Victorians are taxed the most in Australia, but relief isn't on the way
Economists expect taxes to rise in next month's Victorian state budget, despite residents in the state already paying the most tax in the country.
Per capita, Victorians pay more tax than anyone else in the country, with the state and local councils slugging taxpayers an average of $5638 – including in land tax, stamp duty and rates – on top of the $21,365 everyone pays to the Commonwealth.
Chris Richardson, an independent economist, told 9News that stamp duty was the "dumbest tax in Australia" and needed to be scrapped.
The state government currently collects $7.3 billion dollars extra in land tax, stamp duty and rates. Nine
"Land tax up, stamp duty down, is what economists recommend," he said.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria agrees, and is calling on the state government to change.
"It's also a disincentive for people to move, to purchase properties, to downsize properties," chief executive Quentin Kilian said.
With state debt budgeted to climb to $165 billion in 2026, tax cuts aren't on the cards, but the government has remained tight-lipped over proposed changes to stamp duty.
READ MORE: Melbourne theatres to dim their lights to honour Barry Humphries
"I'm not making any comments on what is on the table, what is off the table," minister Lily D'Ambrosio said.
"I'm not going to be playing that game."
The state budget will be handed down in May.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
