly pay, no pre-tax deductions:

  • Federal standard deduction (2026): $16,100
  • Federal taxable income: $35,900
  • Federal tax owed: 10% on $12,400 ($1,240) plus 12% on $23,500 ($2,820) = $4,060
  • Social Security: 6.2% × $52,000 = $3,224
  • Medicare: 1.45% × $52,000 = $754
  • West Virginia state income tax: typically $1,500–$1,900 at this income level, depending on the current year's brackets
  • Estimated annual take-home pay: roughly $42,100–$42,500

Why West Virginia's rates have been trending down

West Virginia has passed multiple rounds of rate reductions in recent years, so the current year's brackets may be noticeably lower than figures from a few years back — worth confirming the latest rate when budgeting.

Get your exact numbers

Use the PayGauge take-home pay calculator for a precise, up-to-date West Virginia paycheck breakdown based on your actual filing status and deductions.

Location: West Virginia, USA

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