New land tax thresholds introduced by the Allan Labor Government at the start of this year has seen many landholders across the Euroa electorate receive a land tax bill for the first time, while leaving several others saddled with significantly higher bills.
1763 landowners in the Mitchell Shire had higher land tax liabilities in 2024 than they did in 2023, in addition to 437 landowners in the Strathbogie Shire and 429 in Benalla suffering the same fate.
However, with the end of financial year around the corner, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has urged landholders to check their liability before paying as several reports of land tax bills being incorrectly issued have come to light.
“This change in legislation has led to many people getting a land tax bill for the first time,” Ms Cleeland said.
“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.
“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.”
Ms Cleeland said her office had already spoken with several landowners in the region who had received inaccurate land tax bills.
“In addition to those having valid exemptions, my office has had several constituents receive land tax bills that should never have been sent to them in the first place,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This includes bills being sent to renters, bills sent to children, and bills for people’s primary places of residence.
“Thankfully, we have been able to resolve many of these situations, but it is certainly concerning how many people received incorrect bills in this rushed roll-out of land tax changes.”
Ms Cleeland 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,” Ms Cleeland said.
“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.”
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.