The Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue appraises and assesses for taxation all real property in the City, assesses individual and business personal property taxes, issues business licenses, assists citizens with filing Virginia income taxes, administers special taxes on meals, lodging, admissions, utility services, short term rentals and mobile communications, and administers the City's real estate tax relief and exemption programs and the land use special assessment program.
As a state Constitutional Officer, the Virginia General Assembly first created the position of Commissioner of the Revenue in 1786. The Commissioner of the Revenue is elected by the citizens of Harrisonburg to a four-year term of office and serves at the pleasure of the voters. The Commissioner of the Revenue holds office as an agent of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as local governments, and is the assessing officer on the local level for those taxes and licenses prescribed by state law and local ordinance.
[33KB] The Mission Statement of the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Disclaimer
The City of Harrisonburg Commissioner of the Revenue makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on this site is correct, complete, and up to date. However, since the law is subject to constant change and interpretation, that cannot be guaranteed.
Information regarding requesting records from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
- About Karen Rose
Karen I. Rose
Karen was first elected the City of Harrisonburg Commissioner of the Revenue in November 2013. Prior to her election, she was the Chief Deputy for the City of Harrisonburg Commissioner of the Revenue office since January 2009. Karen is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has also worked as a Supervising Senior Accountant for KPMG, Controller for The Harmon Companies and part time Accountant for John L. Hopkins III various enterprises.
Education
- Master Commissioner of the Revenue, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia (2017)
- Certified Public Accountant (1986)
- Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University (1984)
- Booker T. Washington High School (1980)
Professional Organizations
- Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Virginia Commissioner of the Revenue Association-Member
- Virginia Association of Local Tax Auditors-Member
- Virginia Association of Assessing Officers-Member
- Secretary of the West Central District Commissioner of the Revenue Association
- Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers-Member
Civic Involvement
- Treasurer of Asbury United Methodist Women
- Asbury United Methodist Church Finance Committee
Personal
She is married to John R. Rose Jr. They have two married adult daughters and two grandsons.