State Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, left, appeared before the Wood County Commission on Monday to discuss action the Legislature took last year to give people a credit on their personal property taxes related to their vehicles. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG – State residents can claim a vehicle tax credit if their personal property taxes are paid on time.

Republican State Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher of Wood appeared before the Wood County Commission on Monday to discuss actions taken by the Legislature over the past year.

The credit is part of House Bill 1516, which Fehrenbacher said is part of a tax cut package.

“For most West Virginians, the thing most affected is their personal property: their private vehicle,” he said.

Beginning January 1, 2024, taxpayers will be eligible to receive a motor vehicle tax credit. The first opportunity to claim this credit is on a 2024 West Virginia income tax return filed in 2025 for all timely paid vehicle property taxes due in 2024.

“The intention is to make West Virginians aware that they have this credit, but they have to be in good standing, which means they have to pay their taxes on time,” said Fehrenbacher.

According to Blair Couch, president of the commission, there are many who want to eliminate the personal property tax. However, this would affect the revenue of counties and school districts.

Wood County would expect $6 million “Donut hole” in his budget if the personal wealth tax were completely abolished, Couch said.

With the solution ultimately approved, the county will continue to receive tax revenue and taxpayers will be able to benefit from this credit, he added.

“Everything went well,” Said Couch.

Like many others, they can pay the first half of their tax bill by Oct. 1 and then be eligible. They must also pay the other half on time before April 1, 2025, Fehrenbacher said.

“You have to pay that and when you file your taxes next year … you can claim the credit,” he said.

Commissioner Jimmy Colombo asked how they could get the information out to the public. Couch said they could link it to the county website online. The tax form is TSD 454 Motor Vehicle Property tax Adjustment Credit.

In other business, Fehrenbacher said a provisional session of the legislature will be held Sept. 8-10 at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, with some meetings planned at the Judge Black Annex.

There are many activities planned in the area, including hiking tours, a trip to Blennerhassett Island, and more.

“We are very pleased that the legislature is here,” Said Couch.

Fehrenbacher said it has been about 20 years since interim meetings were held in Parkersburg.

“I hope it will be a good opportunity,” said Fehrenbacher. “We hope they get a good insight into the area.”