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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clark County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.80% average effective rate, varies by taxing district and municipality
1st Due
May 1
2nd Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clark County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Clark County are assessed annually based on market value, with the county's effective tax rate averaging approximately 0.80% for the 2025 levy year, though this represents a baseline rate that can vary significantly based on your property's location.

Actual property tax rates within Clark County differ by location due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal levies, while rural properties may be subject to different special district assessments. The county assessor determines property values based on market conditions, while various taxing entities set their individual levy rates that combine to create your total property tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$2.85County operations, roads, courts
School District$12.45K-12 education (varies by district)
Township/Municipality$1.20Local government services
Fire District$0.75Fire protection services
Library District$0.35Public library system
Total Base Rate$17.60Approximately 1.76%

Rates shown are estimates for Levy Year 2025-2026 and vary significantly by special taxing districts within Clark County. Properties in different school districts, municipalities, or special service areas will have different total rates. Contact the Clark County Assessor for your specific location's exact rate structure.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
May 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Clark County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessed values during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove agricultural exemptions, or assessment appeals that result in higher valuations.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date the change became effective through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value from July through December at the current year's tax rate, resulting in approximately $440 in additional taxes (assuming a 1.76% rate for half the year).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Rural)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Senior Tax Credit: -$8,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,000
  • Annual Tax: $292,000 × 0.0176 = $5,139
  • Monthly Escrow: $428

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Municipal)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Cap: Assessment increase limited to 3% annually
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.0186 = $11,160
  • Monthly Escrow: $930

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits: -$5,000 (if applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Annual Tax: $995,000 × 0.0186 = $18,507
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,542

All tax credits require annual application and approval. Rates vary by specific location and special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clark County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments based on the previous year's tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Clark County are due in three installments: August 18, 2025 (first payment), October 6, 2025 (second payment), and January 5, 2026 (third payment) for the current tax year. Lenders typically pay each installment before the due date to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing payments made on your behalf, and your monthly escrow amount may be adjusted based on changes in your property tax assessment or successful credit applications.

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 Clark County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in three installments: August 18, 2025, October 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026. Late payments incur penalties after each due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Senior citizens (65+) with household income under $50,000 may qualify for assessment reductions. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits. ALL CREDITS REQUIRE ANNUAL APPLICATION - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases (typically 3% per year) rather than reducing market value. You must file an application to receive this protection against rapid assessment growth.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Clark County conducts annual assessments with values updated each January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April, with appeal deadlines in May.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties starting at 1.5% per month after each due date, compounding monthly until paid in full.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Clark County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card payments may incur processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Your location determines which special districts (school, fire, library) apply to your property. Each district sets its own levy rate, creating different total tax rates throughout the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: Property owners may appeal assessments by filing with the County Board of Equalization, typically due by the first Monday in June. Professional appraisals may support your appeal.

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