Monrovia-The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is on Tuesday (Oct 22, 2019) launching a new application known as the LRA App to help make the registration and payment of real property tax easier.
The LRA App, which will be downloaded on smart phones from google play store, will also be used to acquire Tax Identification Numbers and to calculate taxes. The launch takes place it the Authority’s headquarters in Paynesville, LRA press release said on Monday.
With the Mobile App, taxpayers and members of the public will be able to identify genuine or fake LRA employees, with options to file complaints against them or commend them for excellent services right on the spot.
The launch of the first-ever LRA Mobile App is in line with Goal Four of the LRA 5-year Corporate Strategic Plan, which underscores the use of Information Communication Technology in the collection of the country’s revenue.
The LRA App is among several reform measures aimed at reforming tax collection and boost revenue growth to fund national development.
Speaking recently at the Ministry of Information weekly press briefing in Monrovia, LRA Commissioner General Thomas Doe Nah disclosed that the reform measures will include recalibrating and restructuring of the operations of the Domestic Tax Department with a focus on increasing real property tax and improving efficiencies.
CG Nah said the LRA is currently working along with other government stakeholders and partners to kick start other meaningful tax reform measures such as insurance of visa on arrival including airline tickets rationalization.
Digitalization of Tax Payment Systems
The LRA Commissioner General noted that investment in digital platforms such as the expansion of electronic payment systems to include payment using debit/credit cards, mobile money, and integration of the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAs) with commercial banks are vital components of the Authority’s reform programs.
He named mobile registration of taxpayers, online issuance of tax clearance, online request of duty free and exemption, online declaration for 5 rural custom ports, among others.
Customs Modernization
Under the customs modernization tax reform pillar, CG Nah said the LRA is working toward enhancing paperless customs transactions through the use of the Automated System of Customs Data (ASYCUDA) platform, transitioning from pre-shipment Inspection to destination inspection, introduction of a Single Window Platform, expansion of the ASYCUDA System to five rural ports across the country, submission for passage of the Customs Code and other related instruments as key earmarked initiatives for customs reforms.
The LRA Commissioner General encouraged members of the public to report acts of tax fraud through whistleblowing as a means of helping the Authority to weed out would be bad apples.
“We welcome information from you members of the public about the conduct and activities of our employees including business people wanting to bypass the proper tax payment system,” he cautioned.