By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the USAID-LEAD Activity, hosted a special Taxpayers Appreciation and Awards ceremony under the theme “Moving to Billions.”
The event held over the weekend in Monrovia, recognized the outstanding contributions of taxpayers to Liberia’s economic growth and celebrated their commitment to tax compliance.
The LRA took the opportunity to award various companies, businesses, and individuals across different tax divisions, recognizing their exemplary efforts in adhering to tax regulations.
Several businesses were also granted tax clearance, exempting them from paying taxes for one year.
Among the prominent awardees were: Highest Compliant Taxpayer (Medium Tax Division 2023): Cheema & Chahal, Inc Qlo; the Highest Compliant Taxpayer (Small Tax Division 2022): Trust Service Company and the Highest Compliant Taxpayer (Natural Resource Division 2022): Firestone Liberia.
Others includes: Highest Compliant Taxpayer (Bank Using LITAS 2023): 60Hz Ecobank Liberia Limited; the Highest Compliant Taxpayer (International NGO 2023): Samaritan’s Purse and the Highest Compliant Taxpayer (Real Property Commercial 2023): Mr. S. Edward Peal.
Several other businesses, including petty traders and educational institutions, were recognized for their consistent tax compliance.
LRA Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah emphasized the importance of technology in modernizing tax administration in Liberia and urged stakeholders to embrace the technological transformations that are revolutionizing the sector.
“We ask your indulgence to work with us. Let’s work together to employ these technologies to make our collective work much easier,” Jallah said.
He highlighted that with real-time data sharing, tax filings will become smoother and more efficient, further benefiting both businesses and the government.
Jallah also spoke on Liberia’s shift from the Goods and Services Tax (GSE) to the Value-Added Tax (VAT) system, which he described as essential for aligning Liberia with global tax practices.
He noted that while Liberia is one of the last countries in Latin America and Africa to make this transition, the shift is necessary for greater tax compliance and increased efficiency.
The LRA is also working on implementing new technologies, including satellite devices and mobile platforms that will allow taxpayers in remote areas to file their taxes and obtain tax clearance directly from their homes.
“You no longer need to come to the LRA office to get your tax clearance. With the ChatGPT assistance, you can access your tax clearance right from your phone or computer,” Jallah said, underscoring the commitment to making tax compliance more convenient and accessible.
The Head of Community and Government Relations, Michael Wleh, highlighted the role of taxes in fostering Liberia’s growth, urging all taxpayers to remain compliant and support the LRA in its mission.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden, Christian Kamill, praised the LRA’s progress, saying, “We are here as partners. I am really happy to be here, and I want to congratulate all the taxpayers in Liberia. Continue doing your best.”
A representative from ArcelorMittal, one of the awardees, spoke on behalf of the recipients, thanking the government of Liberia for creating an enabling environment for business growth.
He expressed gratitude to the LRA and various institutions for their support, adding, “Tax compliance is not easy, but we appreciate your patience in guiding us. This is an awesome night, and we look forward to doing even better next year.”
The evening was a testament to Liberia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its tax system, foster compliance, and enhance the overall business environment.
As the country moves towards billions in tax revenue, the collaboration between the LRA, USAID-LEAD, and other stakeholders aims to ensure continued success in the years ahead.
