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Land Tax About To Get WorseThe Nationals are calling on the State Government to reduce land taxes, as land owners are being warned to brace themselves for another sharp increase in the coming year. By Peter Hall - 7th March 2005 - Back to News Gippsland MP Peter Hall said it was time the Government pulled back on land taxes, as continued increases were hurting business and investment.
"As it stands at the moment total revenue from land tax will increase this financial year to more than $850 million," Mr Hall said. "This compares to $378 million when the ALP came to office five years ago – that is, a 125 percent increase!"
Mr Hall said many businesses were hurting already, with icons such as the Metung Hotel under threat.
"The pain they are feeling is about to get worse, as the State Revenue Office, which is in the process of issuing the 2005 land tax assessments, has advised that taxpayers can expect increased costs.
"The Bracks Government is awash with funds from Land Tax and should be reducing all Land Tax rates drastically to relieve the burden on business and property investors," Mr Hall said.
He added that there had been some modest concessions made by the State Government, such as a minor increase in the threshold value of land, and exemptions for private caravan parks, which were made after extreme pressure from The Nationals.
"However, this hasn’t resolved the Land Tax dilemma, which is about to get worse.
"Many businesses are already hurting, and investors with investment properties may decide to dispose of properties, impacting on house values."
Mr Hall said if anyone had concerns about their situation, they should contact the State Revenue Office on 13 21 61. "I’m also happy to follow up on behalf of anyone who has problems with the situation," Mr Hall said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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