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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hutchinson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.50% effective rate (base), varies by district with additional assessments for schools, fire districts, and municipal services
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hutchinson County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Hutchinson County are assessed annually based on the property's assessed value, which is typically a percentage of the market value as determined by the County Assessor's office.

The effective property tax rate in Hutchinson County for the 2025 tax year is approximately 0.50%, though this represents a base rate that can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county. Actual tax rates differ across neighborhoods and districts due to additional special assessments for school districts, municipal services, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their total effective rate to potentially be higher than the base county rate depending on the special taxing districts that serve their property.

Property tax bills in Hutchinson County are divided into two semi-annual payments, providing property owners with manageable payment schedules while ensuring consistent revenue flow for local government services. The county follows South Dakota's statewide assessment and taxation guidelines while maintaining local control over certain exemptions and administrative procedures.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.50%Core county services, administration, and general operations
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operational costs (varies by district)
Municipal LevyVariesCity/town services (only applies to incorporated areas)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water districts, improvement districts
Bond AssessmentsVariesSchool bonds, infrastructure bonds (varies by district)

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. The 0.50% base rate represents only the county portion of your total property tax bill. Most property owners will pay additional amounts for school districts, and those in incorporated areas or special service districts will have additional levies applied. Your total effective tax rate may range from approximately 0.75% to 1.5% or higher depending on your property's location and the special taxing districts that serve your area.

Special taxing districts within Hutchinson County include various school districts, municipal boundaries, rural fire districts, and improvement districts. Contact the Hutchinson County Auditor's office for the specific rate breakdown applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hutchinson 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 property taxes in Hutchinson County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are significant changes to a property during the tax year. The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include ownership transfers, new construction completion, major improvements or additions, and property splits or combinations that affect the assessed value.

When a supplemental tax event occurs, the County Assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the appropriate tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. This supplemental tax covers the period from when the change became effective through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in August and the improvement increases your assessed value by $80,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $80,000 increase from August through December of that tax year. Using a 1.0% effective tax rate, this would result in approximately $333 in supplemental taxes ($80,000 × 1.0% × 5/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days after the assessment change is processed and become due 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $255,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $251,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% total effective rate): $2,510
  • Monthly Escrow: $209

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $510,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $506,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% total effective rate): $5,060
  • Monthly Escrow: $422

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $850,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $846,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0% total effective rate): $8,460
  • Monthly Escrow: $705

Important Notes: The Homestead Tax Credit shown requires annual application and is not automatic. The 1.0% effective rate used in these examples represents a typical combined rate including county, school, and special district taxes, but actual rates vary by location. Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for additional tax credits that require separate applications and documentation.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hutchinson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though many homeowners choose escrow even when not required for convenience. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account specifically designated for property taxes and insurance.

Property tax payments in Hutchinson County are due in two installments: the first half by May 1st and the second half by November 1st. If either due date falls on a weekend, the deadline extends to the next business day. Your lender will pay these installments directly to the Hutchinson County Treasurer's office from your escrow account. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are being collected, adjusting your monthly escrow payment up or down based on actual tax bills and account balance.

It's important to review your annual escrow statement and verify that property tax payments were made correctly and on time. If you believe your property taxes are incorrect or if you've applied for tax credits that should reduce your bill, contact both your lender and the County Assessor's office to ensure proper adjustments are made. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring their taxes are paid even when using escrow accounts.

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 for the 2025-2026 tax year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by May 1, 2026, and second half by November 1, 2026. If either date falls on a Saturday, the deadline moves to the next weekday.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Hutchinson County offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences, Senior Citizen Credit, and Disabled Veteran Credit. All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor's office by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on owner-occupied homes and provides a modest credit against your tax bill. This credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year regardless of market value changes. You must file an application to receive this credit, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When does the County Assessor revalue properties? A: Hutchinson County conducts property assessments annually, with physical inspections typically rotating through different areas of the county on a multi-year cycle. Assessment notices are mailed in early spring, with appeal deadlines typically in late spring or early summer.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties starting the day after the due date. Contact the Hutchinson County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and to discuss payment arrangements if you cannot meet the due dates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Hutchinson County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why did I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes occur during the tax year, such as new construction completion, ownership transfers, or major improvements. These bills cover additional taxes owed from the date of change through the end of the tax year.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts such as school districts, fire districts, and improvement districts add their own tax levies to your bill. Your total property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location within Hutchinson County.

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