Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hand County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources

8 min read

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Quick Facts

Tax Rate

Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by special taxing districts (school, fire, municipal)

Exemptions

4+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hand County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes in Hand County are calculated based on assessed values and applied tax rates that vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services.

The effective tax rate in Hand County typically ranges around South Dakota's state average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county and which special taxing districts serve your property. Property assessments are conducted regularly by the Hand County Assessor's office, and various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate Range	Description
County General	0.15% - 0.25%	Basic county operations, roads, services
School District	0.40% - 0.65%	Local school funding, varies by district
Municipal (if applicable)	0.10% - 0.30%	City services for incorporated areas
Fire District	0.05% - 0.15%	Local fire protection services
Special Assessments	Varies	Infrastructure, bonds, special projects

Note: These rates are estimates for the current levy year and actual rates vary significantly by location within Hand County based on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Hand County Treasurer at the courthouse for your specific district's current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hand 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 Hand County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your property tax rate is 1.2%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $300 ($50,000 × 1.2% × 6 months remaining in tax year ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

Assessed Value: $300,000
Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,000 assessment cap benefit
Net Taxable Value: ~$296,000
Annual Tax (at 1.1% rate): $3,256
Monthly Escrow: $271

Example 2: $600,000 Home

Assessed Value: $600,000
Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$4,000 assessment cap benefit
Net Taxable Value: ~$596,000
Annual Tax (at 1.15% rate): $6,854
Monthly Escrow: $571

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Less: Available Credits (if applied): -$4,000 assessment cap benefit
Net Taxable Value: ~$996,000
Annual Tax (at 1.2% rate): $11,952
Monthly Escrow: $996

Note: Credits shown require separate applications and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by taxing district location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hand County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to the Hand County Treasurer when due on April 15th each year. Lenders must provide you with an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Hand County Treasurer's office or reviewing your annual tax statement. If you pay off your mortgage, you'll receive any remaining escrow balance and become responsible for paying property taxes directly.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Hand County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due April 15th each year. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due by 4:45 p.m. on the last working day prior.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Hand County offers several tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, elderly/disabled credits, and veteran credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the Hand County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth at a percentage rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the County Assessor to qualify.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Hand County conducts property assessments on a regular cycle. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, and you have 30 days to appeal if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Hand County Treasurer at (605) 853-2182 for current penalty rates.

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

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if tax rates stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to property reassessment, new special district taxes, or loss of previously applied credits that require annual reapplication.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Hand County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

Office Linksminnehahacounty.gov

County

Contact County Treasurers | South Dakota Department of ...dor.sd.gov

State

Frequently Asked Questions - Real Estate Taxeshutchinsoncountysd.gov

Relief Programs | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov

Tax Doc

Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov

Homeowners' Exemptionsdarcc.gov

Tax Doc

TREASURER-TAX COLLECTORsandiegocounty.gov

County

HAND COUNTY AUDIT REPORT For the Two Years Ended ...legislativeaudit.sd.gov

FAQsyuba.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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Hand CountyProperty Tax Guide