In less than three days, the Liberia Natinoal Police has increased charges for police clearances, the Liberia Revenue Authority have imposed GST from 12% to 13% as of May 1, the Liberia National Tourism Authority has imposed annual license fees, and the Liberia Fire Service is now imposing another wave of charges on businesses and Liberian households amid public outcry.
This is happening at a time when prices of gas and fuel have also increased.
“…This huge impositon of taxes/charges is about to increase more suffering. This is not how to raise 1.2 billion. The poor and jobless are going to pay a huge price. Even most civil servants who earn around $150 cannot afford this. The government should cut down the huge salaries and benefits of lawmakers, ministers, and other senior officials. They cannot transfer this burden to ordinary people who can barely afford. More people who are already suffering will suffer even more. The government should even be providing incentives including stimulus packages for struggling businesses and families as prices rise,” a tax analyst said to this paper.
Summary of the LNFS newly approved fees for fire certficates:
1) Motel: $35
2) Bar & Restaurant: $35
3) Warehouse: $40
4) Tailoring Shop: $35
5) Photo Stuido: $35
6) Jewelry Shop: $35
7) Garage: $40
8)Motor Vehicle: $50
9) Computer School: $35
10) Mini Mart: $35
11)Tricycle: $10
12) Privison Shop: $25
13) Video Club: $30
According to the Government, these are fees intended only for the issuance of Fire Safety Certificates, and not for Fire Extinquishers. This means that local businesses and households have to buy their own fire exinguishers after paying these new fees.
More details to follow.
