Application for a metropolitan planning levy (MPL) certificate

MPL-Form-01

This form should be used to apply for a metropolitan planning levy (MPL) certificate.

The MPL is imposed for making a leviable planning permit application. The MPL only applies to planning permits to develop land within metropolitan Melbourne where the estimated development cost exceeds the threshold amount. 

The SRO encourages all MPL certificate applicants to engage with the relevant planning authority to ensure that their leviable permit application is ready to be lodged prior to applying for an MPL certificate. An MPL certificate expires 180 days after its issue date. A revised MPL certificate expires on the later of 90 days after its issue date or the date on which the original MPL certificate expires. An extension of time is not available for MPL certificates or revised MPL certificates. 

Please note: turnaround times for MPL certificates will be 10 business days after all applicable information is received.

Before you start, please review our SmartForm tips to help you complete this form.

MPL-Form-01 SmartForm

Explanatory notes

General

You cannot apply for a planning permit application in metropolitan Melbourne:

• without a valid certificate, and if
• your estimated development costs are more than the levy threshold. 

The estimated cost of development on your certificate must be equal to or greater than the estimated cost of the development in your planning permit application.

We will issue a certificate if we are satisfied that the whole amount of the levy has been paid as per the estimated cost of the development.

An MPL certificate expires 180 days after its issue date. A revised MPL certificate expires on the later of 90 days after its issue date or the date on which the original MPL certificate expires.

If you had a valid certificate on 5 June 2024 that had not expired and had a 90-day expiry, you can request that the State Revenue Office amend the certificate to a 180-day expiry.

Revised MPL certificates

A revised MPL certificate may be issued in the following circumstances:

• The estimated cost of the development increases after you have received your certificate but before you apply for the planning permit. 
• If the estimated cost of the development stated on the certificate is different to that stated in your application but there has been no change in the estimated costs of the development.
• To correct an error in the information related to the certificate. 

A revised MPL certificate expires on the later of 90 days after its issue date or the date on which the original levy certificate expires.

The Commissioner cannot issue you with a revised certificate if you apply for the revised certificate more than 180 days after the issue date of the original certificate.

More about MPL certificates

Levy threshold amounts

The threshold amount is $1,271,000 from 1 July 2024. This threshold is adjusted by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on 1 July each year. 

See historical thresholds

How the levy is calculated

The levy is $1.30 for every $1,000 of the estimated cost of the development for which the leviable planning permit is required.

If the estimated cost of the development is not a multiple of $1,000, the estimated cost is to be rounded up or down to the nearest $1,000, with the amount rounded up where the cost includes an amount of $500.

Refund of the metropolitan planning levy

You can only get a refund of the levy if:

• the request is made in writing no later than 30 days after the expiry of the levy certificate or revised certificate if there is one; and
• the leviable planning permit application in respect of which the levy was paid has not been made; and

The Commissioner is satisfied of one or more of the following grounds:

• There has been a mathematical error in calculating the amount of the levy in relation to the estimated cost of the development stated in the application for the MPL certificate. 
• The applicant for the leviable planning permit application died before the application was made, and no other person is proceeding with the application.
• The relevant planning scheme was amended before the leviable planning permit application was made and because of the amendment, the authority must refuse to grant the permit application. 

We cannot refund the levy, either in whole or in part, in any other circumstances, including where:

• The estimated cost of the development decreases.
• You do not lodge your planning permit application.
• Your application lapses, is refused or is withdrawn.
• The threshold increases after you apply for your planning permit.
• Your planning permit application is granted but subsequently cancelled.

Unique application identifier

After you have submitted your completed application, a unique application identifier will be displayed on the ‘Submission Complete’ page.

You should quote this number whenever and however you contact us to discuss your application.

Paying the levy

You pay the levy by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

After you have submitted your completed application, you will see our bank account details and your application ID on the 'Submission Complete' page.

So that we can process your application promptly, please use your application identifier and our account details when you pay by EFT.

Electronic funds transfer details

• ​Lodgement reference: Your unique application identifier
• BSB: 033 222
• Account Number: 000197