Deadline for Notification: 15 January 2025

From 1 January 2025, the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) will extend to all homes in Victoria that remain unoccupied for more than 6 months within a calendar year, unless an exemption applies. This includes homes under construction, renovation, or deemed uninhabitable for over 2 years.

Key Points to Note:

  • VRLT differs from standard land tax. Even if you already pay land tax, VRLT may still apply based on your property’s use in 2024.

  • If your property was unoccupied for more than 6 months in 2024, you must notify the State Revenue Office by 15 January 2025.

Exemptions

Some properties may qualify for an exemption, such as:

  • Holiday homes

  • Recently sold properties

  • Homes that became residential within the previous calendar year

However, you still need to notify the State Revenue Office and apply for an exemption through the online portal, even if you believe your property qualifies for an exemption.

What You Need to Do

  1. Notify the State Revenue Office by 15 January 2025 if your home was unoccupied for more than 6 months in 2024.

  2. If you’ve submitted a notification previously, only resubmit if your circumstances have changed.

  3. Access the notification portal at: sro.vic.gov.au/vacantportal.

Failure to notify by the deadline may result in penalty tax.

For more details on the changes and exemptions, visit: sro.vic.gov.au/vacant.

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