NRA, UNDP Engage Businesses on Tax Compliance, Electronic Cash Registers Use in Freetown
Sahid Bangura The National Revenue Authority (NRA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has engaged business stakeholders in Freetown on tax compliance, the use of Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs) and the Block Management System (BMS).
The engagement, held at The View, Freetown City Council Hall, brought together UNDP representatives, GST-registered businesses, members of the Sierra Leone Importers Association and senior NRA officials to discuss ongoing tax reforms, address concerns from the business community and strengthen cooperation between the Authority and taxpayers.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner-General I, Mrs Ann-Marie Baby Harding, thanked UNDP for its continued support to the NRA, particularly in strengthening taxpayer services.
She highlighted UNDP assistance to BMS offices, joint site visits, logistics and equipment, noting that the support has helped bring NRA services closer to businesses. She encouraged businesses to raise their concerns while urging NRA staff to listen and provide clear and practical guidance.
Deputy Commissioner-General II, Ing. Edmond B. Nonie, called on businesses to work closely with the NRA to address compliance challenges and contribute to a more transparent tax system.
Deputy Commissioner of Domestic Tax, Edwin E. Conteh, 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 machines and urged GST-registered businesses to use the devices to improve transaction recording, reporting and compliance.
Representing UNDP, Abu Turay underscored the importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and reaffirmed the partnership between UNDP and the NRA in supporting tax reforms and improving access to taxpayer services.
Business representatives, meanwhile, 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 mobilisation in support of Sierra Leone’s national development.