Alabama Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett to Retire End of April

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett, a fixture in state government, will retire from state service at the end of April 2026, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday.[1] Barnett's departure caps a significant tenure overseeing the agency responsible for collecting billions in taxes that fund education, roads and public safety across the Yellowhammer State. The Montgomery-based department processes individual income taxes — graduated from 2% to 5% — and manages one of the nation's lowest property tax rates on owner-occupied homes.[1][2] Ivey selected Mary Martin Mitchell, the department's current general counsel and senior attorney, to succeed Barnett starting May 1.[1] Mitchell, a seasoned legal expert within the Alabama Department of Revenue, steps into the role as the state navigates its fiscal priorities. No specific details on Barnett's length of service or achievements were released in the announcement, but his leadership coincided with Alabama's tax policies exempting Social Security, military retirement pay and certain public sector pensions from income tax — sparing teachers, state employees, U.S. civil service workers and federal railroad retirees.[2] The timing aligns with the recent April 15 deadline for 2025 tax returns, underscoring the commissioner's oversight of seasonal revenue peaks.[2] Alabama maintains no estate or inheritance tax, bolstering its appeal to retirees.[2] Ivey's quick appointment ensures continuity for the agency headquartered in Montgomery, where it interfaces daily with businesses and 5 million residents on everything from business licenses to audits.[1]