"Governor Manchin's Special Session Tax Plan"

The 2006 Report of the WV Tax Modernization Project

Public Hearings

Speaking Engagements

Informational Questionnaire
Must be submitted by Monday, October 2, 2006
(Printable PDF Version)

WV Economy, Budget & Tax Structure Presentation

WVU/Marshall Presentation

Meet the Team

Summit Transcript
July 6, 2006

Related Tax Documents

Message from the Secretary:

Governor Manchin asked the Department of Revenue to conduct a thorough review of our current tax structure and provide a report containing suggestions for modernizing our current tax code.

John Musgrave
Acting Secretary

In an effort to do so, Commissioner Helton and I assembled the Tax Modernization Work Study Group, a team of individuals from the Office of the Governor, the Department of Revenue, which includes the Office of the Secretary, the State Tax Department and the State Budget Office, and economists from West Virginia University and Marshall University.

Our Mission was to systematically research and analyze state and local taxation resulting in creation of a more modern tax structure which encourages economic growth.

The past several months have been very busy for the members of the Tax Modernization Project, as we have undertaken a comprehensive review and analysis of West Virginia’s system of state and local taxation.  Very early in this process, the Work Study Group worked to obtain a great amount of input from the public.  In May, various leaders throughout our State were invited to a meeting seeking input verbally and through a questionnaire. 

In July, a Tax Summit was held, which was attended by over 300 private and public sector leaders across our State.  We teamed with the Chancellor of Higher Education Policy and our State’s colleges and universities in holding public hearings on their campuses.

Numerous organizations including the West Virginia AFL-CIO, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the County Commissioners’ Association, the Association of Counties, the Municipal League, the Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as many others, assisted by studying, reviewing, and submitting proposals for changing our tax system.  Several groups not only brought back proposals, but also helped other citizens of the State to provide input. 

The culmination of this effort can be found in “The 2006 Report of the WV Tax Modernization Project” available on this Website.  After receiving this report, Governor Manchin has already adopted a number of the recommendations and announced his plan to call a special session on November 9, 2006 to act on these selected recommendations.  Governor Manchin’s plan is also available on this Website.  In the event that you need additional information, please contact my office at (304) 558-0211 or Commissioner Helton at (304) 558-0751. Thank you for your participation in this process.