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Bill

Bill

HB 4928

To end double taxation on rental properties

2026 Regular Session

HB 4928 eliminates double taxation on WV rental real estate by allowing credits or exemptions for taxes already paid, reducing liability for rental property owners.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4928

Summary of HB 4928 (2026) – West Virginia

1. Purpose and Intent

HB 4928 seeks to address and eliminate double taxation on rental properties in West Virginia. The bill aims to ensure that rental real estate owners are not subject to duplicate state tax obligations at multiple levels or on multiple bases of taxation, thereby reducing the overall tax burden on landlords and aligning tax treatment with property ownership and income from rental activities.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

  • Elimination of Double Taxation on Rental Properties: The core provision removes or credits against state tax for taxes already paid on rental property-related income or property assessments, preventing a second, duplicative tax on the same rental activity or property.

  • Tax Credit or Exemption Mechanism:

    • The bill establishes a framework (credit or exemption) to prevent the same income or property from being taxed twice.
    • If a tax has already been paid at one level or on one basis, subsequent state taxation on that same rental income or asset would be reduced or offset.
  • Scope of Application:

    • Applies to individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities earning rental income from real property located in West Virginia.
    • Covers taxes assessed by the state that could constitute double taxation, potentially including local taxes that interact with state taxes.
  • Modification of Tax Calculation:

    • The tax computation for rental income will include provisions to account for previously taxed amounts, ensuring the taxable base is not overstated.
    • Guidance on mechanism (credit, deduction, or exemption) will specify how the offset is calculated and applied.
  • Administration and Compliance:

    • The bill outlines responsibilities for the tax authorities to administer the double taxation offset.
    • Recordkeeping requirements may be specified to verify taxes paid elsewhere and to calculate offsets accurately.

3. Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Rental Property Owners and Liors: Individuals and business entities owning rental real property in West Virginia would be directly affected, as their tax liability could be reduced through offsets.
  • Taxpayers with Multilevel Tax Exposure: Property owners facing taxes at state and local levels or on multiple bases (income tax and property tax) may benefit from the avoidance of double taxation.
  • State and Local Tax Authorities: Agencies responsible for collection and administration would implement the offset mechanisms and ensure compliance.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The bill would specify an effective date (e.g., upon enactment or a future date) and may include transitional rules for tax years before and after implementation.
  • Implementation Timeline: If phased, the bill would outline milestones for when the offset starts to apply (e.g., for tax year 2026, 2027, etc.).
  • Rulemaking: Administrative rules or guidance would be issued by tax authorities to clarify eligibility, documentation, and calculation methods.
  • Reporting and Audits: Provisions may require additional reporting to substantiate previous tax payments and to verify the calculation of offsets during audits.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated goal to end double taxation on rental properties and outlines typical mechanisms used to achieve this aim (credit/deduction/exemption). The exact language would determine precise definitions (e.g., what constitutes “double taxation,” eligible taxes, and the calculation method).
  • For a complete understanding, review the bill’s text to confirm the scope, eligibility criteria, transition rules, and any fiscal impact statements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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