Darla Eden took office as Hall County’s new tax commissioner just as a new law governing motor vehicle taxes was about to take effect. So she’s spent much of her first two months in office explaining the law, which took effect Friday, and its impact to taxpayers. But she has big goals in mind for the office — expanded hours and better customer service among them. Today, The Times asks Eden five questions about the tax commissioner’s office, the new law and her vision for the future.

1. What has surprised you the most about your new job?

I am most impressed with the professionalism and great attitudes of the employees in the tax commissioner’s office. All of the employees have been very good at giving me their time to teach me about the history of the office as well as new practices and resources that are available to us.

The employees have been very accommodating with the ideas of change that we are either contemplating or have already implemented in the office.

This is definitely an exciting and challenging time for me personally and professionally.

2. How difficult has it been explaining the new car tax law to taxpayers?

One thing for sure is that I am very thankful this law took effect on March 1 rather than on Jan. 1, my first day of office!

The past two months have been dedicated to preparing for the changes in the office and educating our taxpayers about the new motor vehicle ad valorem tax changes. This new law will affect every person who titles a self-propelled means of transportation.

Our office as well as the tax assessor’s office have spent the past two months preparing and educating the taxpayers on this new legislation.

It has been tricky to explain the law changes because the new Title Ad Valorem Tax looks a lot like a sales tax, but it is being applied at a different time (at titling) and to a different amount — the value of the vehicle and not the sales price.

As a reminder, for motor vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013, the sales-and-use tax and the annual ad valorem “birthday tax” will be eliminated. Instead, there will be a one-time title fee of 6.5 percent when the vehicle is titled. The new TAVT will also apply to private sales between individuals as well as new residents to Georgia.

Any change in a tax law is always confusing at first because we are creatures of habit, but rest assured, we are prepared to help our taxpayers to guide them in the best direction.

We are encouraging taxpayers to wait until their normal birthday renewal month to evaluate the OPT-IN option for vehicle purchases made between Jan. 1, 2012 and Feb. 28, 2013.

Our website has a lot of information and a tax calculator to guide you through these changes. We encourage you to visit hallcounty.org prior to calling or visiting the tax office.

3. What is something you wish everyone knew about your office?

I would like for all to know that the employees take a lot of pride in their jobs and they work hard to provide excellent customer service. Also, to accommodate the natural growth in our county and inherent demands on the office, we are setting up a call center with employees dedicated to answering your calls with a live voice rather than a recording.

The call center is supplemented by an excellent website and management staff to assist on all levels.

The other two items that I would like for our residents to know is that we don’t set the taxable values or the millage rate. Our office takes those values from the assessor’s office and county commissioners and we bill for property and motor vehicle taxes. Our office bills, collects, accounts and disburses property and motor vehicle taxes.

Lastly, please know that the office is being designed to provide even greater customer service so stay tuned and watch us do more to serve you efficiently.

4. Have you heard any good excuses from taxpayers for failing to pay or being late with their taxes?

I did laugh to myself when a taxpayer told me that her dog ate her tax bill with the payment enclosed. Of course, I had a little sympathy because I know those pups can do no wrong.

5. What goals do you have for the office during your first term?

As already mentioned, efficient and cordial service to the taxpayer is (the) No. 1 priority. I realize that coming to the tax office is thought of as unpleasant. Quite frankly, it can be daunting.

Our goal is to make sure you have a pleasant experience and to let you know that we want to be a resource.

I would like to be open longer on weekdays, and I would like to add Saturday hours to our office to best accommodate citizens. I realize that to be successful, our services have to be accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens. We will continually evaluate the needs of citizens and the services we provide for the best fit.
Another goal of our office is superior accountability of your money.

A large percentage of the revenue realized by the Hall County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education is generated from ad valorem taxes billed and collected by our office.

The financial stability of these institutions largely depends upon the efficient operations of our office. Cities also benefit from taxes collected on motor vehicles, mobile homes and heavy-duty equipment.

Lastly, efficiencies in human resources and technology have to be leveraged to the fullest in order to operate at a high level of efficiency. That coupled with encouraging innovation and planning for tomorrow are both priorities. I believe in leading teams of people and achieving things through a professional workforce, technology and modernization.