Understanding public lodgement

Key information

Public lodgement lets members of the public lodge certain duty matters directly with us, without using a solicitor or conveyancer. You lodge through our public lodgement system.

Public lodgements include:

• Land transfer lodgements: must be lodged within 30 days of the date of settlement. Lodging close to settlement may result in delays.
• Trust declarations: must be lodged within 30 days of the date the trust deed is executed.
• Duty refund applications: can take 60 days to assess.

Not all land transactions can be lodged through public lodgement. If your transaction involves monetary consideration, you must use a solicitor or conveyancer. See the Victoria Land Registry information about how to lodge.

It is intended for straightforward matters and may not suit complex transactions.

Professionals in the property conveyancing industry access Duties Online as registered users and cannot use public lodgement.

Public and professional lodgement pathways

Public and professional lodgements use Duties Online, with different access arrangements.

Public lodgement does not provide legal or tax advice. Users are responsible for providing accurate and complete information and documents.

Some duty matters involve complex ownership arrangements, multiple transactions or concessions and exemptions. These matters may require professional judgement to ensure the correct duty outcome.

If you are unsure whether public lodgement is suitable, seek professional advice before lodging.

Lodgement requirements

A public lodgement includes details about the transaction and supporting documents so we can assess the duty outcome.

Each lodgement category has specific information and evidence requirements. You should understand the requirements that apply to your matter before lodging. If you do not submit all supporting documents, your lodgement may take longer to complete.

For details on the steps involved, see public lodgement process for duty matters.

Assessment, payment and registering the title

After you lodge, we will send you an email confirming receipt of your lodgement.

We assess the lodgement using the information and documents provided. We may contact you to request further information or documents. This can affect how long it takes to finalise the outcome.

We issue the assessment notice by email. If duty is payable, you must pay it before you can register the land transfer with Land Use Victoria. For payment options, see pay your land transfer duty assessment notice.

You can register your transfer of land with Land Use Victoria 5 business days after you have paid the duty.