LRA intensifies tax education roadshow

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in collaboration with the Liberia Media Democratic Initiative (LMDI) intensifies Tax Education Roadshow to reach several potential taxpayers in rural Liberia.

The roadshow is covering several urban and rural cities, towns and villages in four selected counties, according to a press release from the LRA. Held under the auspices of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) the project is part of massive efforts to sustain the LRA tax education program with the aim of enhancing the knowledge of rural dwellers about Liberia’s general tax regime.

The campaign also is a key component of the Student Tax Education Program (STEP) which specifically targets enhancing tax awareness in Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh and Grand Bassa Counties, respectively. Roadshow activities have however covered several areas in Bong County, including Palala, Gbartala, and Totota.

Pulling hundreds of citizens in town halls and school auditoriums, the exercise has also reached citizens in Compound No. 2 of Grand Bassa County; Saclepea, Ganta, and Negbein in Nimba County.

Being implemented by the LMDI through an interactive outreach media platform code named “The Dialogue”, the awareness campaign focuses on payment of taxes, processes of Real Estate and Small Business Tax payments.

It’s also involved with the establishment of Tax Clubs in selected high schools and the organization of quizzing competitions and debates between and amongst the high schools.

Meanwhile, rural dwellers laud the LRA and LDMI for the conduct of the tax education and enlightenment roadshow campaign, expressing their willingness to be a part of the tax payment process.

They describe tax payment as a major boost for nation building, but call for a more transparent and genuine collection and usage of taxes, including decentralization of the country’s developmental programs.

The citizens note that the exercise is a welcoming game changer for the lawful collection of taxes for Liberia’s development.LRA Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba, launching the roadshow recently, described the campaign as a vital initiative geared towards strengthening domestic resource mobilization for Liberia. Press Release