Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Craig Bolio as the commissioner of the Department of Taxes. Bolio joined the Department in 2011 and has served as acting commissioner since June.
“The Department of Taxes has a critical function in state government and requires experienced leadership to best serve Vermont taxpayers in a way that sets customer service and support as a top priority,” said Governor Scott. “Craig has led the Department with enthusiasm, as deputy and acting commissioner, and I know he will carry this forward in his new role.”
Much of Bolio’s time with the Department has been dedicated to supporting and improving the operational side of the Department, both as deputy commissioner and in his prior work where he focused on ensuring successful implementation of the state’s new online filing site, myVTax.
Bolio will lead the Department’s seven divisions as they carry out their mission to serve Vermonters in the collection of tax revenue in a timely, efficient and precise manner. Bolio replaces Kaj Samsom, who stepped down in May.
“I’m very thankful to Governor Scott for this opportunity to lead the Department of Taxes forward,” said Bolio. “Since 2011, I’ve enjoyed every minute of working for the Department. We have a fantastic team and I am excited to continue to work with them to seize opportunities and overcome challenges as we help Vermonters navigate the complex but necessary world of taxes.”
The Department of Taxes has been an important partner on Governor Scott’s tax reform initiatives, including the elimination of the tax on social security benefits for low and moderate income Vermonters, a tax reform package that lowered state income tax rates for all taxpayers and, coupled with additional reforms, prevented a $30 million tax increase on working families that would have occurred as part of federal tax changes.
Bolio earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Vermont. He lives in Essex Junction with his partner, Kristen, and their pets, Frankie and Sadie.