The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently held a meeting with business stakeholders in Freetown. The engagement aimed to discuss ongoing tax reforms, address concerns from the business community, and strengthen cooperation between the NRA and taxpayers. The event brought together representatives from the UNDP, GST-registered businesses, members of the Sierra Leone Importers Association, and senior NRA officials.
Deputy Commissioner-General I, Mrs. Ann-Marie Baby Harding, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner-General, expressed gratitude to the UNDP for its continued support to the NRA. She highlighted the UNDP's assistance in strengthening taxpayer services, including support to BMS offices, joint site visits, logistics, and equipment. This support has helped bring NRA services closer to businesses. Harding encouraged businesses to raise their concerns and urged NRA staff to provide clear and practical guidance.
Deputy Commissioner-General II, Ing. Edmond B. Nonie, emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses and the NRA to address compliance challenges. He called on businesses to work closely with the NRA to contribute to a more transparent tax system. Edwin E. Conteh, Deputy Commissioner of Domestic Tax, outlined ongoing reforms and stressed the responsibilities of businesses and other stakeholders in improving tax compliance.
Conteh also disclosed that the NRA is currently distributing 5,000 Electronic Cash Register (ECR) machines to GST-registered businesses. He urged businesses to use these devices to improve transaction recording, reporting, and compliance. The ECR machines are expected to enhance tax compliance and reduce tax evasion.
Representing the UNDP, Abu Turay underscored the importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilization. He reaffirmed the partnership between the UNDP and the NRA in supporting tax reforms and improving access to taxpayer services. The UNDP's support aims to enhance domestic revenue mobilization in support of Sierra Leone's national development.
Business representatives at the meeting called for fair and consistent enforcement of tax obligations across the business community. They also urged stronger oversight, including warehouse inspections to ensure that GST declarations correspond with imported goods, as well as effective installation and monitoring of ECR machines.
The NRA reaffirmed its commitment to working with businesses and development partners to improve tax compliance, strengthen taxpayer services, and enhance domestic revenue mobilization. The Authority's efforts aim to support Sierra Leone's national development by increasing revenue generation and reducing tax evasion.
Key points
- The NRA and UNDP are collaborating to enhance tax compliance and strengthen taxpayer services in Sierra Leone.
- The NRA is distributing 5,000 Electronic Cash Register machines to GST-registered businesses to improve transaction recording and compliance.
- The engagement between the NRA, UNDP, and businesses aims to address compliance challenges and promote a more transparent tax system.
