LRA launches 2nd e-filing for tax payment

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), with support from USAID RG3 Project, soft launches the second phase of electronic filing (e-filing) platform for tax filing and payment. The exercise was carried out on Friday, 29 June.

LRA says the overall purpose of e-filing application is to provide convenience to all concerned citizens in filing and paying for all of their taxes that would reduce their cost of compliance and improve tax administration efficiency.

According to LRA press release, the first phase of the platform was launched March this year, only for filing of annual corporate income taxes. Following Friday’s launch the electronic platform will now support the filing and payment of domestic tax categories, including annual business income tax, quarterly turnover tax, goods and services tax, excise tax, property tax as well as all withholding taxes.

The initiative is part of huge efforts by the LRA and partners to transform the revenue administration in Liberia through the utilization of effective information communication technology tools.

Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba described the soft launch of the system as a ‘milestone’ which is tied to Goals 2 and 4 of the LRA 5-year Corporate Strategy Plan.

“Our aim is to facilitate voluntary tax compliance and one key way to do that, is through automation,” she says. CG Tamba urges all taxpayers to take advantage of the new electronic tool which will make them more efficient in the conduct of their filing processes and at the same time increase compliance level.

The Commissioner General urges taxpayers to be fully complaint to contribute their fair share to the development of Liberia through taxes, noting that there is no way any nation can be built in the absence of tax contributions by citizens and residents.

USAID Revenue Generation for Governance and Growth Project (RG3) Acting Chief of Party John Yates says the soft launch of the e-filing tax payment platform is a vital reform mechanism intended to enhance tax collection in Liberia.

According to Mr. Yates, the platform was designed to support the ability of the taxpayers to easily file their returns and comply with the law. LRA Commissioner for Domestic Tax Department Darlingston Taley discloses that the electronic payment system will greatly accelerate compliance and make tax payment accurate, easier and convenient.

The official launch of the e-filing platform is expected to take place at the celebration of this year’s Taxpayer Appreciation Day scheduled for July 22nd. Press Release