Land Tax by State: NSW, Vic, Qld, WA, SA and Tas Regimes and Thresholds

NSW land tax

Land tax in New South Wales is imposed under the *Land Tax Act 1956* (NSW) and assessed by Revenue NSW under the *Land Tax Management Act 1956* (NSW). For the 2024 assessment year, the general threshold is set at $1,075,000, while the premium threshold is $6,571,000. Stamp duty / transfer duty Australia overview

Land tax is calculated using different rates depending on the land value. The general rate is $100 plus 1.6% of the land value exceeding the general threshold. Land values exceeding the premium threshold are subject to a premium rate of 2% over that threshold.

Certain properties are exempt from land tax, including a principal place of residence (PPR) under Schedule 1A of the *Land Tax Management Act 1956* (NSW), subject to conditions. A foreign owner surcharge of 4% applies to the taxable value of residential land owned by foreign persons, as outlined in section 5A of the *Land Tax Act 1956* (NSW). Payroll tax by state 2026

Victoria and Queensland

Victoria’s land tax regime is governed by the Land Tax Act 2005 (Vic) and administered by the State Revenue Office. A general land tax threshold of $50,000 came into effect from 1 January 2024, a reduction from the previous threshold of $300,000. A flat $500 fee applies to land holdings valued between $50,000 and $100,000. An absentee owner surcharge of 4% of taxable value is applicable from the 2024 land tax year, as outlined in section 50 of the Land Tax Act 2005.

A principal place of residence (PPR) exemption is available in Victoria, as detailed in section 54 of the Land Tax Act 2005, where land is used as a principal place of residence.

Queensland’s land tax is managed by the Queensland Revenue Office under the Land Tax Act 2010 (Qld). The general threshold is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies, trustees and absentees. A surcharge of 2% of the taxable value applies to foreign companies and trustees for land valued over $350,000, effective since 30 June 2019. A home (PPR) exemption is available under section 35 of the Land Tax Act 2010.

Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania

Western Australia’s land tax regime is governed by the Land Tax Act 2002 (WA) and Land Tax Assessment Act 2002 (WA), administered by RevenueWA. A tax-free threshold of $300,000 applies, meaning no land tax is payable on properties valued under this amount. While a separate foreign buyer transfer duty surcharge of 7% applies, Western Australia does not currently have a broad foreign owner land tax surcharge.

South Australia’s land tax is regulated by the Land Tax Act 1936 (SA) and administered by RevenueSA. The general rates threshold for the 2023-24 financial year is $732,000. Significant land tax aggregation reforms were introduced in 2020, which group commonly held land for assessment purposes.

Tasmania’s land tax is governed by the Land Tax Act 2000 (Tas) and administered by the State Revenue Office. A tax-free threshold of $124,999 applies, with rates applying progressively above this amount. Section 19 of the Land Tax Act 2000 provides for a Principal Place of Residence (PPR) exemption.

ACT, NT and common features

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) imposes land tax on properties rented out, administered under the Land Tax Act 2004 (ACT). Rates are also imposed under the Rates Act 2004, which serves a similar function. The Northern Territory does not impose land tax.

Like other jurisdictions, land tax is generally an annual tax assessed on ‘taxable value’ as at a fixed date each year. Common exemptions across jurisdictions include principal place of residence, primary production land, charities, and certain religious or public benefit uses.

Across all states and territories, land holdings of the same owner are aggregated before applying thresholds, with grouping rules for related entities and trusts. Foreign owner surcharges apply in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, though the rates and bases differ between these jurisdictions.