Taxpayers in Grand Bassa County over the weekend received valuable education on their rights and the tax appeal process, as the Board of Tax Appeals (BoTA) continued its regional workshops across Liberia on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The workshop, which brought together hundreds of taxpayers, was held at the Philipmena Guest House and Multi-Purpose Conference Hall on Robert Street, Buchanan. It was conducted under the theme, “Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights & the Appeal Process”. This initiative marked the second in BoTA’s series of regional workshops since their launch in 2024. The first session took place on December 16, 2024, in Ganta City, Nimba County, where taxpayers gathered at Jackie’s Guest House and Multi-Purpose Resort for similar discussions on taxpayer education and the appeal process.
Delivering an introduction to the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, BoTA Commissioner for Legal Affairs, Cllr. David M. Kolleh, Jr., educated participants on their rights and the timeframe in which they can exercise them. He emphasized the importance of customer service in business operations, urging taxpayers to maximize their income-generating activities to meet their tax obligations promptly.
In her presentation on the role of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in tax collection, Sarah Tracy Dorbor, a Junior Tax Officer at the Buchanan Tax Business Office, encouraged taxpayers to cooperate peacefully with the LRA in fulfilling their tax responsibilities. She also addressed concerns from participants regarding disputes between taxpayers and field agents and assured them of the LRA’s commitment to resolving such issues amicably.
Atty. Tonia Gibson, Deputy for Legal Affairs at BoTA, provided insights into the tax appeal process. He explained that taxpayers have thirty (30) days to appeal LRA determinations. Once BoTA receives an appeal, it informs the LRA to halt all proceedings until a hearing is conducted. Atty. Gibson reassured taxpayers that the hearing process is free of charge, as part of BoTA’s mandate to fairly resolve tax disputes in Liberia.
He further elaborated that the five BoTA Commissioners issue rulings following the hearing process and encouraged taxpayers to utilize the tax appeal mechanism available in all fifteen counties of Liberia. Additionally, he noted that cases filed through BoTA’s agents in the counties can be heard locally by commissioners.
Participants, primarily business owners and taxpayers in Grand Bassa County, expressed gratitude for the informative session. They highlighted challenges in the tax collection process and urged BoTA to conduct more such initiatives using media platforms, including in Liberian native languages, to ensure widespread awareness.
BoTA said it remains committed to expanding its educational outreach to empower taxpayers across Liberia with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities. The institution is expected to visit other parts of Liberia in the coming days.