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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Buffalo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Buffalo 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
Approximately 1.58% total tax rate (varies by school district, municipality, and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Buffalo County, South Dakota operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes are assessed on the full market value of real estate, with the county applying a total tax rate of approximately 1.58% for the 2025 levy year. This translates to an effective rate that funds county services, school districts, municipal services, and special assessment districts.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within Buffalo County, as rates vary based on which school district, municipality, and special taxing districts serve your property. These can include fire districts, water districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Buffalo County uses an equalization rate system where assessed values are calculated as a percentage of full market value, with the 2024 equalization rate set at 61.50% for residential properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
School District4.604593Local school funding and operations
County Tax5.604583County services, roads, and library
City/Town Tax6.573228Municipal services and highways
Village TaxVariesVillage-specific services (where applicable)
Total Rate~15.80Combined rate for incorporated areas

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year and apply to Buffalo, SD within Buffalo County. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county based on school district boundaries, municipal incorporation status, and special district assessments. Rural properties may have different combinations of these components.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Buffalo 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 Buffalo County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or significant improvements are completed, the county assessor determines the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to this difference.

For example, if you purchase a home in Buffalo County that was previously assessed at $120,000 but now has a market value of $180,000, the supplemental tax would apply to the increased assessed value. Using the 61.50% equalization rate, the new assessed value would be $110,700, compared to the previous $73,800, resulting in supplemental tax on the $36,900 difference at the applicable tax rate of approximately 15.80 per $1,000, or roughly $583 in additional tax for the remainder of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (61.50%): $184,500
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies by assessment increase cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$184,500
  • Annual Tax ($184,500 × 0.0158): $2,915
  • Monthly Escrow: $243

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (61.50%): $369,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies by assessment increase cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$369,000
  • Annual Tax ($369,000 × 0.0158): $5,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $486

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (61.50%): $615,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies by assessment increase cap
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$615,000
  • Annual Tax ($615,000 × 0.0158): $9,717
  • Monthly Escrow: $810

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credits may limit assessment increases rather than reduce the base assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Buffalo County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' worth of payments as required by federal law. Your lender will pay the Buffalo County Treasurer directly when taxes are due on March 2nd each year.

The county provides tax information directly to mortgage servicers and title companies through official channels. If you're purchasing property, your lender will obtain a tax certificate showing current and projected tax amounts for escrow calculation purposes. Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current contact information for Buffalo County's tax system, and review annual escrow statements to ensure payments align with actual tax bills, as special assessments or rate changes can affect required escrow amounts.

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 Buffalo County? A: Property taxes for the 2024-2025 fiscal year are due by March 2, 2025. Payment can be made online through the South Dakota Property Tax Portal or directly to the Buffalo County Treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Dakota offers homestead tax credits that limit assessment increases, religious/charitable exemptions for qualifying properties, and other specialized credits. All credits and exemptions require annual application through the county assessor's office - none are automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in assessed value for owner-occupied residential properties, typically limiting increases to a set percentage. This credit requires filing an application with the Buffalo County Assessor and must be renewed annually.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: South Dakota law requires properties to be assessed annually at full market value. The Buffalo County Assessor reviews property values each year, with the assessment date typically being January 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments to the Buffalo County Board of Equalization, typically during March and April. Contact the county assessor's office for specific deadlines and required forms for the current tax year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges as specified under South Dakota law. Contact the Buffalo County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes are overdue.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Buffalo County participates in the South Dakota Property Tax Portal system, allowing secure online payments. Check with the county treasurer for accepted payment methods and any associated processing fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I made no improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, changes in tax rates voted by local jurisdictions, new special district assessments, or the addition/expansion of local services funded through property taxes.

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
Erie 24-25 Tax Comparison NS SD NMT.xlsxwww3.erie.gov
02
Tax Doc
Erie 25-26 Tax Comparison SD NS.xlsxwww3.erie.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.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
County
Contact County Treasurers | South Dakota Department of ...dor.sd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
08
County
Assess - Buffalo County - Nebraska.govbuffalocounty.ne.gov
09
Tax Doc
2021 Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet School Districts without ...newtools.cira.state.tx.us
10
County
BUFFALO COUNTY AUDIT REPORT For the Two Years ...legislativeaudit.sd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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