Death and taxes: Aussie state’s ‘stealthy death tax’ sparks controversy!

Significant changes are on the horizon for residents of one Aussie state dealing with inheritance matters.

A recent update has sparked widespread discussions about its implications for families and beneficiaries.

As these changes come into effect, it's crucial for individuals to stay informed and understand how they might be affected.


In a move that has sparked controversy and concern among Victorians, the state government is considering a significant increase in probate fees, which has been criticized as a ‘death tax by stealth’.

This proposed change could see millions of Australians facing hefty fees to process the estates of deceased family members, raising questions about the fairness and timing of such a measure.


compressed-shutterstock_2473563143.jpeg
Victoria's probate fees are set to rise, potentially costing families thousands more. Credit: Shutterstock


Probate fees are paid to the court to approve wills, a necessary step in the administration of an estate after someone passes away.

Currently, Victorians pay a probate fee of $68.60 for estates valued at less than half a million dollars.

However, under the proposed changes, this fee could skyrocket by 281 per cent to $261.30 for estates worth up to $250,000.

The increases continue to escalate with the value of the estate, with those between $250,000 and $500,000 potentially facing a 650 per cent increase to $514.40, and so on, up to a staggering 273 per cent increase for estates worth between $1 million and $2.5 million, which will be $685.90.


Premier Jacinta Allan has defended the review, stating that the fee increases have not yet been confirmed.

‘The preferred option that is being considered would actually see probate fees become substantially cheaper for a large number of people needing the service,’ she explained.

‘There's a bit of fear-mongering and scare-mongering and, frankly, just ridiculous commentary that's coming from the Liberal opposition on this.’

The rationale behind the review, as stated by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, is to improve the overall cost recovery of the Supreme Court.


The changes are expected to generate an additional $33.6 million in revenue, which is a significant 1,086 per cent more than the current cost of running the probate office.

This has led to accusations from Opposition Attorney-General Michael O'Brien that the Labor government is reintroducing death duties by stealth, a practice abolished in Victoria in the 1980s.

He noted that with the new changes, Victorians may face a government fee of up to $15,407.40 to claim their inheritance. In contrast, the maximum probate fee in New South Wales is significantly lower, capped at $6,652.

‘This massive probate fee hike is nothing less than Labor reintroducing death duties by stealth,’ Mr O’Brien argued.

‘Not even dying is enough to save Victorians from Labor's desperation for new taxes. People work hard and pay taxes all their life; they shouldn't have to pay again after they die.’

‘This Labor Government should be ashamed of itself, but it shows just how badly they have mismanaged Victoria's finances. With current probate fees scheduled to continue until 2028, this is nothing more than a grubby cash grab by a broke Labor Government,’ he added.


A government representative stated that the review is still ongoing, and residents are still able to make submissions.

‘Victorian probate fees are considerably lower than other states, they don't cover the costs of hearings in the Supreme Court adequately and any change would still see average fees lower than the fees charged in New South Wales or South Australia,’ she stated.

‘The preferred option would also make it cheaper for many people – especially when the proceeds from an estate are less than $500,000.’


The proposed changes to inheritance and probate laws in Victoria have left many residents concerned about the financial implications of claiming their loved ones' estates.

This issue is particularly pressing as a growing number of Australians are relying on inheritances to secure their financial future.

The trend of banking on inheritances highlights the importance of understanding these new regulations and how they might impact one's financial planning.
Key Takeaways
  • Probate fees in Victoria for processing wills are set to increase, potentially costing families thousands of dollars more.
  • The proposed changes to probate fees are expected to generate significant additional revenue for the Supreme Court.
  • Premier Jacinta Allan indicated that the fee hikes have not been finalised and may result in lower fees for estates below $500,000.
  • Opposition Attorney-General Michael O'Brien criticised the fee increases, equating them to a reintroduction of ‘death duties’ by stealth.
Have you or someone you know been affected by probate fees? What are your views on the proposed increases? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with estate planning and probate fees in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
If these new fees come into effect, one can put it all down to the complete incompetence of the Vic., state government, past & present.

If they come into effect for the commonwealth, we can fully blame the "STUPIDITY" & ABSOLUTE CRAZY, UNWARRANTED & UNCONTROLLED spending of our monies by Penny, the "WONG DONG" supporting HAMAS TERRORISTS. No doubt I'll have disagreements on this comment. But, It's TRUE FACTS, & CAN'T BE DENIED.

Then we have the HOPELESSNESS of "ALBO" at the helm steering a HOPELESS SHIP & wasting our reserves on a NEW RATBAG IDEOLOGY of wanting to bring palestinian students to our country. Albo, BEING US, will pay for all air fares, accommodation, tuition, all health care & other subsides at OUR EXPENSE.

Unfortunately, someone has to pay for ALL OF THIS ONGOING STUPIDITY. So they'll find a way to hit us, the GOOD OLD AUSSIE TAX PAYER in one way or another.

A couple of items will see an increase in petrol, alcohol & tobacco excise. Somehow, we'll all be paying. No one will escape.
 
This Labor government in Victoria is a disgrace, our debt is out of control and through their mismanagement they are now trying to rake in money to cover their absolutely corrupt control over the Victorian people by taxing the dead… this is outrageous and a disgusting way of treating those who paid taxes all their lives and now have to pay for dying.. they are a disgrace 😡
 
This feral, inept, socialist, soul and aspiration destroying government is crippling Victorian families with unconscionable and incomprehensible fees and taxes to reimburse the public purse it has rorted, decimated and inflicted as historic debt on generations of Victorians😡
 
If these new fees come into effect, one can put it all down to the complete incompetence of the Vic., state government, past & present.

If they come into effect for the commonwealth, we can fully blame the "STUPIDITY" & ABSOLUTE CRAZY, UNWARRANTED & UNCONTROLLED spending of our monies by Penny, the "WONG DONG" supporting HAMAS TERRORISTS. No doubt I'll have disagreements on this comment. But, It's TRUE FACTS, & CAN'T BE DENIED.

Then we have the HOPELESSNESS of "ALBO" at the helm steering a HOPELESS SHIP & wasting our reserves on a NEW RATBAG IDEOLOGY of wanting to bring palestinian students to our country. Albo, BEING US, will pay for all air fares, accommodation, tuition, all health care & other subsides at OUR EXPENSE.

Unfortunately, someone has to pay for ALL OF THIS ONGOING STUPIDITY. So they'll find a way to hit us, the GOOD OLD AUSSIE TAX PAYER in one way or another.

A couple of items will see an increase in petrol, alcohol & tobacco excise. Somehow, we'll all be paying. No one will escape.
And it will be exactly the same under any government! Politicians only care for themselves and their own. They are a waste of space. I just feel most of us would be much worse off if Dutton and his cronies get their feet under the table.
 
This Labor government in Victoria is a disgrace, our debt is out of control and through their mismanagement they are now trying to rake in money to cover their absolutely corrupt control over the Victorian people by taxing the dead… this is outrageous and a disgusting way of treating those who paid taxes all their lives and now have to pay for dying.. they are a disgrace 😡
And who voted them in?
 
Ah, mate, talking about inheritance taxes Down Under is a bit like wrestling a croc – it’s complicated and everyone’s got their own take on it. Some folks reckon it’s a beauty of an idea to reduce inequality and drum up some extra cash for the country. But then you’ve got the naysayers, waving their arms about double taxation, how it’ll muck up passing on the family nest egg, and all the red tape and politics involved. Whether you're for or against it often comes down to how the tax is set up and what we all think about fairness and sharing wealth.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Trina G
Man do the Libs among us jump in quick when something like this happens to criticise. What you Libiots forget is that it has been the Libs who have introduced these taxes way back when. The first ones in 1901. And let us not forget the GST. Once again Libs. Every govt that has been in since be it LNP or ALP have fiddled around with these taxes so let’s give it a rest and stop pointing the finger just because you are anti whoever you don’t support.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rob44 and PattiB
Man do the Libs among us jump in quick when something like this happens to criticise. What you Libiots forget is that it has been the Libs who have introduced these taxes way back when. The first ones in 1901. And let us not forget the GST. Once again Libs. Every govt that has been in since be it LNP or ALP have fiddled around with these taxes so let’s give it a rest and stop pointing the finger just because you are anti whoever you don’t support.
But to raise it up by this astronomical amount is a disgrace.. it’s only to try and reign in the debt that this incompetent government got Victoria into.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wayneo
Yes they are in debt but so is every state and probably every country in the world. You cannot have progress without spending money. If it was left up to the Libs we’d probably have road, rail and other services back in the 20th century.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB and Gaena
Yes they are in debt but so is every state and probably every country in the world. You cannot have progress without spending money. If it was left up to the Libs we’d probably have road, rail and other services back in the 20th century.
Yes saying they are in debt like the other states is a fact but to have a debt of 188 billion is no laughing matter, it’s more than other states combined , pure incompetence by the Labor government, every infrastructure project has blown out, hospitals, ambulances , police are in crisis, the failed commonwealth games that cost Victoria for another incompetence project, the CFMEU corruption that they pretend not to know about you can’t defend them, they are so totally corrupt and incompetent.
Yes they are in debt but so is every state and probably every country in the world. You cannot have progress without spending money. If it was left up to the Libs we’d probably have road, rail and other services back in the 20th century.
t
 
  • Like
Reactions: relljube and Rob44
Huge new fees are about to hit Aussies… even after death?!

As soon as I saw the headline, I knew I didn't need to open the article?

Victoria what other state could it possibly be? if it wasn't for health and age reasons. I'd sell up and go somewhere else. I think it should be a prerequisite for any person going into politics that they obtain experience on the shop floor, instead of going straight from uni? then they may be a little bit more savvy on life at the coal face, so to speak.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Julie1946
Yes they are in debt but so is every state and probably every country in the world. You cannot have progress without spending money. If it was left up to the Libs we’d probably have road, rail and other services back in the 20th century.
19th Century; not 20th century. Look what has happened in Pomgolia since 1979. Maggot Thatcher was a true-blue-rinse Victorian and that describes the state of her mind, not the State of Victoria. As for Australia it's been loser-pays ever since Howard became PM, although Hawke and Keating were disappointments.
 
Huge new fees are about to hit Aussies… even after death?!

As soon as I saw the headline, I knew I didn't need to open the article?

Victoria what other state could it possibly be? if it wasn't for health and age reasons. I'd sell up and go somewhere else. I think it should be a prerequisite for any person going into politics that they obtain experience on the shop floor, instead of going straight from uni? then they may be a little bit more savvy on life at the coal face, so to speak.
Death taxes are simply the ultimate political insult to any person. However the Mayor of the City of Melbourne has a nice little earner of $250 000 per year Honorarium. How many more "cities" in the Metropolitan Melbourne sprawl? We have five "cities" in Hobart.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Julie1946

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×