BoTA Conducts One-Day Workshop for Businesses, Taxpayers in River Gee

By: Ben Brooks| River Gee County Correspondent

River Gee County – Monday, April 28, 2025 – In an effort to enhance understanding among taxpayers and business owners about the tax appeal process, taxpayer rights, and the functions of the Board of Tax Appeals in Liberia, a one-day workshop was successfully held in River Gee County.

The event took place at the Fish Town City Hall and was centered on the theme: “Taxpayers Bill of Rights.”

During opening remarks, Liberia Board of Tax Appeal Commissioner, Cllr. David M. Kolleh Jr., encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, highlighting it as an essential tool for protecting citizens under Liberia’s tax legislation. 

Cllr. Kolleh underscored government’s dual objective of increasing tax revenue while at the same time safeguarding taxpayer rights, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the nation’s financial system.

For his part, Atty. Tonia A. Gibson, Deputy Executive Director for Legal Affairs at the Liberia Board of Tax Appeal, spoke on the significance of the Tax Appeal Process. 

He urged participants to pursue the appropriate channels within the Liberia Revenue Authority for addressing claims, with the option of escalating issues to BoTA when necessary for further resolution. 

He reassured attendees of BoTA’s commitment to providing an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective means for resolving tax disputes.

Atty. Gibson further emphasized BoTA’s commitment and dedication to ensuring a transparent and accountable framework for handling tax cases throughout Liberia’s fifteen counties.

Representative Johnson Samuel Nagbe Williams Sr., speaking on behalf of the River Gee County Legislative Caucus, expressed gratitude to the Liberia Board of Tax Appeal for facilitating such an important awareness initiative in the southeastern region, particularly in River Gee.

The County District 3 lawmaker emphasized the importance of mobile tax collection services and educational initiatives for business owners in remote areas throughout the country. 

He urged the Board to enhance its outreach efforts to improve public awareness regarding the essential role of taxation in funding public services and infrastructure.

During an engaging session, participants expressed their gratitude to the Board of Taxation and Administration (BoTA) for organizing the workshop, and they provided constructive feedback on how to enhance the tax collection system in Liberia.

At the conclusion of the one-day workshop, Amos Freeman, Secretary General of the Fish-Town Business Association in River Gee, conveyed his gratitude to BoTA for offering such educational opportunities to business owners. 

Freeman emphasized the need for ongoing education about taxation to enhance their understanding and contributions to Liberia’s tax revenue. Additionally, he advocated for stronger collaboration between the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to improve revenue collection efforts.

The workshop, held on April 23, 2025, gathered a diverse group of local and prominent business owners, taxpayers, stakeholders, representatives from the Liberia Revenue Authority, and members of the media, among others.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief