Is your Rates Notice for 2016/17 fair and reasonable?

From 1 January 2016 the process of revaluing all Victorian properties commenced. The new values will form the basis upon which you are charged municipal rates and land tax. 

Although the State Government has introduced a cap on the increase in municipal rates for the 2016/17 year, landowners may find a substantial increase in their rates from previous years because of the revaluation. 

If you have received a rates notice and disagree with the value assigned to your property you have the right to lodge an objection with council within 2 months of the date stated on the rates notice. The Valuer-General will be required to make a decision on any valid objections by taking into account the recommendation of the original valuer to determine the true value of the property. Landowners who are still not satisfied with the decision of the Valuer-General have the right to apply to VCAT for a review. This process ensures that landowners are charged rates on a fair and reasonable basis. However, landowners must be proactive if they object with their rates notice to ensure the process operates correctly. 

We suggest you review any rates notice you receive without delay to determine if the value of your property is fair and reasonable. 

For more information, please contact:

Deborah Mann
Special Counsel
T 03 5226 8551
E dmann@harwoodandrews.com.au

Stuart Monotti
Special Counsel
T 03 5226 8514
E smonotti@harwoodandrews.com.au

Ashlea DeBono
Lawyer
T 03 5226 8587
E adebono@harwoodandrews.com.au