NASHVILLE - Tennessee Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts plans to step down as the state's chief tax collector on Dec. 2, Gov. Bill Haslam announced today.
"Richard has been a valuable part of our administration, creating programs that have benefited taxpayers, streamlining processes for businesses, and providing his department the tools it needs to be more effective," Haslam said in announcing Roberts' departure.
Haslam said "I especially appreciate that Richard has also looked at the long-term needs of the department which will benefit the state for years to come."
Roberts has served as commissioner since Haslam became governor in 2011. Under his leadership, according to the administration, the department adopted several systems and procedures that have improved services to citizens and businesses.
The list includes an updated tax registration and reporting system as well as a motor vehicle and title registration system. The department also began acting on a backlog of tax-letter rulings.
Roberts also initiated an effort to identify tax under reporting and underpayment of taxes while also promoting electronic tax filing to increase efficiency and promote cost savings.
And the commissioner has pushed to keep some retailers from keeping sales taxes they collect from customers instead of forwarding them as required to the state.
Roberts also successfully pressed to update Tennessee corporate tax code to reflect modern business practices as well as implement dealer drive-out registration tags to provide real-time verification of temporary tags to combat fraud.
Roberts said in the governor's news release that he was honored to serve and grateful to Haslam to putting him in the post.
He also praised what he called the "dedicated employees" in the Revenue Department as well as the state's 95 county clerks for their role in collecting revenue.
"These employees take seriously their jobs which are so critical to the ability of the state to support its vital functions for the benefit of all our citizens. My wife and I have enjoyed our time in Nashville," Roberts said.
Roberts previously held leadership roles at Miller Industries, Inc., Forward Air Corporation and Landair Corporation, and practiced law with the regional firm Baker Worthington. He earned a bachelor's degree, a law degree and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
There was no immediate word from the governor on a replacement.