Property ownership and investment is a priority for many Australians as well as for some Australian businesses. Land tax is one of the least understood yet most controversial outgoings associated with property ownership. Many of the issues surrounding land tax are attributed to the lack of understanding of this tax and the availability of information to explain how it's actually determined. The focus of this book is to assist students, investors and property practitioners to understand the operation and application of the statutory outgoings applicable to real property. These outgoings primarily comprise land tax and council rates. Whilst many property owners know of and pay these statutory outgoings, there is a hiatus in the knowledge of the way these charges may be reviewed. Further, this book looks at some of the little known land tax allowances and concessions embedded within the relevant legislation. Land Tax in Australia is a valuable resource for students undertaking studies in property disciplines, property practitioners and investors. The book is designed to explain the way land tax is levied and to answer some of the questions relating to the operation and application of the tax. Contents include: Part 1: New South Wales * 1. The evolution of land tax and land tax revenue in NSW * 2. Who levies land tax and how is it assessed? * 3. Land values, concessions and allowances in NSW * 4. Objections to land values in NSW * 5. Land tax and property investment * 6. The principal place of residence and exemption * 7. Council rating in NSW Part 2: Other states of Australia * 8. Land tax in Victoria * 9. Land tax in Queensland * 10. Land tax in Western Australia * 11. Land tax in South Australia Part 3: National land tax issues * 12. Evidence of value and horizontal equity