HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 0.50% effective rate, varies by taxing district and location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, South Dakota operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The property tax system is administered at the county level, with the County Director of Equalization overseeing assessments and the County Treasurer handling collections. Property taxes are the primary funding source for local government services and school districts within Lawrence County.

The effective tax rate in Lawrence County is approximately 0.50% for the 2025 tax year (taxes payable in 2026), though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipalities, and special service areas. Properties are assessed at fair market value with no assessment cap, and various tax credits are available to qualifying property owners who submit the required applications by specified deadlines.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.15%Basic county operations, roads, administration
School District~0.25%Local school district operations (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water districts, library districts
Total Effective Rate~0.50%Combined rate for 2025 levy year

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2026). Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Lawrence County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Properties in incorporated areas will have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or improvements are completed, the County Director of Equalization may issue a supplemental assessment to account for the increased value during the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Lawrence County for $400,000 in July, and the previous assessment was $300,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference in assessed value ($100,000) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × 0.50% tax rate) × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $250 in additional taxes for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.50% = $1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $125

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (if applied): Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.50% = $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (if applied): Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.50% = $5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $417

All credits require separate applications and qualification verification.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. The lender typically collects an additional 1-2 months as a cushion to account for tax increases.

Property tax bills are mailed by March 1st annually, with payment due dates allowing for split payments. Your lender will receive and pay these bills directly from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as significant changes in assessed value or tax rates may require escrow adjustments.

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 Lawrence County for the current fiscal year? A: Property tax bills are mailed by March 1st annually. The first installment is typically due by March 1st, with a second installment due by September 1st. A discount may be available for early payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead credits, senior citizen credits, and disability credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic - you must apply with the County Director of Equalization office.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit in South Dakota typically caps the annual increase in assessed value rather than reducing the base assessment. You must file an application to receive this benefit, and it applies only to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Lawrence County conducts ongoing assessment updates. Property values are reviewed annually, with periodic comprehensive reappraisals of all properties in the county.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Lawrence County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the due date.

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

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts (fire, library, school, etc.) add their own tax rates to your bill based on your property's location. These rates vary significantly across different areas of Lawrence County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization within specific deadlines. Contact the County Director of Equalization office for appeal forms and procedures.

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
2025 Property Tax Salegis-portal.sandiegocounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
Calculating the Dollars Needed to Reduce Property Taxesmylrc.sdlegislature.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax-Rates.org — The 2024-2025 Tax Resourcemylrc.sdlegislature.gov
04
County
Lawrence County - Tax Due Dateslawrencecountypa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
06
Tax Doc
Municipal Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
07
County
Lawrence County Subdivision Ordinance Effective Datelawrence.sd.us
08
Relief Programs | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
09
ordinance amendment # 24-01lawrence.sd.us
10
June 8, 2021 page-1 Chairman Richard Sleep called the ...lawrence.sd.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate