Legal Insights
Property nominations and duty: VCAT confirms the position
A recent VCAT decision has reinforced the potential duty consequences of nominating a substitute purchaser under a contract of sale.
In Ramaihi v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 655, VCAT considered the application of the sub-sale provisions in the Duties Act 2000 (Vic), including when a nomination may confer a “transfer right” and the circumstances in which additional duty may arise.
Two Bites, One Bill: Subsequent Acquisitions Deemed Subsequently Dutiable – Lessons from ISPT v CSR
The Supreme Court of Victoria in ISPT Pty Ltd v CSR [2026], has confirmed that the Commissioner of State Revenue can impose duty, where a unit holder acquires two separate interests in a public unit trust, on the aggregate amount of those interests.
Sky High Land Tax: How Nominating a Purchaser May Trigger Additional Duty
In Sky Jade Corporation Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue (Vic) [2026] VCAT 421, the Victorian Civil and Administrate Tribunal confirmed that nominating a purchaser under a standard contract of sale of land will trigger additional duty if land development occurs prior to settlement. The Tribunal also confirmed that a nominee, nominated pursuant to a sale of real estate nomination form, will be considered to have obtained a right to have property transferred to the nominee, satisfying the legislative requirements for additional duty.
Stamp duty imposed on acquisition of units in Hybrid Unit Trust – Ramifications of Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484
Landholder duty issues for Hybrid Unit Trusts highlighted by Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484