What is the West Virginia state sales tax rate?

West Virginia's statewide sales tax is 6%. Many municipalities add a local sales and use tax of up to 1%, bringing the combined rate to as much as 7% in cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown.

Is food taxed in West Virginia?

Most groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from West Virginia's state sales tax. However, prepared food, soft drinks, and dietary supplements are taxable, and municipal sales tax may still apply to some items.

Which West Virginia cities have a municipal sales tax?

Over 100 West Virginia municipalities levy a 1% local sales tax, including Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown, and Wheeling. The exact list changes, so confirm your city's rate before relying on the result.

Are prescription drugs taxed in West Virginia?

No. Prescription drugs are exempt from West Virginia sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines are generally taxable unless prescribed. This calculator removes tax for the prescription-drug category.

Does West Virginia have use tax?

Yes. West Virginia imposes a 6% use tax on taxable goods bought out of state and used in West Virginia, mirroring the sales tax rate so consumers cannot avoid tax by buying elsewhere.

West Virginia Sales Tax Calculator

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This calculator applies West Virginia’s 6 percent statewide sales tax plus the optional municipal sales tax that many cities add, while honoring exemptions for groceries and prescription drugs.

How it works

West Virginia charges a flat 6 percent state sales tax on most retail goods and some services. On top of that, more than 100 municipalities levy an additional local sales tax of up to 1 percent, so combined rates reach 7 percent in many cities.

tax = price × (0.06 state + local municipal rate)

Certain categories are exempt: most groceries for home consumption and prescription drugs pay no state sales tax. This tool zeroes out tax for those exempt categories.

Example

A $200 taxable purchase in Charleston (6% state + 1% city) owes $200 × 0.07 = $14.00 in sales tax, for a final price of $214.00. The same purchase in an unincorporated area with no municipal tax owes only $200 × 0.06 = $12.00.

Notes

This is an estimate. Municipal rates and the exact list of taxable services change over time, and “prepared food” versus “grocery” classifications can be subtle. Always confirm the current combined rate for your city with the West Virginia Tax Division before relying on the result.