Are Churches Sales Tax Exempt in West Virginia?

Churches are often excluded from paying state sales tax in West Virginia on purchases made for religious purposes. Both tangible and intangible products, such as clothing, literature, and other materials used for worship and religious instruction, are exempt from this rule. Churches are not always free from paying sales tax on their purchases, though. For instance, a church can be forced to pay sales tax on office supplies or equipment it buys for non-religious uses.

Nonprofit organizations in West Virginia could be qualified for a property tax exemption if they meet specific criteria. The organization must have been created and must be run solely for charitable, religious, educational, literary, or scientific objectives; it cannot be run for the benefit of any shareholder or private person. The property must also be owned by the organization and used only for its tax-exempt purposes.

There is a state sales tax in West Virginia; it is now 6%. The majority of retail transactions of tangible personal property as well as several services, including hotels and telephones, are subject to this tax. Prescription drugs, specific food items, and goods supplied to the federal government are among the items that are free from sales tax.

The sales tax rate in Virginia is also 6%, and some cities impose an extra fee. The majority of tangible personal goods, as well as some services including telecommunications, specific kinds of repairs, and specific kinds of entertainment, are subject to sales tax in Virginia. However, there are a number of commodities that are exempt from sales tax, including some foods, prescription medications, and goods purchased by the federal government. Organizations must first register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission or a county or city clerk’s office in order to receive a tax-exempt number in Virginia. Form ST-12, which may be accessed on the website of the Virginia Department of Taxation, must be filled out and submitted by the organization in order to apply for a tax-exempt number after it has been registered. A copy of the organization’s articles of incorporation or other governing documents is required, together with a copy of the IRS determination letter attesting to the organization’s tax-exempt status.

In summary, West Virginia churches are often excused from paying sales tax on purchases made for religious purposes, but may have to do so if the purchase is made for a non-religious reason. Both West Virginia and Virginia impose a 6% sales tax on the majority of retail purchases of tangible personal property and specific services, and nonprofit organizations may qualify for a property tax exemption if they meet specified criteria. However, there are some things that are exempt from sales tax, and businesses in Virginia can apply for a tax-exempt number by filling out and submitting Form ST-12.