As Tax Day looms, many West Virginians are asking a simple but important question:
“Where does all my tax money actually go?”
It’s a fair concern, especially when the return on investment (ROI)—what taxpayers get back in the form of services—seems underwhelming. A new study from WalletHub, titled “States with the Best and Worst Taxpayer ROI (2025)”, ranks West Virginia 33rd overall, landing the state in the bottom half of the country.
Where West Virginia Stands
WalletHub’s analysis looks at two main factors: how much residents pay in taxes and what they get in return. Here’s how West Virginia stacked up:
- 25th for taxes paid
- 36th for overall government services
Breaking down government services reveals deeper concerns:
- 46th for education
- 50th for health (dead last)
- 23rd for public safety
- 38th for economy
- 9th for infrastructure and pollution
That last figure might raise eyebrows, especially since West Virginia ranks 48th for roads and bridges—a component of the infrastructure score. Still, the state managed a top 10 finish thanks to lower pollution levels in certain areas.
Poverty and Progress
Unsurprisingly, West Virginia continues to struggle with poverty, ranking 47th nationally, just ahead of New Mexico, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect real gaps in public service delivery that taxpayers feel every day, from struggling school systems to inadequate healthcare access.
What Are Other States Doing Right?
Interestingly, some of the highest ROI states, like New Hampshire, don’t even charge income tax. Yet, they still manage to provide solid government services.
“There can be a tradeoff between how much tax you pay and what you receive in return from the government,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.
He points out that tax efficiency matters just as much as tax rates. States with low taxes and decent services tend to rank well because they use money wisely and effectively.
Time for West Virginia to Demand Results
West Virginians are not asking for miracles. They’re asking for accountability. They want lawmakers in Charleston to prioritize results over rhetoric and prove that taxpayer dollars are going toward tangible improvements—in classrooms, hospitals, and communities.
It’s time for real leadership, not lip service. West Virginians deserve to see their hard-earned money working for them, not feeding political agendas or disappearing into bureaucratic black holes.
With tax season in full swing, one thing is clear:
People want proof their money is being well spent.
