The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad has urged landowners to double check their land tax bills before paying as reports of distressing and incorrect bills come to light.
Ms Broad said her office had been contacted by a gentleman who received a bizarre and upsetting land tax bill.
“The bill was addressed to his wife, who unfortunately had passed away 14 years ago. It applied to a block of land in a different town that he has never owned.”
Ms Broad said new land tax thresholds introduced by the Allan Labor Government had seen many people receiving a land tax bill for the first time this year.
“I urge 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 also come to light.”
Legislation reducing the valuation threshold for land tax exemptions from $300,000 to just $50,000 was pushed through State Parliament last year, and The Nationals voted against it.
“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,” Ms Broad 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.
“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.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 – linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
