Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights

( – promoted by lowkell)

When I was elected Arlington Commissioner of Revenue in 2003, I was committed to provide the best service possible to our customers.  That is not always easy to do in an office that assesses people’s property and business gross receipts. However, my staff and I pledged to turn the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue into a customer friendly organization. So, we devised a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.  This concept is not new: it has been used by several states and localities and by the IRS, but as far as I know, it had never been created nor used in Arlington County.  Here is my office’s version.

Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights

1. You have the right to a Commissioner with an “open door” policy who publicizes information on new laws

and processes.

2. You have the right to a fair and equitable assessment of your property, conducted in accordance with the Code of Virginia and Arlington County ordinances.

3. You have the right to complete details about the Commissioner’s procedures for assessing property.

4. You have the right to prompt and courteous attention from the Commissioner when you have a question

concerning any aspect of your assessment.

5. You have the right to expect professional service and a timely response.

6. You have the right to expect that your tax records and transactions are kept confidential and are not disclosed to any person except as authorized by law.

7. You have the right to expect the Commissioner’s Customer Advocate to assert your rights within the office.

8. You have the right to meet with the Commissioner or her representative who assessed your property for a review of your assessment.

9. You have the right to request a correction of your assessment from the Commissioner, the State Tax Commissioner and/or the court system if you feel that your assessment is incorrect or unfair.

10.You have the right to expect to leave the Commissioner’s Office feeling as though you were served in a competent and professional manner.

Ingrid Morroy

Arlington Commissioner of Revenue