The Victorian Government has enacted a discount and deferral relief program for eligible owners and others whose capacity to make payments are impacted by COVID-19.
What Relief is Available?
Deferral — For landowners with at least one non-residential property and total taxable value below $1 million, land tax can be deferred until 31 March 2021.
Deferral and Discount — For properties that are either leased or available for lease, 25% discount on 2020 Land Tax, and a deferral of the remainder until 31 March 2021.
Note: If 2020 Land Tax has not already been paid and the landowner doesn’t meet the criteria, the State Revenue Office may still be willing to enter into a deferral arrangement.
Who is Eligible for Relief?
Tenanted properties – Owners who can demonstrate that:
Commercial
– All or part of the property is rented.
– At least one tenant’s capacity to pay normal rent is affected by COVID-19.
– The Landlord has provided at least 25% of land tax payable in rent relief to one or more affected tenants.
– At least one affected tenant is eligible for the JobKeeper Payment and has annual income not exceeding $50 million.
Residential
– All or part of the property is rented.
– At least one tenant’s capacity to pay normal rent is affected by COVID-19.
– The Landlord has provided at least 25% of land tax payable in rent relief to one or more affected tenants.
Vacant properties — As for vacant properties if unable to secure a tenant due to COVID-19:
– General Deferral — Landowners who have at least one taxable non-residential property and with total taxable value beneath $1 million.
– Other — Landowners who haven’t already paid their 2020 Land tax and do not meet the above requirements may obtain deferral if their ability to pay is affected by COVID-19.
How to Access Relief
The SRO website has a specific page set up – https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-response-covid-19
To apply for relief, a refund, or deferral, landowners must first register via My Land Tax. Registration is to be completed separately for each Land Tax Assessment Notice. At this stage, only the landowner can register. SRO is not accepting applications from representatives.
As always, we are happy to speak to you, answer queries, or provide further information as available.