OSCPA meets with Tax Commissioner Harris

The Ohio Society of CPAs government relations team on Feb. 23 met with Patricia Harris, the new commissioner of the Ohio Department of Taxation. Harris previously served for 30 years with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), most recently as chief operating officer.    

Harris expressed a desire for the ODT to work even more collaboratively with OSCPA and other key business organizations to ensure Ohio tax policies and procedures make sense, and to make sure Ohioans, particularly small businesses, have the tools they need to succeed, including being able to navigate compliance requirements without surprises. 

Her nomination by Gov. DeWine awaits confirmation by the Ohio Senate, but Harris is set to replace Jeff McClain, who retired as ODT commissioner at the end of 2022.   

Harris began her career at BWC in 1991 as a claims representative, charged with analyzing, investigating and making initial determinations on workers' compensation claims. Throughout her time at the agency, Harris took on multiple leadership positions including regional training manager, service office manager, senior claims director, chief of claims services and chief operating officer. Since becoming the chief operating officer in September 2020, Harris was responsible for projects that affected overall agency performance, customer service, budgeting and legislation.