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Land Tax Lawyers

Land tax can affect the holding, structuring, and ongoing ownership of property, with significant consequences if liabilities are not identified and managed properly.

We help:

  • Understand how land tax applies to your property ownership and structure
  • Identify opportunities to manage exposure, exemptions, or objections appropriately
  • Move forward with greater clarity around land tax risk and decision making
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4.9
89 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9
89 Google Reviews
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We Understand What You Are Going Through

Land tax issues often arise at a point where you are already dealing with important property, structuring, or investment decisions. You may be trying to understand an assessment, work out how land tax applies across multiple holdings, or consider whether an exemption, grouping issue, or ownership structure is affecting your position.

These issues can be difficult to navigate, particularly where the rules are technical and the consequences are significant. It is not always clear what has triggered the liability or what options may be available.

We understand that land tax issues often involve both legal and commercial considerations. We help you work through them in a calm and practical way, so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Our Services Include

  • Advising on how land tax applies to property ownership structures and transactions
  • Reviewing land tax assessments, exemptions, and liability positions
  • Advising on grouping, surcharge, and trust-related land tax issues
  • Assisting with objections, reassessments, and disputes involving land tax
  • Advising on land tax implications as part of broader property or structuring decisions
  • Supporting communication with the relevant revenue authority where required

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+
Australian Based Team
4,000+
Matters Expertly Handled
10+
Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

  1. Book Meeting
    Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between an in-person or video conference.
  2. Get Advice

    You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
  3. Achieve Outcomes

    Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.
Book a Consult

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Andrew Henshaw
Managing Director
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Demian Walton

Director

Jennifer Maher

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Robert Osler

Director

Seamus Ryan

Director

Tori Kilby

Director

Greg Thomas

Land Tax Advice Beyond the Assessment Notice

A land tax assessment can feel like something you simply have to pay. But the amount often depends on details sitting behind the notice: who the State Revenue Office (SRO) has recorded as the owner, how the land is used, whether a trust is involved, whether an exemption has been applied and whether a surcharge has been included.

A land tax lawyer can help property owners, trustees, developers and advisers understand why the liability has arisen and whether the better response is a correction request, exemption application, reassessment or land tax objection.

Check what the SRO has actually assessed

The first question is not always whether the amount looks high. It is whether the assessment has been built on the right facts.

A property may have changed use during the year. A home may have stopped being a principal place of residence. Land may have been transferred, inherited, subdivided, developed or moved into a trust. Joint ownership can also create confusion, particularly where the same person or entity holds other Victorian land.

Before deciding whether to pay, object or seek a reassessment, it is usually worth checking:

  • Which landholdings have been included
  • Who is treated as the owner of each property
  • Whether the site value appears correct
  • Whether land has been aggregated with other holdings
  • Whether the land is held personally, jointly, through a company or through a trust
  • Whether an exemption, concession or surcharge has been applied
  • Whether SRO records reflect changes in ownership, use or occupancy.

Good land tax advice starts with the documents: the assessment, title records, contracts, trust deed, occupancy evidence, valuation material, SRO correspondence and prior-year assessments.

Exemptions, trusts and surcharges can change the result

Land tax often depends on how the land is used, who the State Revenue Office treats as holding it, and whether an exemption or surcharge applies. A principal place of residence exemption, primary production land exemption or other land tax exemption may depend on evidence that is not obvious from the assessment notice.

Trust ownership can add another layer. Trust land tax may involve discretionary trusts, unit trusts, fixed trusts, nominated beneficiaries, surcharge rates and notification requirements. For land tax for trusts, the trust deed, ownership records, beneficiary arrangements and previous notices to the SRO should usually be reviewed together.

A structure that made sense for asset protection, succession planning or investment ownership may still produce a different land tax outcome than personal ownership.

Surcharges should also be checked early. If the issue involves vacant residential land tax, an absentee owner surcharge, trust treatment or an SRO review, the response should be evidence-led rather than a short explanation sent under pressure.

Correction, reassessment or objection?

Not every land tax issue needs a formal objection. Some matters may be dealt with by updating ownership details, correcting property information or providing evidence for an exemption that was not reflected in the assessment.

Other matters need a formal land tax objection. That response should identify the land, the assessment issue, the legal basis for the challenge and the documents supporting the position. Evidence may include trust deeds, contracts, leases, occupancy records, farming evidence, valuation material, financial records, statutory declarations or SRO correspondence.

This distinction matters. A correction request that does not address the legal issue may simply delay the dispute. An objection that is too broad or poorly supported may make the taxpayer’s position harder to explain later.

How Velocity Legal can help

Velocity Legal’s tax lawyers assist property owners, trustees, developers, investors, family groups and advisers with SRO land tax matters, including assessment reviews, exemptions, trust and surcharge issues, ownership structures, reassessments, objections and SRO correspondence.

If you have received a land tax assessment, are planning a property transaction, or need advice on a property ownership structure, contact Velocity Legal before the issue becomes harder to correct or challenge. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions
What is land tax?
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Land tax is a state-based tax that may apply to land ownership above certain thresholds, subject to the relevant rules and exemptions. Whether it applies depends on factors such as ownership structure, property type, and how the land is used.
Why can land tax become complicated?
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Land tax issues can become complex where there are multiple properties, trust structures, grouping rules, surcharge provisions, or questions about exemptions. Technical rules can significantly affect the amount of tax payable and the options available.
Can land tax assessments be challenged?
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In some circumstances, land tax assessments can be reviewed, objected to, or reassessed. Understanding the basis of the assessment and the available options is an important first step in deciding how to respond.
How do trusts affect land tax?
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Trust ownership can affect how land tax is assessed, including the availability of thresholds, exemptions, and surcharge treatment. The specific impact will depend on the type of trust and the relevant land tax rules.
When should legal advice be obtained about land tax?
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It is often helpful to obtain legal advice when acquiring property, reviewing ownership structures, responding to an assessment, or considering whether an exemption or objection may apply. Early advice can help clarify risk and support better decision making.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Book Consult
4.9
89 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)