About the Commissioner of the Revenue 

The Commissioner of the Revenue is one of five Commonwealth of Virginia Constitutional Officers. The others are Clerk of the Court, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Treasurer and Sheriff. The position was originally created in 1786. However, the modern Commissioner of the Revenue position was created in 1869 when the Virginia Constitution was rewritten and Virginia was readmitted to the Union following the Civil War.

The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief tax assessing officer for the local government. Commissioners of the Revenue serve a four year term at the pleasure of the voters. Two Constitutional Officers, the Commissioner of the Revenue and the Treasurer directly represent the citizens of the City of Bristol. City of Bristol residents are also served by the Bristol Circuit Court Clerk, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Sheriff.

Commissioner's Responsibilities

The chief tax assessors, both individual and commercial, for the City of Bristol;

Issuance and renewal of business licenses;

Taxpayer assistance and preparation on individual Virginia Income Tax Returns;

Pre-audit screening of tax returns for the Department of Taxation;

Determination of eligibility for PPTRA relief;

Investigation of inquiries and delinquent accounts;

Assessment and collection of city business licenses, meals tax and transient occupancy taxes;

Assistance with Real Estate Tax Relief; and

Administration of Bank Franchise Taxes;

We provide these services for the Citizens of Bristol and to aid in the continued growth of our community. Here at the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office, a vital goal in the performance of our duties is to provide the highest quality service and assistance possible to individuals at the local level. Therefore, we want our site to provide you with the answers you are seeking.