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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dewey County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Dewey 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
0.50% effective rate (varies by special taxing districts including school and water districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Dewey County, South Dakota, serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. The county operates under South Dakota's property tax system where real property is assessed at 85% of its full and true market value, with tax rates applied to this assessed value to determine your annual property tax bill.

Dewey County's effective property tax rate for 2025 is approximately 0.50%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, water districts, and other municipal service areas. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which combination of these special districts serve their property. The county reassesses properties periodically, and property owners have appeal rights if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General LevyVariesBasic county services, roads, administration
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school operations and facilities
Special DistrictsVaries by locationWater, fire protection, other special services
Total Effective Rate~0.50%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Rates shown are for the 2025 levy year and vary significantly based on your property's location within Dewey County. Properties may be subject to additional special assessments for improvements like road districts or drainage projects. Contact the Dewey County Auditor for your specific tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dewey 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 Dewey County are additional property taxes assessed when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the current tax year after the change occurs.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding significant improvements like additions or pools, or changes in property use. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your tax rate is 0.50%, you would owe approximately $125 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.85 assessment ratio × 0.005 tax rate × 6/12 months remaining). Supplemental tax bills are mailed separately from regular property tax bills and typically have a 30-day payment deadline from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $255,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $251,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $1,255
  • Monthly Payment: $105

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $510,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $506,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $2,530
  • Monthly Payment: $211

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $850,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $846,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $4,230
  • Monthly Payment: $353

Note: All tax credits require separate application and approval. Actual rates may vary based on special taxing districts serving your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dewey County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of tax payments in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Property taxes in Dewey County are paid in two installments: the first installment is due by April 15th, and the second installment is due by October 15th. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the county and should make payments before these deadlines. You can verify payments were made by checking with the Dewey County Treasurer's office or through online property tax records. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure the escrow account is properly transferred or closed, and confirm you'll receive future tax bills directly.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Dewey County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by April 15th and second installment by October 15th. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences, which requires annual application through the county assessor's office. Veterans may qualify for additional credits. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value growth, typically limiting increases to help long-term residents. You must apply annually with the county assessor, and the credit only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Dewey County conducts property reassessments on a rotating schedule. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights through the local Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties starting the day after the due date, plus monthly interest charges. Extended delinquency can result in tax lien certificates being sold.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Dewey County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if my rate stayed the same? A: Tax bills can change due to reassessment of your property value, changes in special district levies, expiration of tax credits, or new special assessments for local improvements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Dewey County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in March-April. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect.

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
FISCAL YEAR 2021-2025sandiego.gov
03
Tax Doc
Calculating the Dollars Needed to Reduce Property Taxesmylrc.sdlegislature.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax 101 - South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
06
Tax Doc
IRS announces tax relief for South Dakota victims of winter ...irs.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
08
County
County Treasurers | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
09
Register of Deeds | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
10
County
DEWEY COUNTY AUDIT REPORT For the Two Years Ended ...legislativeaudit.sd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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