West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program

What is the West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program?

The West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program helps qualifying homeowners lower their property taxes. It works by reducing the taxable value of your main home by up to $20,000. For example, if your home is valued at $100,000, you would only pay property taxes on $80,000 after the exemption is applied.

This program can only be used for your primary residence, meaning the place where you live most of the time. It does not apply to vacation homes, rentals, or second houses. To qualify, you must meet income limits, which differ depending on the county you live in.

Once you are approved for the exemption, you don’t need to apply again each year. The only time you must reapply is if something changes that affects your eligibility, such as your income or disability status.

Am I eligible for the West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program?

To qualify for the West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program, you must meet the following eligibility rules:

• You have lived in your home for at least 6 months.
• You have been a resident of West Virginia for the last 2 calendar years in a row.
• You are (or will be) age 65 or older on or before June 30th of the next year, or
• You are permanently and totally disabled and not working.
• Your name is listed on the property deed.
• You do not receive a homestead exemption in another county or state.

How do I apply for the West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program?

To apply, you need to visit your county assessor’s office in person and bring the required documents with you. These include:

• Proof of identity and age (such as a West Virginia driver’s license or birth certificate)
• Your Social Security or Veterans Administration award letter (if applying because of disability)
• A copy of your property deed
• Proof of income (such as tax returns or pay stubs)

What if I need help applying for the West Virginia Homestead Exemption Program?

If you need help applying for Homestead Exemption in West Virginia, help is available. You can:

• Contact the West Virginia Department of Revenue’s Tax Division by calling 304-558-3333 or emailing TaxHelp@WV.Gov.
• Visit a regional Department of Revenue office. Find the office nearest you.

Staff are available to answer your questions, explain the program, and guide you through the application process.