Board of Tax Appeals Set to Launch Awareness Campaign for Business Owners

MONROVIA — The Board of Tax Appeals (BoTA) is set to embark on a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating business owners about Liberia’s tax appeal processes. The initiative will commence with a regional roundtable session in Ganta City, Nimba County, on Monday, December 16, 2024.

BoTA, a quasi-judicial institution established in March 2011 under the Revenue Code of Liberia (2000) and the Public Financial Management Reform Act of 2005, plays a crucial role in tax system reform and the enhancement of revenue collection. Its mandate is to ensure the protection of taxpayer rights while providing an efficient, cost-effective mechanism for resolving tax disputes.

Speaking at a news conference in Monrovia on Friday, Atty. Tonia A. Gibson, Deputy for Legal Affairs at BoTA, outlined the structure of the regional sessions. The first session in Nimba County will bring together business owners from Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties. The second regional meeting will be held in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, catering to business owners from Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh Counties.

Business owners from Montserrado, Margibi, River Cess, and Grand Bassa Counties will converge in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, for the third session. The fourth and final workshop will take place in Tubmanburg City, Bomi County, and will engage participants from Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, and Bomi Counties.

According to Atty. Gibson, the training and awareness events are designed to foster an interactive environment where business owners can gain a clearer understanding of the tax appeal process. The sessions will address pressing questions, including the eligibility criteria for appealing tax authority decisions, the specific issues that can be appealed, and the steps required to file an appeal. Other topics will include the availability of standardized appeal forms and the submission process for appeal requests.

Atty. Gibson emphasized that the workshops are essential in demystifying the tax appeal process and equipping business owners with the knowledge needed to navigate disputes effectively. He urged all Liberians to prioritize timely tax payments as a means of supporting national development and encouraged taxpayers to make use of the formal appeal channels established by BoTA.

BoTA’s main office is located on the first floor of Baba Djogo Barry’s Building on Carey Street in Monrovia, with agents stationed in counties across Liberia to assist with inquiries and appeals.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Atty. Gibson lauded their continued support in facilitating the initiative, which he described as pivotal for strengthening trust and compliance within the nation’s tax system.