The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has launched a three-week intensive training program on its upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS).
The exercise is part of preparation for the nationwide rollout of Value Added Tax (VAT) in January, 2027.
The training, according to a release is to strengthen staff capacity and support the transition to the new tax regime.
It forms part of the LRA’s efforts to modernize tax administration, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance service delivery through the deployment of advanced digital solutions.
The recently upgraded LITAS platform has been specifically enhanced to support the administration and management of VAT, which is expected to replace the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.
The capacity-building initiative has brought together selected staff from various sections and divisions of the LRA, who will serve as focal persons and trainers within their respective units.
The training combines theoretical instructions with practical, hands-on sessions designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the new features, functionalities, and operational processes embedded within the upgraded system.
The upgraded platform incorporates VAT-specific functionalities, including taxpayer registration, return filing, compliance monitoring, assessment processing, reporting, and other digital tools intended to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery across the tax administration system.
At the opening of the training held at a resort in Monrovia, LRA Assistant Commissioner for the Medium Tax Division, Sebastian A. Weah, underscored the importance of the exercise and encouraged participants to fully engage in the learning process.
Mr. Weah said, the successful implementation and management of the upgraded system will play a critical role in supporting domestic revenue mobilization efforts and ensure a smooth transition to VAT.
He said, an efficient and technology-driven tax administration system benefits both the Authority and taxpayers by improving compliance, increasing operational efficiency, and enhancing taxpayer services.
- Tunny Cooper, Technical Focal Person to the Commissioner of Domestic Tax and Value Added Tax Project Manager, described the training as a significant milestone in the Authority’s digital transformation agenda.
Cooper urged participants to embrace the training as an opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to effectively manage, and operate the upgraded platform.
He noted that investment in staff capacity will significantly contribute to the future of tax administration.
“The knowledge being shared represents the future direction of Authority. It is important that participants master the upgraded system and help prepare others for the successful implementation of VAT.”
Mhamza Gantassi, a software developer with ArabSoft, the technology firm, facilitated the training.
Gantassi is responsible for developing the LITAS platform and supporting its enhancement to accommodate VAT administration requirements.
The upgraded LITAS system is expected to play a pivotal role in the successful rollout of VAT by providing a modern, efficient, and reliable platform for taxpayer registration, tax filing, compliance monitoring, reporting, and revenue administration.
The training represents another major milestone in the LRA’s VAT implementation roadmap, which includes system modernization, taxpayer education, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity building ahead of the January 2027 implementation of VAT.
As Liberia advances toward this landmark reform, the LRA remains committed to investing in technology, staff development, and taxpayer support to ensure a seamless transition and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization in support of national development.
