Danny O’Brien – Know your land tax liability
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
New land tax thresholds introduced by the Allan Labor Government has seen many Gippsland landholders receiving a land tax bill for the first time this year.
However, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is urging landholders to check their liability before paying, as reports of land tax bills being incorrectly issued to people, organisations and community groups who are eligible for exemptions come to light.
Mr O’Brien said that while he and his colleagues in The Nationals opposed the changes, legislation reducing the valuation threshold for land tax exemptions from $300,000 to just $50,000 was pushed through State Parliament last year.
“This has led to many people getting a land tax bill for the first time. It is important to note that while you may no longer be eligible for an exemption based on property value, there are other criteria for exemption,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The most common exemption is if the property is your principal place of residence or if the land is used for primary production, however there are also other exemptions that certain community groups and not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for.
“I am urging anyone who has received a land tax bill for the first time and is unsure of their rights to make enquiries and ensure that they are not paying tax they shouldn’t be.”
Information on land tax including how to apply for an exemption can be found online at www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-tax/land-tax-exemptions or by contacting the State Revenue Office (SRO) on 13 21 61 during standard business hours.
Mr O’Brien said new land tax charges, which the Allan Labor Government says is a key element in its COVID Debt Repayment Plan, are unfair enough without bills being sent to people and organisations who should be exempt.
“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis it is wrong that everyday Victorians are being punished with increased taxes to make up for Labor’s inability to manage money.
“With Victorians already paying the highest taxes per person of any state in Australia according to the ABS, including the highest property taxes per capita in the nation at $2120, I want to ensure that landholders know their rights and claim any exemptions that they are lawfully entitled too.”
Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is urging landholders to check their liability before paying unexpected lands tax bills.