Family or domestic violence land tax relief

Key information

Your home is generally exempt from land tax as your principal place of residence (PPR). If you or a family member has experienced family violence and left your home as a result, you may still be eligible for land tax relief. This includes an exemption for up to 6 years from 2026 or relief for earlier years. 

If you need help, there are a wide range of family violence support services available.

Eligibility criteria 

You may be eligible if all the following apply:   

1. You owned the property solely or jointly. 
2. The property was exempt as your PPR or used as your PPR for at least 6 consecutive months prior to your absence. 
3. You left your PPR due to family violence. 
4. You did not earn income from the property after leaving (or you can show you did not receive any income that was derived from the land). 
5. You are not claiming another PPR exemption during the same period. 

Family violence is defined in the Family Violence Protection Act 2008. It refers to behaviour by a person towards a family member that is abusive, threatening, coercive or controlling in some other way that risks safety. It includes physical, sexual, emotional or economical abuse. It also includes where a child hears, sees or is exposed to this behaviour. 

Apply for an exemption/relief 

An exemption is available for the 2026 land tax year onwards, for up to 6 years from the date of absence. Relief for prior land tax years may also be available. 

To apply for an exemption and/or relief for prior years, or to discuss your circumstances, please email support@sro.vic.gov.au.

Documents to support your application could include:  

• medical documents 
• court documents  
• police statements/reports.