West Virginia residents have until the close of business today to pay at least the first half of their 2025-26 personal property tax on vehicles and other items to be eligible to have that money returned next year when they file taxes.

Through a system created two years ago by the West Virginia Legislature, those who pay their personal property tax on time — before the penalty period kicks in on Oct. 1 — will receive a refund in the form of a credit when they file their 2025 state income taxes early next year.

For example, if you paid your second half of 2024-25 on time and your first half of 2025-26 by the end of today, you will receive a form — the MV-1 Motor Vehicle credit — in the mail early next year from the West Virginia State Tax Department showing what you’re entitled to claim. If you paid $2,000 in taxes this calendar year on your personal property, and you owe the state $500, that would make you eligible for a $1,500 refund.

It’s a simple process that not enough people took advantage of last year. That needs to change. The Tax Department estimates less than 50% of eligible residents paid their taxes on time and thus were ineligible for the credit. That’s a foolish way to leave money on the table.

Pay your taxes. Today.