about

What does the agency do?

The Comptroller’s office serves virtually every citizen in the state. As Texas’ chief financial officer, tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator, treasurer, cashier and purchasing manager, the agency is responsible for writing the checks and keeping the books for the multi-billion-dollar business of Texas government. Many of these duties and powers are enumerated in the Texas Tax Code and in Chapter 403 of the Texas Government Code. The office collects taxes and fees owed to the state and manages the state’s fiscal affairs, and the Texas Comptroller chairs the state’s Treasury Safekeeping Trust, which invests, manages and oversees more than $150 billion in state assets.

The agency is committed to cultivating a healthy economic environment in Texas by providing a variety of services to business owners, taxpayers, local officials and everyday Texans:

• State agencies depend on the Comptroller’s office to pay their bills and issue paychecks to state employees.
• Legislators rely on the Comptroller’s office to chart the course of the Texas economy, produce annual financial reports and estimate future state revenues.
• Local officials and businesses look to the agency for economic development guidance and data analysis, as well to award grants supporting immigration enforcement, rural law enforcement and ambulance services.
• Taxpayers rely upon it for assistance and guidance regarding compliance with tax laws.
• All Texas residents depend on the Comptroller’s office to safeguard their tax dollars to ensure they are handled wisely.

The Comptroller’s office also manages several important statewide initiatives, including Texas Education Freedom Accounts and college savings plans, the Texas Bullion Depository, Broadband Development Office, Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council and State Energy Conservation Office.