IPNEW: As preparations intensify for the nationwide rollout of Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2027, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has launched a three-week intensive training program on its upgraded Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) to strengthen staff capacity and support the transition to the new tax regime.
The training forms part of the LRA’s broader 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.
Speaking at the opening of the training held at a local hotel in Monrovia, 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.
According to Mr. Weah, the successful implementation and management of the upgraded system will play a critical role in supporting Liberia’s domestic revenue mobilization efforts and ensuring a smooth transition to VAT.
He noted that an efficient and technology-driven tax administration system benefits both the Liberia Revenue Authority and taxpayers by improving compliance, increasing operational efficiency, and enhancing taxpayer services.
Also speaking, Technical Focal Person to the Commissioner of Domestic Tax and Value Added Tax Project Manager, S. Tunny Cooper, described the training as a significant milestone in the Authority’s digital transformation agenda.
Mr. Cooper urged participants to embrace the training as an opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to effectively manage and operate the upgraded platform, noting that investment in staff capacity will contribute significantly to the future of tax administration in Liberia.
“The knowledge being shared represents the future direction of the Liberia Revenue Authority. It is important that participants master the upgraded system and help prepare others for the successful implementation of VAT,” Mr. Cooper stated.
The training is being facilitated by Mhamza Gantassi, a software developer with ArabSoft, the technology firm 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
