The Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Dorbor Jallah, has apologized for disallowing the duty-free privileges of lawmakers under the Revenue Code of 2000.
The LRA boss who appeared before the leadership of the House of Representatives recently and held a constructive conversation along with his legal team, led by Cllr. Negbalee Warner at the Capitol Building admitted that the Commission misinterpreted the law.
At the end of the discussion, the Commissioner General agreed with the Minister of Justice that the CG Jallah then committed to following the law that has granted duty-free privileges to lawmakers since the law was passed.
Duty-free privileges allow lawmakers to be able to respond to charitable needs of their various constituents while they serve and remain in place.
The Legislature has already capped duty-free privileges to ensure that this vital allowance under the law is not abused, and that LRA collects the maximum amount of taxes possible.
In a release issued, the House said it is committed to promoting transparency and accountability at all levels, and will do absolutely nothing to stop the collection of lawful revenues for Liberia.
The Revenue Code of Liberia Act of 2000, which was amended in 2016, reserved the portion of Section 1708 granting lawmakers’ duty-free privileges for two vehicles annually.
It can be recalled that on March 25, the House leadership invited Jallah to appear and answer questions regarding their requests for duty-free privileges at the Port.
Each year, members of the House of Representatives import two cars free without paying a cent to the Revenue Authority yet, it is the same Legislature that has challenged the LRA to raise domestic revenue for the country.
