Property Taxes in West Virginia

The West Virginia Constitution governs the handling of property taxes in the state. A commission studying the topic has recommended shifting some of that power to the Legislature, The Associated Press reports.

The Gov. Joe Manchin-created Tax Modernization Project Work Group recommended a constitutional amendment giving lawmakers greater flexibility over property taxes leveled at business inventory, equipment and machinery.

The panel has concluded that such taxes are "a drag on West Virginia's ailing manufacturing base," the article said. "But the recommendation also calls on lawmakers to consider the effect of any changes on counties, which rely heavily on property taxes."