CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Ethics Commission announced today that Financial Disclosure Statements, which must be filed by certain public employees and officials, may now be filed online through the Commission’s website. Completed Disclosure Statements must be filed with the Commission by February 2, 2015.
Those individuals who wish to file online should visit the Commission’s website at www.ethics.wv.gov, and click “Financial Disclosure” on the navigation bar, then access “Online Financial Disclosure Filing.” First-time online filers will need to create a username and password and will need the unique number (PIN) which the Commission emailed to their email address on record. Those who did not receive PIN numbers may contact WV.gov support at (304) 414-0265.
Previous online filers may file again this year using the same username and password as last year. A PIN is not required for those who have previously filed online; however, if they have forgotten their usernames, they need to call WV.gov support at (304) 414-0265.
Forms for paper filing have already been sent to previous filers through e-mail and the U.S. Mail.
Individuals who are required to file each calendar year include those elected to statewide offices, judicial positions, county positions and offices in Charleston and Fairmont; members of county boards of education; school board superintendents; members of state boards, commissions and agencies appointed by the governor; state executive branch department secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, department heads, deputy department heads and assistant department heads, and candidates for elected statewide and county public offices and candidates in Charleston and Fairmont municipal elections.
The online filing system, which was developed by the Ethics Commission in partnership with WV.gov, provides various benefits including:
• Information is saved from year to year and can be easily updated;
• Filings can be saved in progress and completed or amended later;
• Filing history is maintained online;
• Many filing rules are enforced automatically, which reduces errors;
• A “paperless” sign-up option to receive emailed filing reminders, and
• Online filings can be made on a smartphone or tablet.
Any questions may be directed to Ellen Briggs at (304) 558-0664 or at ellen.m.briggs@wv.gov.