21/08/2025
LRA Clarifies Role In Capitol Arson Case
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has clarified its role in the ongoing Capitol Building arson trial, stressing that its intervention was based strictly on two subpoenas issued by the Criminal Court “A.”
The LRA rejects disinformation suggesting that it has become a party to the Capitol arson case, stressing that its sole mandate remains the fair and transparent collection of revenue for the country.
The LRA reaffirmed its respect for and commitment to taxpayer confidentiality, as mandated under Section 54 of the Liberia Revenue Code, which prohibits the disclosure of taxpayer information to third parties except by order of a court.
The Authority emphasized that its disclosure in this case was in full compliance with the laws of the country.
According to the LRA, its appearance before the court was in response to a “subpoena duces tecum”, which required the submission of documents, and a “subpoena ad testificandum”, which required oral testimony. Under the latter, the Assistant Commissioner for Real Estate Tax, Mr. James Afif Jabar, appeared before Judge Roosevelt Willie to testify.
The LRA said its expert review revealed that the property tax bill and valuation statement submitted in the case were fraudulent and misleading, and that they did not originate from the official LRA system.
The Authority disclosed that the alleged tax bill, carrying PID 25115 and Bill Number 030398417, claimed a value of US$2.8 million but did not exist in the LRA database.
It further noted that the document presented was an old, decommissioned bill from December 2023 that did not match the current LRA system format.
The Authority also indicated that there was a deliberate manipulation of the residential tax rate.
The correct 0.25 percent rate on the alleged value should have amounted to approximately US$7,000, but the falsified bill instead listed US$75,000.
In addition, the LRA found that a receipt claiming US$4,500 payment for the 2025 tax period was fabricated.
The receipt number actually traced back to a US$20 passport fee paid in 2009 by another individual, and it bore the name of a Central Bank staff who has not worked at the institution since 2023.
“These revelations highlight the importance of verifying tax documents through the official LRA system,” the Authority stated.
"We remain fully committed to protecting the integrity of Liberia’s tax system while upholding our legal duty to maintain taxpayer confidentiality.”
The LRA also strongly warns against the fabrication or use of falsified tax documents, stressing that such acts will be detected and prosecuted.
The Authority explained that it has the official records and systems to verify and counter fake documents. Where there is any doubt about a tax bill, receipt, or clearance, the public is encouraged to request verification directly with the LRA.
“Paying taxes is not just an obligation,” the LRA stressed. “It is an investment, a guarantee, and a security. A good tax record will always stand for you when you need it most.”