PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today appointed members to the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT)
Simplification Task Force.
The panel, consisting of tax experts, business owners, municipal representatives and others, has been
asked to issue recommendations on how the Arizona sales tax code can be made simpler and easier for
taxpayers to comply with and the State to administer. Arizona’s sales tax system is generally considered
among the nation’s most complex.
The TPT Task Force was established through an Executive Order issued May 11, 2012, the same day
Governor Brewer signed into law HB 2815 – a tax-reform package aimed at spurring job creation and
economic development in Arizona.
“Sales tax is arguably the most critical source of revenue for the core programs and services provided
by State government,” said Governor Brewer. “With this panel of dedicated and knowledgeable experts,
Arizona is one step closer to adopting a user-friendly tax system that will benefit our economy and taxpayers.”
Appointed to the panel are a dozen of the State’s leading experts on tax policy. Michael Hunter, the
Governor’s Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Advisor on Tax Policy and Reform, will serve as the
Governor Brewer’s designee and act as chairman of the Task Force on her behalf. The Task Force will also
utilize the expertise of outside tax experts and stakeholders though public testimony and working groups.
The Task Force must submit its recommendations to the Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate
President no later than Dec. 31, 2012.
Members of the TPT Task Force include:
John Olson, Senior Tax Auditor, Town of Gilbert
Miguel Teposte, Finance Supervisor – Tax, City of Phoenix
Tom Belshe, Deputy Director, Arizona League of Cities and Towns
Kevin McCarthy, President, Arizona Tax Research Association
Steve Barela, State and Local Tax Manager, Arizona Public Service Company
Linda Stanfield, President, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Keely Hitt, Senior Tax Manager, Circle K Stores, Inc.