Does West Virginia tax military retirement pay?
Not taxed
No. Since 2019, West Virginia exempts all military retirement income from the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard and the non-military uniformed services.
In the state's own words
Copied word for word from the official document linked below each quote:
“For tax years beginning on and after January 1, 2019, all military retirement income from the regular Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard and uniformed services that are not part of the Armed Forces is exempt from WV income tax.”
Other retirement income in West Virginia
Yes, generally. West Virginia has an $8,000 senior citizen modification for people 65 or older, and certain public pension modifications. The West Virginia pension page has the details, and the West Virginia Social Security page covers Social Security. No, starting with 2026. West Virginia has fully exempted Social Security below $50,000 of income ($100,000 joint) since 2022, and for everyone else the exemption reaches 100% in tax year 2026. For 2025 returns above those incomes, it is 65%.
Before you file or move
This page is about state income tax only. Your federal return has its own rules for military retired pay, and VA disability compensation is a separate benefit from retired pay. State rules change, and the details (age, years, which kinds of pay qualify, survivor benefits) matter. Check with the West Virginia Tax Division before you file or move.
Other states in the same group
Check our work
The answer above comes from this document. Follow the link and compare.
- TSD-443, Personal Income Tax of Military ServicemembersWest Virginia Tax Division. Read on November 13, 2026.