Utah State Tax Commission Chair John Valentine has been confirmed to serve another four-year term on the commission, continuing a tenure that began in 2014.
The Utah Senate voted 26-0, with three senators absent, to consent to Valentine’s reappointment during the Legislature’s August interim meetings. The vote followed a favorable recommendation from the Senate Revenue and Taxation Confirmation Committee which came earlier in the month.
During his confirmation hearing, Valentine highlighted changes the Tax Commission has made during his tenure, including efforts to modernize the agency and move more of its work to electronic systems. He also emphasized a broader cultural shift within the commission — moving away from viewing itself simply as a tax collection agency and toward operating as a customer service agency.
Valentine acknowledged that the transition has not been easy, but said improving the experience of taxpayers interacting with the commission has been worth the effort.
One of the most significant challenges Valentine identified for his next term is shortening the time it takes to resolve tax appeals. He told senators that the number of appeals coming before the commission is exceeding its current capacity to provide taxpayers with timely decisions. Valentine said the commission needs additional administrative law judges and is developing a proposed process expected to be considered during the next legislative session to help improve the timeliness of decisions.
Committee members also discussed potential changes to Utah’s property tax system and ways the state might modernize property tax administration. While no specific reforms were proposed, the discussion highlighted an area likely to remain important for both the Tax Commission and Legislature in the coming years.
Several senators used the hearing to thank Valentine for his service, noting the knowledge and expertise he provides lawmakers as they work through complex tax policy issues.
The Utah Taxpayers Association is also grateful for Commissioner Valentine’s service. Throughout his time on the commission, Valentine has worked to administer Utah’s tax laws fairly and consistently while seeking to ensure taxpayers are treated fairly throughout the process. We appreciate his willingness to engage on difficult tax issues and look forward to continuing to work with him during his next term.
Valentine, a former Utah Senate president and longtime tax attorney, was first appointed to the State Tax Commission in 2014. His latest confirmation gives him another four years to continue the commission’s modernization efforts while addressing growing pressures on Utah’s tax appeals system.