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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Minnehaha County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.219% effective rate, varies by taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Minnehaha County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these services, with the county assessing all real property at its full market value as of January 1st each year. The effective tax rate in Minnehaha County is approximately 1.219% of assessed value, though this represents a baseline rate that can vary significantly by location.

Actual property tax rates vary considerably throughout Minnehaha County depending on which special taxing districts your property falls within. These districts may include school districts, municipalities, fire districts, library districts, and other special service areas, each with their own levy rates. Property owners should expect their total effective rate to differ from the base county rate based on their specific location and the combination of taxing jurisdictions that serve their area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.400%Basic county operations, roads, courts
School District~0.600%Local school funding (varies by district)
Municipality~0.150%City services (if within city limits)
Special Districts~0.069%Fire, library, water districts (location dependent)
Total Base Rate~1.219%FY 2024-2025 composite rate

Note: These rates are estimates for FY 2024-2025 and represent a typical combination of taxing districts. Your actual rate will depend on the specific taxing jurisdictions where your property is located. School district rates vary significantly between districts, and not all properties are subject to municipal or special district taxes. Contact the Minnehaha County Assessor for your property's exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha County are triggered when property ownership changes hands or when new construction is completed and assessed. When you purchase property or complete improvements, the county may issue a supplemental tax bill to account for the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $300,000, you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional taxes on the $100,000 increase, calculated for the remaining six months of the tax year. This supplemental amount would be $100,000 × 1.219% × 0.5 = $609.50. The supplemental tax is due within 30 days of the bill date and is separate from the regular property tax payment schedule.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 1.219% = $3,657
  • Monthly Escrow: $305

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 1.219% = $7,314
  • Monthly Escrow: $610

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$200 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 1.219% = $12,190
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,016

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar, while exemptions reduce assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Minnehaha County properties, collecting 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Since South Dakota property taxes are due January 1st with the first half payable through April 30th and the second half due by October 31st, your lender will typically make payments on your behalf according to this schedule.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially given potential assessment increases or tax rate changes. You can verify your property's tax status and payment history through the Minnehaha County Treasurer's office at https://www.minnehahacounty.org/dept/tr/treasurer.aspx. If you pay your own property taxes, remember that while the full amount is due January 1st, you can pay in two installments: the first half by April 30th and the second half by October 31st without penalty.

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 Minnehaha County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due January 1st, but you can pay the first half by April 30th and the second half by October 31st without penalty.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Tax Credit provides up to $500 annually and REQUIRES annual application. Disabled veteran credits, elderly/disabled credits, and agricultural land credits are also available but all require separate applications - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit in South Dakota caps annual assessment increases at a certain percentage (typically around 10%) rather than reducing market value. You must file an application annually by March 1st to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Minnehaha County? A: All properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. The county reviews market sales data and adjusts assessments to reflect current market conditions.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. After April 30th for the first half and October 31st for the second half, penalties of 1.5% per month are assessed on unpaid balances.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the county website using Discover, Visa, and Mastercard. Note that online payments take 7-10 business days to process, so plan accordingly for due dates.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property - county, school district, municipality (if applicable), and special districts like fire or library districts. Rates vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Minnehaha County Board of Equalization. Contact the Assessor's office at https://www.minnehahacounty.org/dept/eq/equalization.aspx for specific deadlines and procedures, typically due by April 1st following the assessment year.

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