How to file wv state taxes for free?
As a West Virginia resident who's filed taxes here for decades, here's my practical advice for free filing:
If your income is under $73,000: Use the IRS Free File program accessible through the WV Tax Department website. You'll get guided preparation from major tax software companies completely free.
If your income is over $73,000: Your best bet is WV Fillable Forms - it's basically electronic paper filing. No guidance, but it's free and you get faster processing than paper filing.
What most people don't know: - Many public libraries in WV offer free tax help through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs, especially for seniors and low-income taxpayers - AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation at various locations across the state - Military personnel can use MilTax regardless of income
Important WV-specific tips: - WV has its own homestead exemption for seniors and disabled residents that you can claim - There are tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements - Property tax information is needed if you own a home
I helped my neighbor file using the VITA program at our local library last year - the volunteers are trained and certified, and it's completely free. Great option if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.
Just beware of "free" services that upsell you - read carefully because some only offer free federal filing but charge for state.
Filing West Virginia state taxes for free is definitely possible through several options:
Official Free Options: 1. WV State Tax Department Free File - Visit tax.wv.gov and look for their Free File program if your income is below $73,000 2. Fillable Forms - Available for everyone regardless of income, but no guidance (you need to know what you're doing)
Third-party Free Options: - Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) - completely free for state and federal regardless of income - FreeTaxUSA - Free federal filing, state filing is only $14.99 but often has promotions for free state filing - TaxSlayer - Free version available through the IRS Free File program if income below $73,000
My recommendation: I've used Cash App Taxes for the past two years and it's genuinely free with no hidden costs. The interface is user-friendly and it handles common WV forms like IT-140 perfectly.
What you'll need: - W-2 forms - 1099 forms if applicable - Last year's tax return (helpful but not required) - Social Security numbers for yourself and dependents
The filing deadline is typically April 15th, but always check for extensions or changes. West Virginia generally follows federal deadlines.
Remember that if you owe money, you can still file for free - the "free" refers to the preparation and filing service, not the taxes themselves!