The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) on this 10th Anniversary reaffirms its commitment to promoting a culture of tax compliance, responsibility, and transparency.
“We encourage every taxpayer to continue collaborating with us, fulfilling your civic duty, and supporting our nation’s development. Together, we can build a prosperous Liberia for ourselves and the generations to come. As we say at LRA, ‘Pay Tax We All Enjoy,” the Commissioner General, James Dorbor Jallah announced.
The LRA extended heartfelt gratitude to all taxpayers and in wishing everyone a Happy 10th LRA Anniversary welcomed a recent ruling from the Tax Court, denying Eagle Electrical Corporation’s petition for a refund of approximately US$20,000.
In the March Term of Court, the Corporation filed a protest, claiming an ‘unfair increment’ in the Free On
Board (FOB) value of their goods.
The shipment in question included 512 bath cabinets which the corporation priced at US$3 each and 2,240 toilet accessories priced at US$2 each, imported from Brazil.
The LRA, through its Customs Assessment Unit (CAU) assessed the consignment and determined the lowest researched unit costs to be US$49 for cabinets and US$14.45 for toilet accessories, suggesting that the company had underpriced its imported goods.
During the court’s hearings, the LRA’s legal team opposed the company’s petition for there to over the LRA’s assessed price, arguing that all actions taken by the LRA were in strict accordance with the Liberia Revenue Code.
According to the LRA legal team, the value of the imports was determined in accordance with Section 1239(e) of the Revenue Code.
Resident Tax Court Judge U-Jay Bright, after considering arguments from both sides, concluded that there were no valid reasons to overturn the findings and decision of the LRA.
This ruling determined that Eagle Electrical Corporation is not entitled to a refund.
The LRA considers the ruling a testament to its commitment and mission to fairly, transparently, and professionally apply the laws to collect the country’s revenue.
The LRA also calls on the business community to adhere to transparency and accountability practices and avoid activities that undermine the collection of legitimate revenue for Liberia’s development.
Meanwhile, the LRA is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Its July 1 anniversary commemorates a decade of significant achievements and expressing gratitude to the nation’s taxpayers for their unwavering commitment and support.
In a special statement, Commissioner General Jallah highlighted the remarkable progress in tax administration and the crucial role of taxpayers in have played in Liberia’s development over the last one decade.
Ten years ago, the LRA commenced its operations with a mission to enhance tax collection, improve efficiency, and promote transparency.
Over the past decade, the authority has successfully increased domestic revenue from an annual collection of US$400 million to nearly US$800 million, amassing a total revenue of at least US$4.3 billion. This substantial growth underscores the dedication and compliance of responsible taxpayers across the country.
He explained, “The increased revenue has had a profound impact on our nation’s growth and development,” stated Commissioner General Jallah. “Through your tax contributions, this and previous governments have been able to create greater opportunities, including investments in infrastructure development, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation. We salute your invaluable contributions to making Liberia better.”
The Commissioner General also acknowledged the dedication and commitment of LRA staff who have been instrumental in improving tax collection processes, engaging with taxpayers, and ensuring fairness and accountability adding, “Their efforts, combined with your cooperation, have enabled us to build a tax system grounded in integrity, mutual respect, and trust.”
Over the years, the LRA has made significant strides in digitizing tax payment processes. Initiatives such as mobile tax payment, direct bank transfer, paperless customs declaration, and the recently implemented Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) have modernized tax administration, expanded the tax net, and enhanced compliance and said, these efforts have contributed to the doubling of annual revenue collection, embodying the authority’s slogan, “Moving to the Billions.”
As the LRA celebrates this milestone, Commissioner General Jallah emphasized the authority’s commitment to addressing challenges, simplifying processes, and improving services to ensure a progressive, equitable, and accessible tax system for all. Continuous investment in technology and innovation remains a priority to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and make the tax-paying experience more convenient and transparent.
In a related development, the LRA is expected to conduct a public auction for abandoned goods on July 20, at the Freeport of Monrovia Customs Business Office from 10:00 AM to noon in accordance with Sections 1535 and 1536 of the Liberia Revenue Code (LRC) Amended 2020.
The decision follows the LRA’s ongoing efforts to manage goods that have not completed necessary customs procedures within the stipulated time frame upon their arrival in Liberia.
In an interview with the Manager of Communication, Media and Public Affairs, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, he emphasized his institution’s commitment to transparency through an open bidding system accessible to all interested parties.
“On the auction day, potential buyers will openly bid on displayed items,”Sengbeh explained, highlighting the importance of fairness and transparency throughout the process.
He assured that all transactions would be conducted openly to maintain integrity, as he anticipates widespread participation, bolstered by extensive publicity across 21 national radio stations and major social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly twitter).
Sengbeh clarified that the auction is opened to all interested parties except LRA employees, with no prerequisites for pre-registration or qualification and narrated that the LRA routinely organizes such auctions to address non-compliance issues with customs procedures and tax obligations.
Sengbeh indicated that future auctions would depend on similar circumstances and the necessity to clear unclaimed goods.
The LRA official mandated winners of the auction bids to complete full payment and collect their purchased goods within three working days from the auction’s conclusion.
Goods categorized as abandoned under Sections 1535 and 1536 of the LRC Amended 2020 will be included in the upcoming auction and this encompasses items for which customs formalities were not initiated within 30 days of arrival or not collected within 5 days post-release.
