Bob Cleland, tax advocate at the Kansas Department of Revenue, described his office’s mission to help taxpayers and reduce administrative appeals during the committee’s Oct. 15 session. Cleland said the position was established to address taxpayer problems across the department’s administered taxes and to provide a consistent, documented process for resolving disputes: “My position is to cover every tax that's administered by the Department of Revenue ... My job is to get things done.”

Cleland described operational practices that rely on email trails to preserve a record of communications with taxpayers and preparers; he told the committee that a majority of income‑tax‑related issues are resolved through the advocate process rather than escalating to formal appeals.

Several lawmakers asked whether a similar position for property taxes — one that could be a one‑stop contact for valuation disputes — would make sense. Representative Smith noted concerns about conflict if a property‑tax advocate were placed under the Board of Tax Appeals and suggested the position might sit within KDOR or PVD with coordination from BOTA. Cleland said he lacked detailed knowledge of property‑valuation processes but supported improved communications and a clear referral path for taxpayers.

Why it matters: a centralized, accessible advocate can reduce administrative appeals, increase transparency for taxpayers and speed resolution. Committee members expressed interest in creating a property‑tax advocate in statute or by organizational decision at KDOR. The committee asked staff to work with the department on possible statutory language and a fiscal estimate for an advocate position to discuss at a future meeting.