LRA nets US$34 Million for July

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) records US$34.04 million as revenue collection for July 2018, describing it as a ‘good starting’ for fiscal year 2018/19.

According to a press release, the amount is slightly below the monthly projection of US$36 million for July, LRA Office-In-Charge and Acting Commissioner General (ACG) Decontee T. King-Sackie told the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Capitol Hill.

Madam King-Sackie describes the July’s performance as a ‘good starter and indication’ for the fiscal year, given that it is in the historical range, especially where it exceeds last fiscal year’s number (for the same period) of US$32.3 million by five percent or US$1.74 million.

The LRA is expected to collect total revenue of US$570.14 million for Fiscal Year 2018/19, of which US$561.62 million or 89 percent is on account of domestic revenue. Domestic revenue accounts for all monies collected within the bounds of Liberia.

ACG King-Sackie notes that the prospect for revenue collection looks hopeful with the resumption of collection of the Road Fund. The Road Fund is a US$0.30 (30 cents) levy on each gallon of petroleum imported into Liberia. US$31 million in Road Fund is expected to be collected for this fiscal year.

The Acting CG disclosed that the LRA has already begun receiving payments for the Road Fund—with about US$58,000 collected in July, while US$4.43 million is projected for August.

Improved Customs performance, largely due to implementation of the centralized customs assessment regime will also boost revenue collection, while the LRA will actively engages Ministries, Agencies and Commissions of government as well as State Owned Enterprises to ensure their monthly collection plans are provided and implemented.

Recounting challenges, she underscores the need for adequate funding of the Authority for timely and effective enforcement of the revenue code. The ACG also decried depreciation of the Liberian Dollar against the US Dollar. During FY17/18, the Liberian dollar depreciated by 13 percent against the US Dollar. This led to a revenue loss of US$17.18m on exchange rate translation. Press Release