The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has announced that it has already collected more than 70 percent of the country’s domestic revenue projection. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) Regular Press Briefing on Thursday, September 11, LRA Commissioner General, Mr. Dorbor Jallah, disclosed that as of September 8, the authority had collected US$562.1 million, surpassing its projection of US$552.8 million by nearly US$9 million. “Our target is US$803 million because the overall national budget is US$880.6 million,” Commissioner Jallah explained.
“Of that amount, we expect US$76 million from external resources, while US$804 million should come from domestic sources. With US$562 million already collected, we are on course to meet and even exceed our target.” According to the Commissioner General, the amount collected so far represents 70 percent of the yearly domestic revenue target, leaving US$242.4 million outstanding for the remaining four months of the fiscal year. He expressed confidence that the LRA will not only meet but also surpass the balance, citing ongoing reforms and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
“This success story is driven by the reforms we have undertaken, especially the introduction of electronic fiscal devices that have improved compliance, transparency, and efficiency in revenue collection,” Jallah noted. He added that the use of technology has been instrumental in reducing leakages and strengthening accountability. Jallah highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilization. Among them is a forthcoming “live revenue dashboard” that will allow the public to monitor daily revenue collections in real time.
“You will no longer need to apply or wait for information about revenue performance,” he said. “The dashboard will ensure that every Liberian can see what is being collected on a daily basis. This is part of our commitment to transparency and accountability.” He also referenced the recently launched whistleblower platform, which empowers ordinary taxpayers and citizens to report fraud, corruption, or tax evasion. The initiative, he said, is helping to strengthen public trust and increase compliance. The LRA Commissioner described the early revenue performance as a major milestone in the government’s fiscal policy, signaling improved capacity in domestic resource mobilization. He noted that while challenges remain, the authority’s resilience and reforms are yielding positive results.
“Despite the challenges, we have been able to achieve this milestone because of deliberate efforts and the deployment of technology,” Jallah emphasized. “The progress we are seeing reflects a stronger and more sustainable approach to financing Liberia’s development agenda.” Looking ahead, Jallah revealed that preparations are ongoing for the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, passed by the Legislature in 2024. The VAT is expected to come into full effect in January 2027, replacing the current Goods and Services Tax (GST). “We will begin mass engagements with the media, business community, and other stakeholders from early next year,” he announced.
“Registration will begin in January, and we want everyone to be adequately prepared for this transition.” The LRA Boss assured that the authority will continue to develop strategies that support efficient domestic revenue mobilization, which is critical to sustaining the government’s development programs. With more than 70 percent of the revenue target already achieved, Liberia is positioned to close the 2025 fiscal year with stronger fiscal performance, reflecting progress in both reforms and accountability.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
