Discretionary trusts are generally subject to surcharge rates of land tax. However, general rates of land tax can apply to the trustee where the discretionary trust has previously made a valid nomination of a beneficiary in relation to land owned before 1 January 2006 (pre-2006 land).

While it is now too late to make a new nomination in relation to pre-2006 land, the trustee can nominate a subsequent beneficiary provided the trustee:

• owned land before 1 January 2006
• notified us of the land held on trust
• has a valid beneficiary nomination in force
• wants to nominate a subsequent beneficiary upon the death of the previous nominated beneficiary or the revocation of their nomination.

You can nominate a subsequent beneficiary by lodging a nomination form. This form must be completed by the trustee of the discretionary trust or their representative (e.g. solicitor).

Please note, once a nomination is made:

• the trustee of the trust will continue to be assessed at general rates for pre-2006 land
• the nomination remains in force until the nominated beneficiary revokes it by written notice given to us, or the nominated beneficiary dies
• the nomination takes effect for the year after which it is lodged
• if the nomination was revoked, the form will only be accepted if we are satisfied that the subsequent nomination is just and reasonable in the particular case.

Please refer to our information on trusts and frequently asked questions for more information on the effect of these nominations.

1. Gather required information

   You need the following information to complete the Discretionary Trust Nomination of Subsequent Beneficiary (LTX Trust Form 15), but refer to the form for specific instructions:

   • details of the trust, including Australian Company Number (ACN)/Australian Business Number (ABN) of the trustee (if applicable)
   • details of the nomination
   • details of the subsequent nominated beneficiary including State Revenue Office customer number if it is known
   • if the reason for the subsequent nomination is that the previous nominated beneficiary died, details of the previous nominated beneficiary
   • if the reason for the subsequent nomination is a revocation of the previous nomination, the trustee must outline the reason(s) for the revocation of the previous nomination.

2. Complete and submit form

   The nomination form is completed and submitted online. Once you have completed all relevant and mandatory information, select submit to lodge your application.

   Complete nomination

Next Steps

We contact you in writing to advise you of the outcome of your nomination.

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