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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mellette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Mellette 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
0.50% base rate for FY 2025-2026, varies by district with additional levies for schools, fire, and municipal services
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Mellette County, South Dakota operates under the state's property tax system with a current tax rate of 0.50% for FY 2025-2026. Property taxes in Mellette County fund essential local services including county government operations, schools, roads, and emergency services. The county follows South Dakota's assessment practices where property is assessed at market value without a statewide assessment cap.

Your actual property tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within Mellette County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other municipal services. These additional levies are applied on top of the base county rate, making it important to understand which districts serve your property. Property owners should contact the Mellette County Assessor's office to determine their exact tax rate and applicable districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.50%FY 2025-2026 countywide rate for general operations
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy for local school funding
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, road maintenance, other services
Total Effective RateVaries by LocationCombined rate depends on property location and districts

Note: Rates shown are for the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Mellette County Assessor at the county courthouse for your specific rate calculation and district information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Mellette 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 Mellette County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date, a supplemental tax bill is issued to collect taxes on the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your effective tax rate is 0.50%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $125 ($50,000 × 0.50% × 6 months remaining ÷ 12 months). Supplemental taxes are calculated from the date the improvement was completed through the end of the current tax year and are billed separately from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0-$5,000*
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000-$300,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% base rate): $1,475-$1,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $123-$125

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits: Varies*
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,000-$600,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% base rate): $2,975-$3,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $248-$250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits: Varies*
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000-$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50% base rate): $4,975-$5,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $415-$417

*Tax credits require application and eligibility verification. Contact the Mellette County Assessor for available programs and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Mellette County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and maintains these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Mellette County when due on April 15 and October 15.

Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 2-3 months of tax payments. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis showing deposits, payments, and any required adjustments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners remain responsible for verifying that payments are made timely and for the correct amount.

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 Mellette County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: April 15 and October 15 each year. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: South Dakota offers various tax credits including disabled veterans credits and elderly/disabled property tax relief. All credits require application and eligibility verification through the County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: South Dakota's homestead provisions may limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This requires filing with the County Assessor and has specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: When does Mellette County reassess properties? A: South Dakota law requires annual assessment updates. The County Assessor reviews property values each year with notices typically mailed by April 1.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization by the deadline specified on your assessment notice, typically within 30 days of mailing.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for schools, fire protection, and other services add to your base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location within Mellette 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
Tax Doc
Municipal Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
05
Tax Doc
South Dakota, Dept of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Guide.nrc.gov
06
https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/browse?advanced ...clinton.presidentiallibraries.us
07
Relief Programs | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
09
County
Exhibits and Appendices to County Revenues and ...mylrc.sdlegislature.gov
10
Codified Law 7 | South Dakota Legislaturesdlegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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