Overview: Employers in West Virginia must register for state withholding income tax and unemployment insurance (UI) tax. Both registrations can be completed through the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal. In addition, some municipalities impose local payroll taxes that require separate registration.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
West Virginia Withholding and UI Tax Registration
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 Buddy Punch 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: [email protected]
State Tax Department: 304-558-3333
WorkForce WV: 304-558-2451