NEW Land Tax thresholds introduced by the State Government on January 1 this year have seen some eastern Victorian landholders receiving a Land Tax bill for the first time, according to local MP Melina Bath.

But she has encouraged people who receive Land Tax bills to do their own research before paying because they may find they are exempt.

The tax applies to investment properties, unoccupied homes, holiday homes, commercial properties, or vacant land.

“There has been many examples of land tax bills being incorrectly issued to people, organisations and community groups who qualify for exemptions,” said Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath.

“I have raised with the Treasurer local examples where eastern Victorians have been issued a land tax bill for land that they do not own,” she said.

Ms Bath said the State Government got the legislation through the Upper House of State Parliament late last year after securing Greens’ support.

Labor’s new land tax, she said, had resulted in many people receiving a land tax bill for the first time, even if there was a previous exemption under old legislation.

Ms Bath said it was important to note that while residents may no longer be eligible for an exemption based on property value alone, there are other exemptions, and it is important to check the criteria before paying.

“The most common exemptions include if the property is your principal place of residence or if the land is used for primary production, while there are also exemptions that community groups and not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for,” she said.

“I am urging anyone who has received a land tax bill for the first time and is unsure of their rights to ensure they are not paying tax when they should not be.

“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis it is unfathomable land tax has been introduced by the Allan Government when people can least afford it.

“It is wrong that everyday Victorians are being punished with new taxes that are clearly aimed at revenue raising to pay for Labor’s overspending and economic mismanagement.”

Information on land tax including how to apply for an exemption can be found online at www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-tax/land-tax-exemptions or by contacting the State Revenue Office (SRO) on 132 161 during business hours.