The valuation of land for rating and tax purposes is regulated in South Australia by the Valuation of Land Act 1971 (for more information on the Act go to http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/vola1971173/index.html .) To ensure fairness and equity, the Act provides for the appointment of a Valuer-General as the ultimate authority for determining valuations for rating and taxing purposes.

The Valuer-General currently values all properties each year, by utilising the valuation services of the State Valuation Office.

The values placed on your property are used by rating authorities as a basis for the levying of rates and taxes. The rating authorities that use the property values are:

• S A Water Corporation (for levying water and sewerage rates)
• The Commissioner of State Taxation (for levying land tax where applicable)
• Revenue SA (for levying emergency services)
• Local Councils (for levying council rates)

Both site and capital values as defined under the Valuation of Land act 1971 are determined by the State Valuation Office. In essence the “site value” is the value of the land excluding structural improvements while the “capital value” is the value of the land including improvements.

Rating authorities may use either site or capital values in levying rates. Contact the relevant rating authority to establish how the “site” or “capital' value is utilised to determine the amount payable on your rate account.