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Trust ownership can change the tax bill
Victorian land held on trust can be assessed differently from land held by an individual. The trust surcharge threshold can start lower than the general threshold, which means a structure chosen for asset protection or estate planning can create a higher annual land tax bill.
That does not mean trusts are always wrong. It means the land tax cost should be modelled before a contract is signed.
Example
Assume an investor is comparing personal ownership with a discretionary trust. The property has a taxable site value that is modest by Melbourne standards, but still above the trust surcharge threshold. In personal names the bill may be small; in a trust it may be materially higher.
The right comparison is after-tax and after-cost cash flow, not just the purchase structure.
Use the VIC Land Tax Calculator, then compare cash flow in the Investment Property Yield Calculator.
Before using a trust
- Ask for a written land tax estimate by owner type.
- Check whether a unit trust, fixed trust or discretionary trust is being used.
- Check foreign or absentee beneficiary exposure.
- Compare land tax savings or costs against asset-protection goals.
Sources: State Revenue Office Victoria trust surcharge and land tax guidance. General information only.
RealEstateCalc Editorial
Property & Finance ResearchThe RealEstateCalc editorial team researches and writes about Australian property, finance, and tax topics. All content is fact-checked against official sources including the ATO, state revenue offices, ASIC Moneysmart, and the RBA.
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