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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pennington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pennington 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
Base county rate plus district levies - varies significantly by location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pennington County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, roads, and county government operations. The property tax system is administered by the County Assessor's office, with taxes calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate. Property owners in Pennington County should expect effective tax rates that vary significantly based on their specific location within the county.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, water districts, and other local government entities. Each district adds its own levy to the base county rate, meaning two properties of equal value can have different tax bills based on their location. The county uses market value assessments with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners, though most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.50%FY 2025 base property tax rate
School District LevyVariesAdditional levy based on local school district
Municipal LevyVariesCity taxes (if within city limits)
Fire District LevyVariesFire protection services
Water/Sewer DistrictVariesSpecial utility districts
Library DistrictVariesPublic library funding
Other Special DistrictsVariesParks, drainage, improvement districts

Note: The 0.50% rate shown is the base rate for levy year 2025. Your total effective rate will be higher due to additional special district levies. Contact the Pennington County Assessor's office at (605) 394-2175 for your specific combined rate based on your property's location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pennington 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 are additional property tax assessments that occur during the tax year when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value. In Pennington County, supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × 2.5% = $2,500) × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $1,250. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from your regular property tax bill and would have its own payment schedule.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $6,512
  • Monthly Escrow: $543

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $596,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $13,708
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,142

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$4,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.4%
  • Annual Tax: $23,904
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,992

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application by April 1st. Tax rates are estimates and vary by special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to your annual tax bill divided by 12, plus a cushion amount. The escrow account pays your property taxes directly to Pennington County when they become due on January 1st, with payments typically made in two installments.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Pennington County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online through the county's website.

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 Pennington County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are due January 1st. The first half becomes delinquent May 1st, and the second half becomes delinquent November 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application by April 1st and is NOT automatic. Contact the County Assessor at (605) 394-2175 for applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits how much your assessed value can increase each year for tax purposes. You must apply annually by April 1st to maintain eligibility.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: South Dakota conducts property reassessments annually. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, with appeal deadlines in early April.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties. Contact the County Treasurer at (605) 394-2153 for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Pennington County offers online payment options. Visit the County Treasurer's website or call (605) 394-2153 for payment portal information.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts (fire, school, water, etc.) add their own levies to the base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization by the deadline printed on your assessment notice, typically in early April. Contact the Assessor's 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
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
FAQ's - Property Taxespenncosd.gov
05
Tax Doc
South Dakota Property Tax Information Guide - MyLRCmylrc.sdlegislature.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Reductions & Exemptionspenncosd.gov
08
Relief Programs | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
09
County
PENNINGTON COUNTY AUDIT REPORT For the Year Ended ...legislativeaudit.sd.gov
10
County
Employment Information - Pennington County, South Dakotapenncosd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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