LRA partners with religious institutions

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) seeks collaboration and partnership with faith-based and religious organizations to enhance its Real Property Tax Awareness Program.

According to a release, Assistant Commissioner for Real Estate Tax Division Isaac Beyan Stevens says the campaign is meant to provide clear messages that promote tax awareness, civic responsibility and positive attitude towards taxes, eventually influencing greater voluntary compliance among citizens and residents to ensure a successful and impactful outcome.

The partnership with the religious community is under the theme: “A Good Taxpayer Is A God’s Kingdom Builder; A Good Taxpayer Is A Nation Builder.” Speaking at a recent engagement with representatives of various religious institutions at the LRA headquarters in Paynesville, Mr. Stevens disclosed that the “LRA Faith-Based Partnership”, among others, seeks to explain why taxes should be paid; show citizens how to pay taxes; promote civic responsibility; build a culture of voluntary tax compliance among citizens of different denominations and faith based organizations; and empower citizens to engage in discussions on the use of tax revenues.

The release says under the partnership, the awareness will be undertaken in various Churches, Mosques and other places of worship in Montserrado County and subsequently taken to the Counties.

The Commissioner of Domestic Tax, Darlington Y. Talery, for his part, says once the program starts, designated LRA officers will be named as Champions at various churches and mosques with the aim of creating awareness and guidance on real property tax matters.

The focus of attention will be mainly on Real Property Taxes, which are currently a minor source of government revenue but has the potential to contribute much more with heightened public awareness campaigns, fair valuation and revenue sharing with communities.

The LRA intends to engage a cross section of people, using traditional, biblical, social and modern technology to interface with religious leaders and inter-faith organizations to enhance the campaign. Press Release