Turo Host Taxes in West Virginia - 2025 Guide

Updated for 2025 (Filing 2024 Taxes)

Is Turo Host income taxable in West Virginia?

Yes, income earned as a Turo host is taxable at both the federal and West Virginia state levels. The IRS considers Turo hosting a business activity, meaning you’ll need to report your earnings and expenses.

Federal Requirements: You will report your Turo income and expenses on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) of Form 1040. This schedule allows you to deduct all ordinary and necessary business expenses, ultimately determining your net profit or loss. This net profit is then added to your other income when calculating your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

West Virginia Requirements: West Virginia has a graduated income tax system. This means the tax rate you pay depends on your total taxable income. Your Turo net profit (from Schedule C) will be included in your West Virginia taxable income, and taxed accordingly. You’ll report this income on the WV-1040 form. West Virginia generally follows federal AGI calculations, so accurately reporting on your federal return is crucial for your state return.

Top Tax Write-offs for Turo Hosts

• Mileage: This is often the largest deduction! For 2024, the standard mileage rate is 67 cents per business mile driven (this is subject to official IRS confirmation, but is the current estimate). Keep a detailed log of all miles driven for Turo purposes – pickups, drop-offs, inspections, maintenance related trips, etc.
• Vehicle Depreciation: Instead of taking the standard mileage rate, you can deduct depreciation. This allows you to write off a portion of the vehicle's cost each year. This can be more beneficial if your vehicle depreciates quickly. Consult with a tax professional to determine the best method for your situation.
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Expenses related to cleaning, detailing, oil changes, tire rotations, and other vehicle maintenance are deductible. Keep all receipts!
• Turo Fees & Software: The fees you pay to Turo, as well as any subscription costs for software used to manage your Turo business (e.g., scheduling apps, expense trackers) are deductible.

The 15.3% Self-Employment Tax Surprise

Because you're considered self-employed as a Turo host, you're responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. This combined tax is called self-employment tax and is currently 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security up to the annual wage base, and 2.9% for Medicare). You’ll calculate this on Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax) of Form 1040. However, you only pay self-employment tax on profits exceeding $400. The good news is you can deduct one-half of your self-employment tax from your gross income.

Closing Tip for West Virginia Residents

Navigating self-employment taxes can be complex. As a West Virginia resident, remember to factor in your state’s graduated income tax rates when estimating your tax liability. Maintaining meticulous records of your income and expenses throughout the year will significantly simplify the filing process and ensure you claim all eligible deductions. Consider consulting with a qualified tax professional, especially if this is your first year hosting on Turo, to ensure you are fully compliant with both federal and West Virginia tax laws.