Start here when you receive your first land tax assessment.
Land tax is an annual tax based on the total taxable value of all the land you own in Victoria, except for land that is exempt, such as your home.
Land tax assessments are generally sent between January and June each year.
Why you received a land tax assessment
You may have to pay land tax if you own land by yourself or with others such as:
- investment properties, including residential rental properties
- commercial properties such as retail shops, offices and factories
- holiday homes
- vacant land.
You need to pay land tax when the total taxable value of your non-exempt land reaches the land tax threshold of $50,000 ($25,000 for trusts).
You might get a land tax assessment for the first time if:
- you purchased non-exempt land in the past calendar year, such as an investment property or holiday home
- an exemption has been removed. For example, you started renting out a home that used to be your principal place of residence
- the value of your non-exempt land has increased and is now above the threshold.
Understanding your assessment
Your land tax assessment shows how much land tax you need to pay. Land tax is based on the land you owned on 31 December of the previous year.
Your notice includes:
- a list of the land you own
- the site value of each property
- any exemptions that apply
- the total amount of land tax you need to pay.
Read more about understanding your land tax assessment.
How land tax is calculated
Each year, the Valuer-General sets the site value of your land.
We calculate land tax by applying the right land tax rate to the total taxable value land you owned on 31 December. You are charged land tax for the full calendar year, even if you sell the land during that year.
See an example of a land tax calculation.
Land with joint ownership and land held in trust is assessed differently.
Exemptions and concessions
Some land is exempt from land tax, which means you don’t have to pay land tax on it. This may include:
- your home (refer to the principal place of residence exemption)
- your farm (refer to the primary production land exemption)
- rooming houses and land used by charitable organisations.
Holiday houses are not exempt from land tax.
Learn more about land tax exemptions and concessions.
Check and update your land tax information
Please check your assessment is accurate before you pay. You are responsible for telling us if there are errors within 60 days of the issue date.
You can use My Land Tax to update your details such as removing land you do not own or updating your principal place of residence. You can also use My Land Tax to request any exemptions you are entitled to. You may receive an updated assessment after updating your details.
Paying your assessment
You can pay your land tax in full or set up a payment plan to pay in instalments. If you don’t pay or set up a payment plan by the due date, penalties and interest may apply.
Pay in full
- Pay the full amount by the due date listed on your assessment notice.
- Pay by credit/debit card or BPAY.
Pay in instalments
Set up a payment plan before the pay in full date using the AutoPay portal.
- Choose your payment method and instalment frequency (fortnightly, monthly or 4 equal payments spread over up to 38 weeks).
- Payment plans must be set up annually.
Need help?
We encourage you to use our self-service options:
- My Land Tax: for adding or removing a property, requesting an exemption, updating your personal details, viewing and paying your assessment.
- AutoPay: for setting up a payment plan.
If you require any further assistance, please contact us.
