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Finance TaxationSAHARD

As at 2026, how does South Australian land tax treat land held on trust?

Correct Answer

B) Trust land is generally taxed at higher trust rates, subject to limited exclusions

Since the 2020 reforms, SA land tax generally assesses land held on trust at trust surcharge rates, which are higher than the general rates. Discretionary trusts that held land at 16 October 2019 could nominate a designated beneficiary to be assessed at general rates, but nominations closed on 31 December 2021 and are no longer accepted. Certain trusts are excluded from the trust rates.

Answer Options
A
Land held on trust is exempt from land tax, because the trustee is not the beneficial owner
B
Trust land is generally taxed at higher trust rates, subject to limited exclusions
C
Trusts are always taxed at exactly the same rates as individual owners of land
D
The surcharge applies only to discretionary trusts that hold commercial property

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Since the 2020 land tax reforms, land held on trust in SA is generally assessed at higher trust rates. Exclusions are limited, and the option for discretionary trusts to nominate a designated beneficiary closed on 31 December 2021.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

land tax trust surchargebeneficiary nominationRevenueSA
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