The Real Estate Tax Division in collaboration with the Legal Department of the LRA kicked off the enforcement exercise on Friday, June 24, forcing several big businesses to comply, while shutting down others.

Speaking to a team of journalists before the start of the process, LRA Chief Legal Counsel Max Duncan said Marlo City Service Trust International is indebted to the government in the amount of US$1.171.00; Exsecon, US$183,489.94; Australian International Drilling Company US$5,550 and Caesar Architecture US$27, 414.69.

He said the LRA obtained closure orders from the Tax Court at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia to shut the doors of 14 premises after all legal efforts to have them pay their taxes failed.

The premises were closed for the purpose of examination of taxpayer records, audit and provision of advice to the taxpayers concerning compliance with tax obligations.

According to the LRA Legal Counsel, the Authority served each of the entities their assessment notice, a notice of determination which became final after 30 days and a 72-hour warning notice in keeping with the Liberia Revenue Code and LRA regulations, before proceeding to the Tax Court for the closure orders.

The LRA Team shut the doors of the Caesar Architecture buildings housing several newspapers, including the Liberian Nation, Parrot, The Informer, The Evidence, Monrovia Graphic, among others.
The buildings also house several local non-governmental institutions as well as printing presses.
LINA RD/TSS/PTK