LRA Boosts Internal Readiness as Liberia Moves Toward VAT Implementation

Monrovia, Liberia –With Liberia’s transition to Value Added Tax (VAT) set for January 1, 2027, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has begun strengthening the capacity of its workforce to ensure a smooth and effective rollout of the new tax system.

Through its VAT Project Team, the Authority has launched a five-day internal training programme designed to equip staff with the technical understanding and practical tools needed to administer VAT and provide effective support to taxpayers nationwide.

The training, which opened Tuesday at a hotel in Paynesville, brings together employees from various departments of the LRA and focuses on preparing them for the shift from the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) system to a modern VAT framework.

Participants are being trained in key areas, including taxpayer registration, VAT invoicing, return submission, compliance requirements, taxpayer education, and the practical application of VAT within Liberia’s revenue system.

Opening the programme, Assistant Commissioner for the Medium Tax Division, Sebastian A. Weah, said the training represents an important step in ensuring that LRA employees are fully prepared to lead the implementation process.

He stressed that the success of VAT will depend heavily on having a knowledgeable workforce capable of guiding taxpayers and addressing concerns during the transition period.

“The successful implementation of VAT begins with a knowledgeable and well-prepared workforce. The knowledge and skills you acquire during this training will enable you to confidently educate taxpayers, respond to their concerns, and contribute to the smooth implementation of this important national reform,” Weah said.

Meanwhile, VAT Project Manager S. Tunny Cooper described staff preparedness as a key component of Liberia’s VAT implementation strategy.

Cooper explained that while progress has been made in developing the legal, policy, and technological structures for VAT, employees must be fully equipped to ensure the system works effectively.

“The success of VAT depends not only on our systems but also on our people. Every member of the Liberia Revenue Authority has a responsibility to understand the new tax system and be prepared to educate taxpayers with confidence, consistency, and technical accuracy,” he said.

He urged participants to take an active role in the training by engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and building the skills necessary to provide reliable support to taxpayers.

The LRA says the staff training is part of a broader VAT preparation plan that includes upgrading digital systems, expanding taxpayer registration, engaging stakeholders, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns, and strengthening institutional capacity.

The introduction of VAT is expected to replace the existing Goods and Services Tax system while improving tax efficiency, increasing voluntary compliance, and supporting domestic revenue mobilization.

The LRA says continued investment in employee development, technology, and taxpayer education will be critical to achieving a smooth transition and building a more modern, transparent, and service-driven tax administration system for Liberia.