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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Aurora County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Aurora County, SD. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base county rate plus school district, fire district, and special assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Aurora County, South Dakota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including county government operations, public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the county assessor and reassessed periodically. The effective tax rate in Aurora County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries.

Property owners in Aurora County should expect their actual tax rate to differ from the base county rate depending on which school district, fire district, and other special assessment areas their property falls within. The county portion represents just one component of the total property tax bill, with school districts typically comprising the largest portion of most property tax statements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.50%Aurora County operations, roads, courthouse, sheriff
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (varies by school district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariesLibrary, ambulance, or other special assessments

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from 1.2% to 1.8% depending on the combination of taxing districts applicable to each property location within Aurora County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Aurora County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Aurora County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates a pro-rated tax bill based on the change in assessed value and the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property undergoes a $50,000 improvement in March, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining nine months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills 30-60 days after the change is recorded, and these are separate from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.4% effective rate): $4,144
  • Monthly Escrow: $345

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $596,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.4% effective rate): $8,344
  • Monthly Escrow: $695

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.4% effective rate): $13,944
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,162

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Aurora County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the county treasurer when due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value. Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax information and makes payments on time to avoid penalties. If paying taxes directly without escrow, remember that Aurora County has two payment due dates annually, and late payments incur interest and penalty charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Aurora County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are typically due April 15 and October 15. Contact the Aurora County Treasurer at (605) 942-7165 to confirm exact due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: South Dakota offers a Homestead Credit that must be applied for annually. Contact the Aurora County Assessor to determine eligibility and obtain application forms. Most tax credits are NOT automatic and require yearly filing.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in assessed value for qualifying owner-occupied homes, typically capping increases at a certain percentage. This credit requires annual application and does not reduce market value, only limits assessment growth.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Aurora County conducts property reassessments on a rotating cycle. Contact the County Assessor at (605) 942-7171 for specific reassessment schedules and to appeal assessments.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late property tax payments incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the Aurora County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Aurora County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or other services levy additional taxes that appear on your property tax bill. Rates vary by location within the county based on which districts serve your property.

Q: How do I dispute my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Aurora County Board of Equalization during the specified appeal period, typically in March or April. Contact the County Assessor for appeal forms and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.gov
02
Tax Doc
Erie 24-25 Tax Comparison NS SD NMT.xlsxwww3.erie.gov
03
Tax Doc
Erie 25-26 Tax Comparison SD NS.xlsxwww3.erie.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
05
Tax Doc
Municipal Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
06
Codified Law 7 | South Dakota Legislaturesdlegislature.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
08
County
Codified Law 28-13-32 - County commissioners' objections to ...sdlegislature.gov
09
County
County Treasurers | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
10
Senator Garry A. Mooresdlegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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