Hughes v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 806 (Hughes) is the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (Tribunal) first decision on the VRLT holiday home exemption (HHE) under section 88A of the Land Tax Act 2005 (Vic) (LTA). This decision provides useful guidance on how vacant residential land tax (VRLT) operates in practice. Are you [read more]
How do you wind up an SMSF part way through a financial year? On its face, this is practically a difficult question. It is difficult because, in order to wind up an SMSF, the trustee must lodge with the ATO the SMSF’s final return. However, the ATO has not released the current financial year annual [read more]
The proposal to introduce a minimum 30% tax on income of discretionary trusts (DTs) means that each unit trust deed should be reviewed to determine whether it qualifies as a fixed trust. Unless the trust qualifies as a fixed trust or satisfies another exception, the trust is likely to be subject to the new 30% [read more]
Background The proposed changes to impose a minimum 30% tax on trusts from 1 July 2028 will substantially impact trusts, including discretionary trusts (DT), unit trusts, hybrid trusts and testamentary trusts. This article provides a brief overview of the proposed changes and outlines how DBA Lawyers plans to assist advisers and clients. What changes apply [read more]
The Victorian government has introduced a range of new or increased taxes in recent times. This article provides a brief summary on some of the recent changes to Victorian taxes relating to real estate. Commercial and Industrial Property tax From 1 July 2024 the Commercial and Industrial Property tax (CIPT) commenced. This new tax relies [read more]
