Tax education plays a critical role in promoting efficient revenue administration and compliance among government institutions in Sierra Leone. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have a legal and civic obligation to adhere to tax laws, and building institutional tax literacy is key to achieving this. In this regard, the National Revenue Authority engaged MDAs and SOEs on general tax compliance.
In her opening remarks, the Acting Commissioner General, Mrs. Ann Marie Baby Harding thanked the representatives from the MDAs and SOEs for honoring the Authority's call. She said that the Authority values collaboration and frequent engagement in a bid to enhance compliance.
Moo-usa Salia Konneh, the Assistant Commissioner Large Taxpayers Office at the Domestic Tax Department mentioned the challenges with filing and payment from the MDAs and SOEs who are crucial stakeholders in the revenue mobilization drive. He said that one of the aims of this engagement is to guide the MDAs in a bid to comply because the government needs money.
The Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, James Bobor Tengbeh emphasized the importance of tax education and said that it will enhance compliance. He craved the indulgence of MDAs and SOEs to pay their taxes as it's crucial in supporting government businesses. Failing to file and pay taxes will leave the Authority with no option but to enforce the laws (penalties, sealing etc). The Commissioner concluded by saying that this engagement will be useful and will help MDAs and SOEs to comply.
The Manager for the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) Mr. Samuel Fullah in his presentation captured issues of tax obligations by MDAs and SOEs, TIN and Tax Type Registration, Filing of Returns, Rates and Payment, Amendments in the Finance Act 2025 etc. The presentation was considered educative because it clarified issues that were bothering MDAs and SOEs. It also attracted queries and concerns which were responded to by the NRA team.