The State Revenue Office Victoria has announced updates to the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT), which will take effect from 1 January 2025. If you own a home that has been unoccupied for more than six months in a calendar year, you may be liable for VRLT.
Key Changes to VRLT
- From 1 January 2025, VRLT will apply to all Victorian homes unoccupied for more than six months in a calendar year, unless an exemption applies.
- The tax also applies to properties under construction, renovation, or deemed uninhabitable if this status persists for more than two years.
- VRLT is separate from land tax, meaning you may need to pay both if applicable.
Your property’s use in 2024—specifically, whether it remained unoccupied for over six months—will determine your liability for VRLT in 2025.
Are Exemptions Available?
Important Updates: Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) Changes
The State Revenue Office Victoria has introduced changes to the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT), effective from 1 January 2025. If your home has been unoccupied for more than six months in a calendar year, you may be required to pay this tax.
Key Changes to VRLT
- From 1 January 2025, VRLT will apply to all homes in Victoria left unoccupied for over six months in a calendar year, unless an exemption applies.
- The tax also includes properties under construction, renovation, or deemed uninhabitable if these conditions last more than two years.
- VRLT is separate from land tax, so you may be liable for both depending on your property use.
Your property’s usage in 2024, particularly if it was unoccupied for over six months, will determine whether you’re liable for VRLT in 2025.
Are Exemptions Available?
Certain unoccupied properties may qualify for exemptions, including:
- Holiday homes
- Properties that changed ownership during the year
- Homes that became residential in the previous calendar year
If you believe your property is exempt, you must still notify the State Revenue Office and apply for an exemption through their online portal.
For detailed information about exemptions, visit sro.vic.gov.au/vacant.
What You Need to Do
- Notify the State Revenue Office by 15 January 2025 if your property was unoccupied for more than six months in 2024.
- Submit your notification through the online portal at sro.vic.gov.au/vacantportal.
- If you’ve previously notified the State Revenue Office, submit a new notification only if your circumstances have changed.
Failure to notify by 15 January 2025 may result in penalty tax.
For further details about the VRLT changes, exemptions, and how to comply, visit sro.vic.gov.au/vacant.
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