WV → FL Tax Savings
Move from West Virginia to Florida & Save 6.5% in State Taxes
West Virginia residents pay up to 6.5% in state income tax. Florida charges 0%. Establish Florida residency and keep more of what you earn.
West Virginia vs Florida: Tax Comparison
See how West Virginia's tax structure compares to Florida across every major tax category.
| Tax Category | West Virginia | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | Up to 6.5% | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | Yes | No |
| State Estate Tax | No | No |
| Homestead Exemption | Limited | Unlimited |
Your Potential Tax Savings
Estimated annual state income tax savings when moving from West Virginia to Florida, based on the top marginal rate of 6.5%.
Annual Income
$75,000
You Could Save
$4,875/yr
Annual Income
$100,000
You Could Save
$6,500/yr
Annual Income
$150,000
You Could Save
$9,750/yr
Annual Income
$200,000
You Could Save
$13,000/yr
Estimates use the top marginal rate for illustration. Actual savings depend on filing status, deductions, and total income.
Key Tax Facts: West Virginia
What you need to know about West Virginia's tax environment before making your move.
West Virginia has a top income tax rate of 6.5% on income over $60,000.
West Virginia taxes capital gains as regular income at rates up to 6.5%.
West Virginia does not have a state estate or inheritance tax.
West Virginia has been gradually reducing income tax rates to attract residents.
West Virginia vs Florida: Side by Side
See why thousands of West Virginia residents are making the move to Florida.
West Virginia charges up to 6.5% income tax; Florida charges 0%.
West Virginia taxes capital gains at up to 6.5%; Florida has no capital gains tax.
Neither state has an estate tax, but Florida's homestead exemption is unlimited.
On $100,000 income, moving from West Virginia to Florida saves approximately $6,500 annually.
How to Change Residency from West Virginia to Florida
Follow these five steps to legally establish your Florida domicile. Our service handles the documentation so you can focus on your life.
Establish a Florida Mailing Address
Set up a legitimate Florida residential address through our virtual mailbox service. Complete USPS Form 1583 with remote notarization so your mail is scanned and accessible from anywhere in the world.
File a Declaration of Domicile
File a Declaration of Domicile in your chosen Florida county. This legal document is the formal declaration of your intent to make Florida your permanent home and is a key piece of evidence in any audit.
Obtain a Florida Driver's License
Surrender your current state driver's license and obtain a Florida license. This is one of the strongest indicators of domicile that state tax authorities evaluate.
Update Voter Registration & Vehicle Titles
Register to vote in Florida and re-title your vehicles with a Florida address. Update your bank accounts, investment accounts, and professional licenses to reflect your new domicile.
Sever Ties with Your Former State
Systematically sever domicile ties with your previous state. Cancel memberships, close local bank accounts, update estate documents, and keep detailed records. This protects you during potential audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I save by moving from West Virginia to Florida?
West Virginia has a top income tax rate of 6.5%. Florida has 0% income tax. On a $100,000 income you could save approximately $6,500 per year, and on $200,000 you could save approximately $13,000 per year. Actual savings depend on your filing status and total income.
Does West Virginia have an exit tax if I move to Florida?
West Virginia does not have a formal "exit tax." However, West Virginia may still attempt to tax you if they believe you have not properly changed your domicile. Properly documenting your Florida domicile — driver's license, voter registration, Declaration of Domicile — is critical to avoid disputes.
How long does it take to change residency from West Virginia to Florida?
The process can be completed in as little as 2-4 weeks once you have a Florida address. Key steps include filing a Declaration of Domicile, obtaining a Florida driver's license, and updating voter registration. Our service guides you through every step.
Will I still owe West Virginia taxes after I move to Florida?
You may owe West Virginia taxes on income earned while you were a resident, and on any West Virginia-source income after you leave (such as rental income from property in West Virginia). Once you properly establish Florida domicile, your non-West Virginia-source income is no longer subject to West Virginia tax.
Do I need to physically live in Florida to be a resident?
Florida does not have a minimum physical presence requirement to establish domicile. You need to demonstrate intent to make Florida your permanent home through actions like filing a Declaration of Domicile, obtaining a Florida driver's license, and registering to vote. Many travel nurses, remote workers, and digital nomads maintain Florida residency while traveling.
Ready to Stop Paying 6.5% in West Virginia Taxes?
Join thousands of former West Virginia residents who have established Florida residency and eliminated their state income tax bill.
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