West Virginia
Register your new business in West Virginia with essential tax information and steps.
West Virginia New Business Registration Guide
State Tax Agencies
- West Virginia State Tax Department
Types of Tax
- State Withholding Income Tax
- State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax
- Local Withholding Income Tax (if applicable)
West Virginia Withholding and UI Tax Registration
Employers must register with both the West Virginia State Tax Department for withholding tax and WorkForce West Virginia for unemployment insurance tax. This can be done through the state’s One Stop Business Portal.
Registration Steps (Combined Registration)
- Go to the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal.
- Select Register a New Business.
- Click Create Account under the Login area.
- Enter your name and email address, then create a username and password.
- After verifying your email, log in and complete your profile setup.
- Select the Register a New Business wizard to begin registration.
- During the process, select the appropriate options for:
- Withholding Tax
- Unemployment Compensation Insurance
- Continue through the steps to provide:
- FEIN
- Business type
- Business physical address
- First payroll date and estimated number of employees
- Submit the registration.
You will receive confirmation of your:
- West Virginia Withholding Tax Account Number (from the State Tax Department)
- Unemployment Compensation Employer Number (from WorkForce WV)
Account Access Setup
Once you receive your withholding and unemployment numbers:
- Visit MyTaxes to manage withholding tax filings.
- Visit WorkForce WV Employer Portal to access UI services.
Local Withholding Income Tax (If Applicable)
Several cities and municipalities in West Virginia (e.g., Charleston, Huntington) impose local payroll taxes.
Registration Guidance
- Contact the city or county clerk or local tax department where your business is physically located or where employees perform work.
- Determine if registration is required for a local employer withholding license or payroll tax.
- Complete and submit any necessary paperwork or online forms to obtain a Local Withholding Account Number.
Update Your Payroll Account
Once registered, update your payroll account with the following:
- West Virginia Withholding Tax Account Number
- West Virginia UI Employer Account Number
- Local Withholding Account Number(s) (if applicable)
These numbers are required for accurate state and local payroll tax filing and compliance.
Contact Information
- WV One Stop Business Center: 304-558-8000
- Email: business@wvsos.gov
- State Tax Department: 304-558-3333
- WorkForce WV: 304-558-2451
This guide does not contain legal or tax advice. For assistance, consult a licensed CPA or tax advisor.
Last updated on March 31, 2022