Are You Across Queensland Land Tax Changes?

If you own property in Queensland, your land tax liabilities may change from 30 June 2026.

On this date each year, the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) assesses land tax liability based on land ownership and taxable landholdings. However, 2026 also marks the end of the temporary ex gratia relief arrangements for the foreign land tax surcharge, with a stricter exemption framework set to apply from July 1st.

These updates affect property owners, investors, companies and trusts across Queensland, particularly those with complex ownership structures or foreign interests. Take a look at some more details about land tax changes:

Key takeaways

• 30 June is the annual land tax assessment date in Queensland.
• Property ownership structures can significantly affect land tax liability.
• Temporary ex gratia relief from the foreign surcharge is coming to an end.
• New exemption rules require formal approval and supporting evidence.
• Expanded corporate tracing rules may affect companies and trusts with foreign interests.

Queensland land tax in 2026: what property owners need to know

Queensland land tax is assessed each year based on land ownership as at midnight on 30 June.

The QRO considers the total taxable value of freehold land owned in Queensland, including investment properties, commercial land and vacant land that does not qualify for exemptions.

Land tax thresholds and rates vary depending on ownership type, including:

• Individuals
• Companies
• Trusts
• Absentees
• Foreign entities

This means the ownership structure can directly affect how much land tax will need to be paid.

If you own property, particularly outside of your residential home, you should review:

• Current ownership arrangements
• Land valuations
• Exemptions that may apply
• Whether ownership changes before 30 June may affect liability

Learn more about thresholds through NPR Law’s guide to Land Tax Thresholds in Queensland.

How land tax changes affect property owners and investors

The biggest change in 2026 involves the foreign land tax surcharge framework.

Under public rulings issued by the Queensland Revenue Office in December 2025, ex gratia relief arrangements will formally cease from 30 June 2026 and will be replaced by a more structured exemption system that requires property owners to meet stricter eligibility criteria.

This particularly affects:

• Foreign companies
• Foreign trusts
• Australian entities with foreign ownership interests
• Investors with layered corporate structures

Importantly, exemption applications may now require pre-approval and supporting evidence before relief is granted.

The updated framework also introduces broader ‘tracing’ rules that examine ownership chains more deeply to determine whether foreign interests exist.

For some property owners, entities previously considered exempt may now fall within the surcharge rules, depending on their structure and ownership composition.

More information is available through the QRO’s guidance on foreign company and trust land tax rules and its public ruling on relief from foreign surcharge.

What Queensland property owners should check before 30 June

If you own property, aim to review whether your current structure still achieves your intended tax outcome prior to June 30th.

This may include checking:

• Whether exemptions still apply to your properties
• How land is legally owned
• Whether trust or company structures contain foreign interests
• Whether supporting documentation is required for surcharge exemptions
• Whether ownership changes should occur before the assessment date

For trusts and corporate entities, even indirect foreign ownership interests may now become relevant under the expanded tracing provisions, so understanding tax changes and how they may affect you is very important.

How a property lawyer can help you navigate land tax implications

Land tax rules can quickly become complex, especially when companies, trusts, or multiple investment properties are involved.

While your tax accountant is an important person to work with, your property lawyer can also help by:

• Reviewing ownership structures
• Identifying potential surcharge risks
• Advising on exemptions
• Assisting with pre-approval applications
• Reviewing transactions before 30 June
• Helping property owners understand legal and tax implications

Early advice is particularly important before making structural changes or lodging exemption applications.

Property owners may also wish to review available exemptions through our guide on Land Tax Exemptions in Queensland.