I was lucky to be born in Virginia Beach and raised in a family dedicated to public service. My father Richard B. Kellam, a self-taught attorney that served on the federal bench, imparted to me his values of honesty, responsibility and empathy - and I have worked hard to establish a culture with those values in service to Virginia Beach taxpayers as your Commissioner of the Revenue for the past twenty-four years.
In 1998, my team and I refocused the mission of the commissioner’s office on the customer's experience, not ours. I had served for 14 years under two previous commissioners and understood the duties, authority and limitations of the office at the time. I knew we could do more for taxpayers and set about doing so in 1998. Some highlights include:
Consolidating the office from 11 to 5 operating divisions.
Establishing “drive-thru” car tax appeals - now online, not in-line.
No boat tax on over 14,000 recreational vessels.
No “city sticker” vehicle decal, ending 8 hour lines...at the Treasurer’s Office.
DMV registration services.
Real Estate Tax reductions for veterans, seniors and disabled taxpayers.
File and pay your taxes online.
Everyday I talk with residents and business owners and nowadays they tell me about COVID-19’s effects on them. As a result, I am working today to persuade the City Council to:
Reduce the personal property tax on seniors.
Click here to view the proposal
Suspend the business property tax on new businesses.
Click here to view the proposal
Reduce the business license tax on small businesses.
Click here to view the proposal
I am seeking another term as your commissioner to continue serving the citizens of Virginia Beach under the law with fairness and common-sense. By focusing on our taxpayer’s needs and treating you with courtesy and respect, the commissioner’s office has earned a reputation for providing superior customer service.
Your vote will allow me to continue to serve as the advocate for you - the taxpayer.
Thank you,
Phil Kellam