Greenville, Sinoe County – Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Several taxpayers in Sinoe County on Thursday gathered at the ACFI Multipurpose Church Edifice in Po-River, Greenville City, as the Board of Tax Appeals (BoTA) conducted a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing taxpayers’ understanding of their rights and the tax appeal process.

‎‎The workshop forms part of two major outreach engagements currently being undertaken by BoTA in Sinoe and Rivercess Counties, as the institution intensifies its nationwide taxpayer awareness campaign.

‎‎Held under the theme, “Know Your Bill of Rights and the Importance of the Tax Appeal Process,” the workshop is a continuation of BoTA’s efforts to educate taxpayers on Liberia’s tax system, including the procedures and timelines for filing tax dispute cases before the Board.

‎‎The forum brought together a diverse group of participants, including taxpayers, business owners, and local government officials. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Greenville City, Hon. Harrison O. Kai, and the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Superintendent of Sinoe County, Mr. T. Cornelius Johnson, both of whom delivered remarks during the program.

‎‎In his welcome address, Mayor Kai commended the Commissioners and staff of BoTA for bringing the initiative to Sinoe County, noting that the engagement was timely and essential for strengthening the business community. He urged participants to pay close attention to the information being shared.

‎‎Delivering the first presentation, the Commissioner for Legal Affairs of BoTA, Cllr. David M. Kolleh Jr., provided an overview of the Board’s mandate, highlighting its establishment and role in adjudicating tax disputes in Liberia.

‎‎The Executive Director of BoTA, Cllr. Benjamin B. Stewart Jr., subsequently led a session on the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, outlining key protections afforded to taxpayers and emphasizing their role in national development. He also addressed participants’ concerns regarding the benefits of tax compliance, noting that tax revenues support essential public services such as healthcare, road construction, education, and other critical sectors.

‎‎The final session focused on the Tax Appeal Process, which was both explained in detail and dramatized by participants to enhance understanding. The session was facilitated by the Deputy Executive Director for Legal Affairs, Atty. Tonia A. Gibson, who encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the appeal mechanisms available at BoTA and to engage with the Board’s county agent in Sinoe.

‎‎At the close of the workshop, participants expressed appreciation to BoTA for the impactful initiative, noting that it had significantly improved their understanding of key aspects of Liberia’s tax system.

‎‎Participants also raised several concerns, including challenges with tax assessments by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), delays in processing tax clearance certificates, and issues related to market regulation. They specifically called on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to address concerns regarding foreign wholesale dealers simultaneously engaging in retail trade, which they indicated adversely affects local businesses and their ability to meet tax obligations.

‎‎In response, BoTA assured participants that their concerns would be formally communicated to the relevant institutions for appropriate action and resolution.

‎‎BoTA is expected to continue its outreach as the team departs Greenville for Cestos City, Rivercess County, where another workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 02, 2026.