How to File a West Virginia State Tax Extension: What You Need to Know

Filing taxes in the Mountain State and running behind schedule? Don’t sweat it. If you need more time to get your paperwork together, you may qualify for a West Virginia State tax extension. Whether life got in the way or you’re still hunting down that last W-2, we've got the info you need to file with confidence—and without penalties.

Do I Need to File a West Virginia State Tax Extension?

Maybe. If you’re a West Virginia resident or owe taxes to the state, here’s the scoop:

• Filed a federal extension? Good news: West Virginia automatically honors a federal extension (Form 4868).
• Didn't file federally? You’ll need to submit Form WV4868 to request more time for your state return.
• Owe state taxes? You still need to pay by the original due date to avoid interest and penalties.

West Virginia allows extra time but expects timely payment.

How Long Is the WV State Tax Extension?

Got the green light on your extension? That means you've scored six more months to get your return in. So instead of racing the clock to meet the April 15th deadline, you’ve got until October 15th—or the next business day if that lands on a weekend or holiday.

Important: This is an extension to file, not to pay. Thus, don’t forget to pay your tax liabilities by April 15th.

Who Qualifies for a West Virginia Tax Extension?

You may be eligible for a WV state tax extension if you:

• Are a resident or part-year resident with income taxable by West Virginia
• Are a non-resident who earned income from West Virginia sources and need to file a state return

Even non-residents earning West Virginia income may need to file. Bottom line: if you owe, you likely qualify.

How to File a West Virginia Tax Extension, Avoid Penalties, and Get More Time

There are two routes depending on your federal situation:

Option 1: Filed a Federal Extension

• No need to file anything else with the state
• Just make sure to attach a copy of your IRS Form 4868 when you eventually file your WV state return

Option 2: Did Not File a Federal Extension

• Submit Form WV4868 (Application for Extension of Time to File)
• You can:
• • File online via West Virginia's MyTaxes portal
  • Mail the form to the WV State Tax Department
• Be sure to pay any estimated taxes when you file the extension

Where to Send WV4868 (If Filing by Mail)

West Virginia State Tax Department

Be sure to mail your extension by April 15th to avoid issues.

How to Pay WV State Taxes Online

If you owe taxes and are requesting an extension, be sure to make a payment using:

• MyTaxes portal: mytaxes.wvtax.gov
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or credit/debit card
• Use Form WV4868 to calculate what you owe

Common Reasons to File a WV State Tax Extension

Still debating whether to file? Here are a few reasons it might make sense:

• You're waiting on delayed tax forms (1099s, K-1s, etc.)
• You're dealing with a life event (moving, illness, job change)
• You want more time to work with a tax pro
• You want to avoid mistakes by rushing

More time equals more accuracy—and less stress.

What Happens If You Miss the Extension Deadline?

Miss the April deadline without paying? Here's what could go down:

• Failure to File on Time - 5% per month up to 25%
• Failure to Pay on Time - 0.5% per month up to 25%
• Interest on any unpaid taxes. It accrues daily until paid. For 2025, the rate is 12.25%.

Filing an extension doesn’t excuse payment, but it does protect you from a late filing penalty.

West Virginia State Tax Extension vs. Federal Tax Extension

Here’s a quick comparison:

West Virginia Tax Statistics

Want to know how taxes stack up in West Virginia? Here's a quick peek behind the curtain:

• Income tax brackets range from 2.22% to 4.82%, effective January 1, 2025. Visit WV Tax Division for more details.
• The state will continue to enact tax cuts if it meets revenue goals.
• Approximately 40% of the state's budget comes from residents’ income taxes.

Source: Sean O’Leary, How Tax Cuts for the Rich Trumped Public Investments: The West Virginia Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Accessed June 26, 2025.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis "State Tax Collections, Total Taxes for West Virginia." Accessed June 6, 2025.

Why e.file-tax.net Is the Smarter Choice

At e.file-tax.net, we turn tax-time headaches into no-big-deals. Here’s why folks across West Virginia love us:

• A straightforward price: No hidden fees or upgrade traps
• Built for speed: File your extension online in minutes
• We speak human: No tax jargon, just friendly support
• Secure & trusted: Bank-level encryption and real people behind the scenes

Filing for an extension shouldn’t feel like climbing Seneca Rocks in a blizzard. With e.file-tax.net, it won’t.

Key Dates to Remember

• April 15th: Original deadline to file and pay
• April 15th: Deadline to submit WV4868 (if needed)
• October 15th: New deadline if your extension is approved

Mark those calendars—and maybe set a reminder or two.

FAQs

Do I need to file a separate West Virginia extension if I filed a federal one?

No. West Virginia automatically accepts your IRS federal extension. Simply attach a copy of your federal Form 4868 when you file your state return.

Can I file my WV state tax extension online?

Yes! Use West Virginia’s MyTaxes portal to file Form WV4868 and pay taxes owed.

Does a state extension also extend the time to pay?

Nope. Taxes are still due by April 15. Pay on time to avoid penalties and interest.

Can businesses file a WV tax extension?

Yes. Partnerships, corporations, and other entities can file for extensions, too. Check West Virginia’s business tax forms for more info.

Start Your Tax Extension Today

Don’t let the clock stress you out. With e.file-tax.net, getting a Federal Tax Extension is fast, easy, and stress-free. Whether you're buying yourself time to get it right or just dodging late penalties, we’ve got your back.

Start your tax extension today!