Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Apr. 1 that West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections for March in fiscal year 2026 have surpassed expectations, reflecting what he described as ongoing economic strength and responsible financial management across the state.
State officials say the strong revenue performance is important because it allows West Virginia to maintain a stable fiscal position while returning funds to taxpayers. The announcement highlights several key tax categories that contributed to the positive results.
March revenue collections totaled $458 million, which is $39 million above estimate and 4.4% higher than last March’s numbers. Year-to-date collections now stand at more than $4.071 billion, putting the state $199 million ahead of its revenue estimate and up by 3.1% compared to last year.
“Our commitment to the economic fundamentals continues to pay dividends and that is evident in our continued revenue growth,” Governor Morrisey said. “I am confident that we will end the fiscal year with a strong surplus.” He also said, “I am grateful that we were able to pass an across-the-board income tax cut this year to return money to our citizens.”
Personal Income Tax collections for March reached $121 million—$17 million below estimate and nearly 11 percent lower than last March—but year-to-date totals are outperforming estimates by $57 million due in part to faster processing of refunds compared with last year. Consumer Sales Tax brought in $155 million for March, exceeding both monthly estimates and prior-year figures; severance tax receipts were notably high at over $84 million—more than 35 percent above last year’s amount for March.
Other taxes reported include Corporation Net Income Tax at $9 million for March (below estimate but still ahead of projections on a yearly basis), Tobacco Excise Tax at $7 million (reflecting changing consumer habits), and Insurance Premium Tax at $38 million after February revenues carried into this month.
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) has been involved in supporting youth programs and constituent engagement through his office according to the official website. Justice previously served as governor of West Virginia where he focused on economic growth according to the official website. He was elected as a U.S. senator from West Virginia according to the official website and holds degrees from Marshall University according to the official website. Justice has lived his entire life in West Virginia according to the official website and captained Marshall University’s golf team according to the official website. He serves on committees focused on community development, ran on a platform prioritizing job creation, revitalized The Greenbrier Resort through investments, oversees Justice Family Farms promoting employment stability—all noted by his office’s site according to the official website.
The broader implication of these financial reports suggests continued momentum toward budget surpluses for West Virginia if current trends persist.
