Monrovia, Liberia – A two-day validation workshop on a draft Act aiming to alter the Public Authorities Law to form the Liberian Institute of Tax Practitioners (LITP) was inaugurated on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce by tax professionals and legal experts.
With the fast growth of technology and the growing complexity of tax administration, the LITP’s planned formation is a strategic and timely reaction to the changing global tax environment. The project aims to close important loopholes in Liberia’s tax system and assist the government in providing effective services that are focused on the needs of taxpayers.
With the goal of improving tax services in Liberia and training, educating, and regulating tax professionals, the LITP will function as a professional tax organization once it is approved. Enhancing voluntary tax compliance, increasing revenue collection, and strengthening the nation’s overall fiscal policy framework are its objectives.
Cllr. R. McDonald Garnett, Sr., Acting President of the LITP, spoke at the opening ceremony and called the validation a “key milestone” in institutionalizing the organization and bringing it into line with global norms and practices.
In order to guarantee the act’s strength and applicability, he asked participants to carefully examine the suggested legal structure and offer significant contributions.
Anthony Myers, Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, praised the initiative and pointed out that the validation phase has been the result of a protracted and careful process. He emphasized how important the LITP is to continuing tax and fiscal reforms, especially when it comes to fixing outmoded clauses in the Liberia Revenue Code, which is now more than 25 years old. He said, “This is an important step toward strengthening public financial management and harmonizing our fiscal laws.”
Former LRA Commissioner General Elfrieda Stewart Tamba also spoke during the session, praising the LITP’s leadership’s tenacity and commitment. She urged members to stick with the goal of building a strong professional organization that can be a trustworthy partner in the country’s tax system.
The complete support of LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah, who acknowledges the Institute’s ability to greatly enhance tax compliance and domestic revenue mobilization, was confirmed by Mr. Arthur W. B. Fumba, Acting Vice President of LITP. He said that the LITP is awaiting full registration in the legal establishment and presently has provisional affiliation with the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI).
The legal formulation of the Act is guided by the experience of Cllr. Jallah Barbu, a constitutional lawyer and the chair of the Law Reform Commission, who is facilitating the validation effort.
In compliance with Chapter 10, Article 89 of the Liberian Constitution, which calls for the establishment of public agencies essential to efficient government, the draft law would be sent to the National Legislature for passage when the validation is complete.
With its organized framework for professionalism, ethical standards, and technical assistance, LITP has the potential to revolutionize Liberia’s tax administration and promote long-term fiscal development and economic transformation.
