The receiver-general of the Isle of Man was an appointment made by the lieutenant governor.
He shared the work of collecting the customs duties and port dues with the Water-Bailiff until 1832, when he was superseded by the appointment of a Collector, who was taken from among the members of HM Customs service.
In 1791, the receiver-general was deprived of his seat in the Legislative Council on the grounds that he was not appointed by patent under any of the royal seals, but he was then, on the representation of the commissioners, restored to it.
In 1872, when the appointment of the Harbour Board was vested in the governor, subject to the approval of Tynwald, he resumed his seat.
R. C. Cain served for many years as an elected member of the council, and was described in Hansard as receiver-general until late in 1948.