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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jackson 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
Approximately 0.50% effective rate for 2025, varies by location within county due to different taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Jackson County are administered by the County Tax Commissioner, who bills and collects taxes on behalf of various taxing entities including school districts, municipalities, and special districts.

The effective tax rate in Jackson County is approximately 0.50% for the 2025 levy year, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school district levies, and municipal assessments. Property owners should note that their total tax bill reflects the combined levies of all applicable taxing jurisdictions that serve their property, which can include the county general fund, school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General LevyVariableBasic county operations, roads, law enforcement
School District LevyVariableK-12 education funding (varies by school district)
Special DistrictsVariableFire protection, library, water/sewer districts
Total Effective Rate~0.50%Combined rate for levy year 2025

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Jackson County depending on which school district, municipality, and special taxing districts serve your property. The 0.50% rate represents an average, and individual properties may experience higher or lower rates based on their specific taxing jurisdiction combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year, a supplemental tax bill is issued to account for the difference in tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home improvement is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value for the remaining months through December, prorated accordingly.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $255,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $251,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% rate): $1,255
  • Monthly Escrow: $105

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $510,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $506,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% rate): $2,530
  • Monthly Escrow: $211

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (85% of market): $850,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $846,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% rate): $4,230
  • Monthly Escrow: $353

Note: All tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Rates may vary based on special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects 1/12 of the annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The Jackson County Tax Commissioner sends tax bills directly to the mortgage servicer when an escrow account is established.

Property tax payments from escrow are typically made in two installments corresponding to Jackson County's payment schedule, with the first payment due January 1st and the final payment due by October 1st. Lenders must provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments, and any surplus or shortage. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information with the Tax Commissioner's office to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties.

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 in Jackson County for the current fiscal year? A: The first payment is due January 1st, with the final payment due by October 1st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Dakota offers various tax credits including the Homestead Credit for qualifying owner-occupied properties. All tax credits require application - they are not automatically applied. Contact the Jackson County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on owner-occupied homes, typically capping increases at 10% per year rather than reducing the property's market value. You must file an application to receive this credit.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: South Dakota conducts property assessments annually. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, with appeal deadlines usually falling in June.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Jackson County Tax Commissioner for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Jackson County Tax Commissioner's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I made no improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, changes in tax rates due to budget requirements, or new special district assessments in your area.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts (fire, library, water, etc.) can levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within Jackson County.

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
Tax Doc
Calculating the Dollars Needed to Reduce Property Taxesmylrc.sdlegislature.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
04
County
County Commissioners | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
05
Codified Law 10-21 | South Dakota Legislaturesdlegislature.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Reductions & Exemptionspenncosd.gov
08
County
County Treasurers | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
09
County
Jackson County School Districteducation.ky.gov
10
County
JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - Open Georgiaopen.ga.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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