HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation to bring fairness and efficiency to Pennsylvania’s tax appeals process is on its way to becoming law, said Representative Mike Peifer.

“Having a fair and balanced tax appeals process is very important to the business community and our job creators,” said Peifer, who sponsored legislation to implement the changes. “By working together, I believe we have come up with a solution that meets that objective.”

The language of Peifer’s House Bill 1541 was incorporated into the tax code bill adopted in conjunction with the 2013-14 state budget. The measure restructures the Board of Finance and Revenue, the body to which taxpayers may appeal decisions made by the Board of Appeals. Under the bill, the Board of Finance and Revenue would be made up of three members, two of whom will be nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for staggered six-year terms. Each appointee must be a lawyer or certified public accountant with at least 10 years of relevant state tax experience. The third member will be the state treasurer, or his designee.

“The new structure of the Board of Finance and Review ensures it is made up of qualified, experienced members who are completely independent of the Department of Revenue,” said Peifer. “I am pleased the change will become law.”