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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Grant County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Grant 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% effective rate (varies by taxing district including school districts, municipalities, and special assessment areas)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Grant County, South Dakota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The county's effective tax rate for the 2025 levy year is approximately 0.80%, though this represents a baseline that varies significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts such as school districts, municipalities, and special assessment areas.

Property taxes in Grant County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the County Assessor's office. Unlike some states, South Dakota does not cap property value assessments at the state level, meaning assessed values can fluctuate with market conditions. Your actual tax burden will depend on which combination of taxing jurisdictions your property falls within, as each city, school district, and special district adds its own levy to the county's base rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.25%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District~0.40%Varies by district (Milbank, Big Stone City, etc.)
Municipal~0.10%City services (if within city limits)
Special Districts~0.05%Fire districts, water districts, other special assessments
Total Effective Rate~0.80%Combined rate for levy year 2025

Note: These rates are estimates for the 2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Grant County. Properties in different school districts, municipalities, or special taxing districts will have different total rates. Contact the Grant County Director of Equalization for your specific district combination rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Grant 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 Grant County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the regular assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, the county issues a supplemental tax bill to capture the additional tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you purchase a home in Grant County that was previously exempt from taxation (such as a property owned by a municipality), you would receive a supplemental bill covering the period from your ownership date through the end of the tax year. The county has issued supplemental bills for situations like the City of Milbank transferring previously exempt property to private ownership.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Milbank School District

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$4,000 taxable value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $2,368
  • Monthly Escrow: $197

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Agricultural Exemption

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Agricultural Property Credit (if qualified/applied): -$8,000 taxable value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $4,736
  • Monthly Escrow: $395

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: No residential credits applicable
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.80%
  • Annual Tax: $8,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $667

Note: Tax credits require annual application and approval. Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing district location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Grant County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Grant County when due, typically in two installments if following the standard South Dakota payment schedule.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property taxes increase due to rate changes or assessment increases, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You have the right to review escrow account records and should verify that payments are made timely to avoid penalties. Property owners can opt out of escrow after meeting specific loan-to-value requirements, but must then make payments directly to the county by the specified due dates.

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 Grant County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Based on available information, business property statements (Form 571L) are due April 1, 2026. Contact the Grant County Treasurer for residential property tax due dates and payment schedules.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Dakota offers various property tax relief programs including homestead credits, agricultural credits, and senior/disabled credits. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill and require annual application - they are not automatic. Contact the Grant County Assessor's office for specific programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases (often to 10% or similar) rather than reducing market value. You must file an application to receive this credit, and it must be renewed periodically. This credit limits how much your taxable value can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Grant County? A: Contact the Grant County Director of Equalization for the current assessment cycle schedule. South Dakota counties typically reassess properties on rotating cycles or when ownership changes occur.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by state law and county policy. Contact the Grant County Treasurer for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Grant County official website or contact the County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties within fire districts, school districts, municipalities, or other special taxing districts pay additional levies. Your total rate depends on which combination of districts your property falls within - this can vary significantly even within Grant County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Grant County Board of Equalization within specified deadlines. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and required documentation to support your appeal.

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