Bill > HB4479

This bill establishes a tax credit program in West Virginia to encourage the in-state production of value-added forest products, meaning wood products that have been significantly altered from their original form. Manufacturers that process West Virginia harvested timber, referred to as "West Virginia sourced feedstock," into qualified "non-roundwood products"—such as veneer, engineered wood, or wood pellets—can receive tax credits. These credits can be applied to either corporate net income tax or personal income tax for owners of "pass-through entities," which are businesses like partnerships or sole proprietorships that are not taxed directly. The bill outlines a standard incentive schedule with tiered rates based on the volume of wood processed, and a higher, temporary "enhanced incentive schedule" for new facilities or "expansions," defined as a measurable increase in production capacity or a new production line. The program includes specific definitions for terms like "green ton" (a unit of weight for freshly harvested wood) and "minimum transformation standard" to ensure that only substantial processing qualifies, excluding simple activities like debarking or chipping for transport. The Division of Economic Development will oversee the program, with provisions for audits and penalties for falsification or misrepresentation of claims, including repayment of improperly received credits at double the amount plus interest.

Budget and Finance

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4479&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill