LRA Enlightens Journalists On Tax Communication, Reporting

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) last weekend congregated cream of journalists drawn from the print and electronic media – mainly talk show hosts and editors- for a two-day training on tax communication and reporting, enlightening their understanding and knowledge on the work of the LRA and the convolutions in the country’s tax regime.

The Training held from October 3-4, 2025 at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County was a continuation of series of media engagements the LRA has begun to equip journalists with knowledge on critical tax issues, with the aim of assisting the entity in creating awareness and educating the public on needed tax processes.

Topics facilitated by LRA staffers include the historicity of the LRA, understanding of Domestic Tax, understanding Customs, LRA Digital Drive, human resource management, Administrative matters and how the media can report on the LRA.

Addressing Day-two of the Training, LRA Commissioner General, Mr. James Dorbor Jallah provided deeper insight into reasons for the training, describing it as a mission to strengthen its partnership with the media in recognition of the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and promoting tax compliance.

He cautiously highlighted few reforms the LRA has embarked upon, including the plan to transition to Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to VAT by 2027, a comprehensive reform using digital mapping and collaboration with local governments to expand collection, new measures to bring the informal sector into the tax net, and the rolling out of LITAS and ASYCUDA systems, electronic fiscal devices, mobile money payments, and real-time visibility in digital payments to ease constraints and other associated factors.

Commissioner General Jallah emphasized that accurate reporting on tax and revenue matters helps build transparency, trust, and national ownership, ultimately improving compliance.

He called on media practitioners to use their platforms responsibly to promote awareness, fairness, and compliance.

CG Jallah also reiterated LRA’s commitment to opening its doors wider, sharing accurate information, and making tax administration clearer and more accessible.

“This partnership aims to create a Liberia where tax education is widespread, and citizens embrace their duty to pay taxes voluntarily,” he said.

“Through this partnership,” he added, “the LRA and the media can work together to build a stronger Liberia, with improved compliance leading to more schools, better roads, stronger health services, and timely salaries for public servants.”

He thanked participants for their presence, partnership, and commitment, emphasizing that together, they can build a stronger Liberia through truth, responsibility, and collective action.

Earlier, LRA Communications, Media and Public Affairs Manager, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two entities in promoting tax awareness and compliance, and highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and setting national conversations.

He noted that the LRA is committed to empowering media practitioners as Tax Ambassadors, trusted voices who can interpret, analyze, and explain taxation for the good of the people.

According to him, the two-day workshop aims to bridge gaps in understanding core tax concepts, LRA processes, and innovations.

“The LRA is committed to deepening its partnership with the media, with plans to train journalists in every county, creating a network of at least 250 media tax ambassadors nationwide,” Sengbeh said. “This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote tax education and compliance, ultimately contributing to Liberia’s development,” he added.

Also, in his closing statement, Manager Sengbeh emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two entities in promoting tax awareness and compliance.

Sengbeh expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement and commitment to learning.

“Together, we have journeyed through critical topics—introducing the LRA to the media, demystifying domestic tax and customs, exploring our digital transformation, and discussing how the media can effectively and responsibly report on the LRA,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the LRA and the media, stating that both entities are “not on separate paths, but on a single road leading toward a better Liberia.”

He urged the journalists to use their newfound knowledge to inform, clarify, and challenge where necessary, always with the goal of truth, accuracy, and service to Liberia.

“The training marked a significant milestone in the LRA’s efforts to deepen public awareness and improve tax reporting in Liberia,” he further stated.

According to Sengbeh, the LRA is committed to expanding its partnership with the media and building a network of tax ambassadors across the country.

He also underscored the critical role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, saying, “The media plays a watchdog role, and we welcome that. But as you continue to hold us accountable, we also count on you to ensure that information about taxation, customs, and our operations is accurate, contextual, and constructive.”

The LRA has been working to strengthen its relationship with the media and promote tax awareness in Liberia.

“This training is part of the Authority’s efforts to build a network of informed media partners who can help tell Liberia’s tax story accurately and consistently,” he said.

Meanwhile, training participants thanked the LRA for the opportunity afforded them to understand tax administrations and other significant efforts to refine the country’s tax regime and align with international standards.

Participants urged the LRA management to continue engagements with the media, widening the training opportunities beyond the shores of Liberia.