Filing a West Virginia tax return for the 2019 taxable year requires understanding the filing requirements, the correct forms, and the deadlines that apply to your situation. Whether you are a full-year resident, a part-year resident, or a nonresident with income from West Virginia sources, the process involves gathering accurate tax information and ensuring all required schedules are complete before submission. The rules are designed to help each person meet their obligations while maximizing any refund or benefit they are entitled to receive.
For the 2019 tax year, residents and other household members may need to file a joint or separate return, depending on their filing status. The total amount of wages, interest, and other income will determine whether you need to pay tax and which credits you may claim. The state’s taxation rules also consider location, residency, and any portion of income earned outside West Virginia. Understanding these details helps ensure compliance while avoiding penalties.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and submitting your return. It covers common forms, payment options, refund tracking, and special rules for residents who moved between states during the year, such as New York, Ohio, or Kentucky. Following each section carefully lets you complete your filing accurately and on time.
A person must file a West Virginia tax return for the 2019 taxable year if they were a full-year resident with income exceeding the exemption allowance of $2,000 per dependent, a part-year resident with income from West Virginia sources, or a nonresident earning income in the state. Filing requirements also apply if you were required to file a federal return and had income tied to real property located in West Virginia. Residents and other members of a household who expect a refund of overpaid tax should file even if their income falls below the standard threshold.
For the 2019 tax year, the total income that triggers the filing requirement depends on your exemptions and residency status. Full-year residents must calculate whether their wages, interest, and other income sources exceed the exemption limit. A part-year resident must report the portion of income earned during their residency, including any wages from an employer in a new state, such as Maryland, Ohio, or New York. In many cases, residents moving in June or December must allocate income between states.
The regular filing deadline for the 2019 tax year was April 15, 2020, with an extension to July 20, 2020, due to COVID-19. Generally, a joint return must be filed by the same date to avoid penalties. Taxpayers should pay the tax owed by the deadline to prevent interest from accruing. Extensions apply to the filing process, but they do not extend the deadline for payment. January marks the start of the annual filing period, and April remains the critical cutoff for most residents.
In 2019, West Virginia adjusted some tax credit options for residents and small businesses. Electronic filing requirements were updated, and specific schedules were consolidated to simplify compliance. Official tax information and downloadable forms are on the state’s tax department website. Community outreach programs also provided guidance sessions in cities with larger populations, helping residents calculate tax liabilities and understand changes in taxation law.
Form IT-140 is the primary form for most individuals, including full-year residents, part-year residents, and small business owners. This document is essential for reporting wages, taxable income, and other earnings for the 2019 tax year. It also serves as the foundation for calculating your total amount owed or any refund due. Whether you reside in a city or rural location or have moved to a new state during the taxable year, this form captures all necessary tax information to ensure proper taxation.
Depending on your filing requirements, you may need to attach additional schedules. These forms provide detailed reporting for unique financial circumstances:
If you operate a business or engage in self-employment, your filing may require additional documentation:
The West Virginia State Tax Department provides official forms and detailed guidance. Their website offers downloadable PDFs, instructions, and updates for any changes to filing requirements. You can also contact their community tax assistance group to clarify which forms apply to your situation.
For taxpayers who file a joint return, coordinate with other members of your household to ensure all dependent children and related exemptions are correctly claimed. Accuracy in selecting and completing the proper forms prevents errors and ensures you receive every deduction, credit, or benefit available. A correctly filed return reflects quality preparation, reduces the risk of processing delays, and ensures compliance with West Virginia tax law.
Ensure you have all the necessary tax information before preparing your West Virginia personal income tax return.
Having these documents at hand lets you calculate the total tax owed or refund due accurately and without delay.
Your West Virginia tax return begins with data from your federal return. Completing the federal portion first ensures that numbers align correctly.
Completing your federal return first helps avoid mismatches in income totals, which can delay processing.
Accurate completion ensures the correct calculation of your taxable income and any refund or payment required.
Typical schedules may include:
Attaching all schedules is essential for taxpayers claiming deductions or credits to receive the correct benefit.
Before mailing or e-filing your return:
Careful review prevents common errors and ensures your return is processed smoothly.
Filing your West Virginia tax return electronically is the most efficient way to submit your documents and receive your refund quickly. Many residents choose e-filing because it reduces processing errors and instantly confirms that the return has been received. You can file through approved commercial tax preparation software or use the free online filing tools provided on the official IRS website. Some taxpayers qualify for Free File options based on income, age, or military status, allowing them to prepare and submit their return without paying extra fees.
Using a tax professional is another option for those who want guidance to ensure every deduction and credit is claimed. Authorized tax preparers can file your state and federal returns together, which benefits individuals with West Virginia and New York income sources, part-year resident situations, or other complex tax matters.
If you prefer to file a paper return, print Form IT-140 and all applicable schedules. Review your return to confirm that all required information is present, such as your Social Security number, current address, and filing status. Be sure to attach every W-2 and 1099 form and any supporting schedules detailing credits, deductions, or income allocations for multiple states like Ohio or Kentucky. Avoid folding or stapling documents, as this can slow processing.
When mailing your completed return, send it to the address that matches your filing situation. If you are submitting a payment, use West Virginia State Tax Department, P.O. Box 3694, Charleston, WV 25336-3694. If you are not including a payment, send it to the West Virginia State Tax Department, P.O. Box 1071, Charleston, WV 25324-1071. This ensures your documents are routed correctly and processed without unnecessary delays.
Before sending your return, verify your residency status to determine whether you are a full-year, part-year, or nonresident. Calculate your total amount owed or refundable using the official tax tables provided in the instruction booklet. Keep a copy of your return for your records and take note of the deadline, as returns are generally due in April, though extensions may be granted in specific circumstances. If you owe taxes, ensure that your payment is included and submitted securely, either online through the state’s payment portal or by mailing a check or money order. A complete and accurate return helps avoid processing delays, reduces the risk of penalties, and ensures your refund is sent without unnecessary hold-ups.
The West Virginia State Tax Department offers secure electronic payment methods that make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations on time. You can pay tax directly from a checking or savings account through the state’s official payment portal, which ensures accurate processing and immediate confirmation. This method is popular with full- and part-year resident filers, as it eliminates the need to mail physical documents and allows payments to be applied to the correct tax year without delay.
For those who prefer to use a credit card, the state’s authorized payment portal processes transactions for all major cards. While convenience fees may apply, this option benefits taxpayers who want to manage cash flow or consolidate payments for state and federal obligations in one session. Residents with income from other states, such as New York, Ohio, or Kentucky, may also find it helpful to handle multiple tax accounts in one visit to the payment site.
If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to “WV State Tax Department.” Write your Social Security number, the taxable year, and the form number (such as “2019 IT-140”) clearly on the memo line. Include your payment with your completed return if filing by mail. Send it to the address designated for returns with payments: West Virginia State Tax Department, P.O. Box 3694, Charleston, WV 25336-3694. This ensures your payment is applied correctly, whether for wages earned in-state, from another city, or out-of-state work.
For the 2019 tax year, payments were generally due in April unless an extension was granted. Due to exceptional circumstances in 2020, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, deadlines were adjusted to July. Regardless of filing extensions, the state requires payment by the original due date to avoid interest and penalties. Residents should calculate the total amount owed early, considering all income sources, claimed credits, and interest due.
Ensuring your payment is submitted correctly and on time is integral to filing. Whether you choose online or mail-in methods, keeping accurate records will help protect your position in case of future questions from the tax department. It will also contribute to a smoother refund if an overpayment is applied toward the following taxable year.
The West Virginia Tax Department provides an online refund status tool, allowing taxpayers to review the progress of their returns from the comfort of their homes. You must enter your Social Security number, the claimed refund amount, and the tax year to use it. This resource gives you the meaning of your current filing status, whether it is still in processing, pending approval, or already released for payment. Many people find this tool valuable because it saves time compared to calling the department directly.
Processing timeframes can vary depending on when you file, the completeness of your forms, and whether additional documentation is required. For example, electronic returns are generally processed within seven to eight weeks, while paper returns may take ten to eleven weeks. If you filed later in the season or close to the vacation months of June or July, expect possible delays due to higher submission volumes and staffing schedules. The department also adjusts timelines when public events, such as a major broadcast or legislative session, shift employee assignments or priorities.
You may contact the Taxpayer Services Division if your refund status has not changed after the standard processing time. Before calling, ensure you have copies of your return page, W-2 or 1099 forms, and the total amount expected. Since this can affect the review process, it also helps to note your filing position as an individual, joint filer, or part-year resident. If you live outside West Virginia, such as in Florida, be prepared to provide your current mailing address so the department can update its records. The office can clarify the following steps if there is an issue or if your refund was applied to another liability.
To avoid delays in future years, ensure all entries are complete, your figures match your federal return, and submit the correct schedules. Using an accurate example from a prior year can help you avoid mistakes. Rest assured, following the department’s guidance and keeping good records can make the process smoother for both you and the community of taxpayers who rely on timely processing.
Before sending your West Virginia personal income tax return for the 2019 tax year, it is essential to complete a thorough review. This step ensures that all required forms, schedules, and supporting documents are in place and that the information provided is accurate. By finalizing these details, you reduce the possibility of processing delays, penalties, or correspondence from the state taxation office.
Make sure the following points are addressed before you file:
Ensure your name, Social Security number, and filing status are correct. Confirm whether you are a full-year, part-year, or nonresident. This distinction affects how your taxable year is calculated and determines the portion of income subject to state tax. Check the accuracy of your address, city, and state details, especially if you moved to a new state or changed your location during the year.
Attach every form required for your filing situation, such as the IT-140, applicable schedules, and tax credit forms. If you are filing a joint return, include all relevant income, wages, and deductions from both individuals. Review Schedule A if you lived in multiple states, and ensure the total income allocated to West Virginia is correct.
If you owe tax, confirm the amount you must pay, the method you will use to pay tax, and that your payment is scheduled before the deadline. If you are due a refund, ensure that your direct deposit details are correct or that your mailing address is accurate. Remember, deadlines generally fall in April unless extended, and late payments can lead to interest charges.
Finalizing your return carefully means you can file confidently, knowing that your submission is accurate, complete, and compliant with West Virginia’s taxation requirements.
For the 2019 tax year, the deadline to pay tax was April 15, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the state extended it to July 20, 2020. Even with an extension to file, any payment after the original deadline could result in interest or penalties. Always submit your payment on time to avoid unnecessary costs.
A part-year resident must file using Schedule A to allocate income earned inside and outside the state. This ensures that West Virginia only taxes income received while living in the state. Your tax liability is based on the portion of revenue attributed to your residency period, not your entire annual earnings.
If you relocated from New York during 2019, you would be considered a part-year resident in West Virginia. You must report income earned in each state separately. In addition, you may be eligible for a credit if you paid income tax in New York while living there, which helps prevent double taxation.
If you cannot pay tax in full by the deadline, you should still file your return on time to avoid the late filing penalty. The West Virginia Tax Department may allow installment payment arrangements. Interest will still apply, so paying as much upfront helps reduce the total cost over time.
If this is your first time filing as a part-year resident, you can consult the state’s filing instructions, visit the official tax website, or seek advice from a qualified tax professional. Friends or family with prior experience may share helpful tips, but ensure your information comes from reliable sources.
Yes, relocating between states can affect your life financially, especially when transitioning from one state’s tax laws to another’s. As a new resident of West Virginia, you must understand how state rules differ from those in your prior location. Changes in residency can impact deductions, credits, and reporting requirements for your tax return.
You can request a refund if you overpaid by indicating it on your tax return. Refunds may be sent via direct deposit or a mailed check. Be sure to provide accurate bank or mailing information to avoid delays. Processing time depends on whether you filed electronically or submitted a paper return.
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