The bill introduced on February 19, 2025, amends the Code of West Virginia to exempt motor vehicles from personal property tax starting from tax years after December 31, 2025. It adds a new provision under section 11-3-9(a) stating that "any motor vehicle owned as personal property" will be exempt from taxation, replacing the previous item (30) in the list of exempt properties, which has been renumbered to (31). The bill also maintains existing exemptions for various property types owned by government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, while ensuring that properties purchased to evade taxation remain ineligible for exemption.
By removing the requirement for personal property tax on motor vehicles, the legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on vehicle owners and simplify the tax structure. The bill emphasizes the responsibilities of the Tax Commissioner to ensure uniform assessment practices across the state, thereby promoting vehicle ownership without the added tax obligation. Overall, this legislative change is designed to provide economic relief to individuals and families who own vehicles.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 11-3-9