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: 

 
 
 

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