Wyoming Department of Revenue Appoints New Director

Wyoming Governor Appoints New Department of Revenue Director

In a meaningful move for state finances, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has officially appointed Bret Fanning as the new Director of the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Fanning steps into this role following the retirement of Brenda Henson, who had helmed the department as 2021.

Fanning is no stranger to the intricacies of state revenue.Since 2022, he has spearheaded the department’s Excise Tax Division as its administrator. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in managing the statewide collection of crucial taxes, including sales, use, lodging, nicotine products, prepaid wireless services, and taxes on wind generation. His tenure at the department dates back to 2011, where he honed his expertise conducting and reviewing taxpayer audits within the Excise Tax Division of the Wyoming Department of Audit.

A proud native of Cheyenne,Fanning brings a strong academic background to his new position.He holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and further bolstered his credentials with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wyoming.

Governor gordon expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “Bret’s experience in the Excise Tax Division and familiarity with revenue policy ensure this will be a smooth transition. I want to extend my thanks to Matt Sachse for serving in an interim capacity since Director Henson’s retirement.”

Addressing his appointment, Fanning shared his enthusiasm and commitment: “Thank you, Governor Gordon and team, for this possibility. I’m honored to serve the taxpayers of Wyoming in this new position. Along with our amazing Department of Revenue staff, I’m excited for the continued partnership with all of our stakeholders going forward.”

The Wyoming Department of Revenue plays a vital role in the state’s economy, overseeing the administration and collection of mineral and excise taxes, property valuation, the wholesale distribution of alcoholic beverages, and the enforcement of liquor control laws. The department is structured with five key divisions: Administrative Services, Excise Tax, Property Tax, Mineral Tax, and Liquor.

What are the new Director’s key qualifications for this role?

Leadership Transition at the Wyoming Department of Revenue

On August 2nd, 2025, the Wyoming Department of Revenue announced the appointment of[Director’sName-[Director’sName-Replace with actual name]as its new Director. This appointment marks a notable shift in leadership for the state agency responsible for administering Wyoming’s tax laws, collecting revenue, and ensuring compliance.the selection follows a comprehensive search process, aiming to bring fresh perspectives and continued stability to Wyoming’s financial management.

Background of the New Director

[Director’s Name] brings a wealth of experience in[Director’sFieldofExpertise-[Director’sFieldofExpertise-Replace with actual expertise, e.g., public finance, tax law, government administration]to the role. Prior to this appointment, [he/she] served as[PreviousPosition-[PreviousPosition-Replace with actual position]at[PreviousOrganization-[PreviousOrganization-Replace with actual organization]. Key qualifications include:

Extensive knowledge of Wyoming’s tax code.

Proven leadership and management skills.

A strong track record in fiscal responsibility and revenue management.

Experience in navigating complex regulatory environments.

This appointment is expected to bolster the Department’s ability to effectively manage state finances and provide crucial services to Wyoming taxpayers.

Responsibilities of the Wyoming Department of Revenue

The Wyoming Department of Revenue plays a vital role in the state’s economic health. Its core functions include:

Tax Administration: Overseeing the collection of various state taxes, including sales tax, property tax, income tax, and severance tax (related to mineral extraction).

revenue Forecasting: Developing accurate revenue projections to inform the state’s budget process. This involves analyzing economic trends and anticipating future tax receipts.

Compliance and Enforcement: ensuring taxpayers adhere to state tax laws through audits, investigations, and enforcement actions.

Taxpayer Services: Providing assistance and resources to Wyoming taxpayers, including online tools, publications, and direct support.

Liquor Enforcement: The Department also handles liquor licensing and enforcement, ensuring compliance with alcohol beverage laws.

Impact on Wyoming Taxpayers

The change in leadership at the Department of Revenue could influence several areas impacting Wyoming residents and businesses.Potential areas of focus under the new Director may include:

Tax Modernization: Exploring opportunities to streamline tax processes and adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and taxpayer convenience.

Tax Policy Review: Evaluating existing tax policies to ensure they are fair, competitive, and aligned with the state’s economic goals.This could involve examining potential tax incentives or adjustments to tax rates.

Enhanced Customer Service: Improving the accessibility and responsiveness of taxpayer services, potentially through expanded online resources or increased staffing.

Severance Tax Management: Given Wyoming’s reliance on mineral extraction, effective management of severance tax revenue is crucial. The new Director will likely prioritize maximizing revenue from this source.

Wyoming’s Economic Landscape & Revenue Sources

Wyoming’s economy is heavily influenced by the energy sector, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas. This translates into a significant portion of the state’s revenue coming from severance taxes. However, the state is also actively working to diversify its economy, with growing sectors in tourism, agriculture, and technology.

Understanding these economic drivers is critical for the Department of Revenue. Key revenue sources include:

1. Severance Taxes: Taxes levied on the extraction of minerals.
2. Sales and Use Taxes: Collected on retail sales and the use of taxable goods and services.
3. Property Taxes: Assessed on real and personal property.
4. Income Taxes: Collected on individual and corporate income.
5. Mineral royalties: Revenue generated from state-owned mineral leases.

Recent Department of Revenue Initiatives

Prior to the new Director’s appointment,the Wyoming Department of Revenue had been focused on several key initiatives:

Online Tax Filing: Expanding online options for taxpayers to file and pay their taxes.

Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to improve tax compliance and identify potential fraud.

Remote work Opportunities: Adapting to changing workforce trends by offering remote work options for certain positions within the Department.

collaboration with Local Governments: Strengthening partnerships with county and city governments to improve tax collection and administration.

Contacting the Wyoming Department of Revenue

Taxpayers with questions or concerns can contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue through the following channels:

Website: [Insert Official Website URL here]

Phone: [Insert Official Phone Number Here]

Address: [Insert official Address Here]

Resources are available online for frequently asked questions,tax forms,and othre helpful facts.