West Virginia W2 vs 1099 Calculator
Free Take-Home Pay Comparison — 2026
West Virginia Tax Fact:
West Virginia reduced its top rate to 5.12% and plans further cuts.
West Virginia is reducing its income tax rate.
W2 vs 1099 Take-Home Calculator
All 50 states · Federal + State + SE Tax · 2026 tax brackets
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W2 vs 1099 in West Virginia: What You Need to Know
West Virginia applies a state income tax rate of up to 5.12% in addition to federal taxes. West Virginia is reducing its income tax rate.
For W2 employees in West Virginia, both federal and state income taxes are withheld automatically from your paycheck, along with your 7.65% share of FICA taxes. Your employer pays the other 7.65%.
As a 1099 contractor in West Virginia, you pay both the employee and employer portions of FICA (15.3% total) plus 5.12% state income tax and federal income tax. However, you can deduct half of your SE tax and up to 20% of qualified business income (QBI deduction).
The break-even point — where 1099 pay equals W2 take-home — is typically 20-30% above equivalent W2 pay in West Virginia when accounting for taxes and benefits.