IPNEWS: Staff from the Liberia Revenue Authority’s (LRA) Domestic Tax Department, along with personnel from other supporting departments, are currently participating in the second Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) training. This initiative seeks to assess and improve the LRA’s tax administration framework, focusing on enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of the tax system

TADAT, developed by international partners with input from leading experts, is a globally recognized tool for evaluating tax administration performance. It provides an independent, standardized, evidence-based, and quality-assured assessment of a country’s tax system, highlighting areas of strength and identifying potential weaknesses.

The ongoing TADAT training aims to build a shared understanding among key stakeholders—government authorities, international organizations, and technical assistance providers—on the status of tax administration in Liberia. It also seeks to strengthen the coordination and management of external support for reforms, promoting faster and more effective implementation. The expert trainers conducting the program hail from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.

During the opening ceremony on Monday in Monrovia, LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah urged participants to fully engage in the TADAT training. He emphasized that the training will empower them with the necessary skills to improve tax administration, close critical gaps, and reduce revenue leakages. CG Jallah also expressed gratitude to the TADAT Secretariat for their continuous support and technical assistance to the LRA.

Speaking on behalf of the TADAT Secretariat, Jimmy Wati, also the lead trainer, commended CG Jallah and the participants for their enthusiasm. He noted that the TADAT assessment evaluates the performance of major national taxes, including Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), and excise duties. The training, which began on October 12, is scheduled to conclude on November 13, 2024.

Upon completion of the training, participants will take an online exam administered by the TADAT Secretariat in Washington, D.C. Successful candidates will be certified as TADAT assessors.

It is noteworthy that Liberia’s first TADAT assessment took place in 2016, providing a baseline for subsequent reforms and strategic planning aimed at strengthening the country’s revenue administration system.