| Although Calhoun County gets one of the smallest amounts of coal severance tax, it could be eliminated if a court battle by coal producers proves the tax is illegal.
The county, which gets little tax from extractors, averages about $15,000 annually for the severance distribution, according to Clerk Richard Kirby.
West Virginia may have to repay between $400 and $500 million if the coal companies win the suit.
They are asking for a repeal based upon what they believe is an illegal tax on exported coal.
The state could also lose about $55 million in other coal taxes that are distributed to counties.
The case is based on a law that says import-export taxes cannot be imposed, a part of global trade. | 
