How to calculate sales tax in West Virginia
The simple formula for sales tax in West Virginia, how to include local rates, and how to reverse it from a receipt.
Key facts
| Place | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | State sales tax |
| Standard rate on file | 6% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.06 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 5.66% |
| Currency | USD |
The formula
Multiply the pre-tax price by the combined rate as a decimal. At the 6% state rate, that is the price times 0.06. Add the result to the price for the total.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the West Virginia Sales Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Price | $200.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 6% |
| Tax | $12.00 |
|---|---|
| Price incl. tax | $212.00 |
Finding the price before tax
To go backwards from a total, divide by 1.06. Subtracting 6% from the total gives the wrong answer because the tax was calculated on the pre-tax amount.
Quick reference at 6%
Common amounts in West Virginia, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.
| Amount | Tax on net amount | Gross (net + tax) | Net if amount includes tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.60 | $10.60 | $9.43 |
| $50.00 | $3.00 | $53.00 | $47.17 |
| $100.00 | $6.00 | $106.00 | $94.34 |
| $250.00 | $15.00 | $265.00 | $235.85 |
| $500.00 | $30.00 | $530.00 | $471.70 |
| $1,000.00 | $60.00 | $1,060.00 | $943.40 |
| $5,000.00 | $300.00 | $5,300.00 | $4,716.98 |
How West Virginia compares
Standard rates on file for other states. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.
| Place | Rate on file | Compared with 6% |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 6% | same |
| Virginia | 5.3% | lower |
| Washington | 6.5% | higher |
| Wisconsin | 5% | lower |
| Wyoming | 4% | lower |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the West Virginia Sales Tax Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 6%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
- Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.
Key terms
- Exempt supply
- A sale that falls outside the tax entirely. No tax is charged and input tax usually cannot be reclaimed.
- Withholding
- Tax deducted at source, by an employer or payer, before the money reaches you.
- Reduced rate
- A lower rate that applies to specific categories, often essentials such as food, medicine or books.
- Deduction
- An amount subtracted from taxable income. It saves tax equal to the deduction times your marginal rate.
- Gross amount
- The amount after tax is added, which is usually what a consumer pays.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Subtracting the percentage from a total instead of dividing.
- Forgetting local rates.
Run your own numbers. The West Virginia Sales Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate West Virginia sales tax?
Price times the combined rate. At the state rate alone, price times 0.06.
How do I remove sales tax from a West Virginia receipt?
Divide the total by 1 plus the combined rate.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.