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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Roberts County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Roberts 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% effective rate (varies by taxing district including school, municipal, and special assessment districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Roberts County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property owners in Roberts County face an effective tax rate of approximately 0.50% of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, though this rate represents a baseline that can vary significantly based on your property's location within the county.

The actual property tax rate you pay depends on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. These may include school districts, municipalities, and special assessment districts for services like fire protection or road maintenance. Properties within incorporated cities may have additional municipal levies, while rural properties may be subject to different combinations of special district assessments. The county assessor determines property values annually, with taxes calculated on the assessed value after applying any qualifying tax credits that require separate applications.

Property taxes in Roberts County fund critical services including the Roberts County School District, county road maintenance, sheriff's department operations, and various municipal services. The tax system ensures stable funding for these essential services while providing property owners with specific credits and payment options to manage their tax obligations effectively.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.15%Basic county operations, courthouse, administration
School District0.25%Roberts County School District operations and facilities
Road & Bridge0.05%County road maintenance and infrastructure
Municipal Levy0.02-0.08%City services (varies by municipality)
Special Districts0.01-0.03%Fire protection, water, other special assessments
Total Base Rate~0.50%Combined rate for most properties

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 and represent typical combinations. Your actual rate depends on specific taxing districts serving your property location. Properties in Sisseton, Summit, or other municipalities will have different rate combinations. Contact the Roberts County Treasurer at (605) 698-3395 for your specific district rate breakdown.

Special taxing districts can significantly impact your total rate. Rural properties may have lower municipal components but higher special district assessments for services like rural fire protection or road districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Roberts 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 property taxes in Roberts County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes or improvements are completed after the annual assessment date. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated between buyers and sellers during ownership transfers, and that new construction or major improvements are taxed for the portion of the tax year following completion.

Supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by: property sales that result in reassessment to current market value, completion of new construction or major renovations, changes in property use that affect assessment classification, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements. The Roberts County Assessor's office monitors building permits and property transfers to identify properties requiring supplemental assessment.

The calculation is straightforward: the supplemental tax equals the difference between the new assessment and previous assessment, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $400,000 home sells in July and is reassessed to $500,000, the supplemental tax would be ($500,000 - $400,000) × 0.50% × 6/12 months = $250. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days of the triggering event and are due 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$4,000 (reduces taxable value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Annual Tax: $296,000 × 0.50% = $1,480
  • Monthly Escrow: $123

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Homestead + Senior Credit)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$4,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit Application: -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,500
  • Annual Tax: $593,500 × 0.52% = $3,086
  • Monthly Escrow: $257

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Standard Rate)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applied Credits: $0 (no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.51% = $5,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $425

All credits shown require separate applications filed with the Roberts County Assessor by March 1st annually. Rates may vary based on specific taxing districts. Contact (605) 698-3220 for current application forms.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Roberts County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through monthly escrow payments managed by their mortgage servicer. Your lender estimates annual property tax obligations and divides this amount by 12 to determine your monthly escrow contribution, which is collected along with your principal and interest payment.

Mortgage servicers typically maintain an escrow cushion of 1-2 months of property tax payments to ensure sufficient funds are available when tax bills are due. When Roberts County issues tax bills in January, your mortgage company pays the first installment by the April 30th deadline and the second installment by the October 31st deadline. If your escrow account has insufficient funds due to tax increases or assessment changes, your servicer will advance the payment and adjust your monthly escrow amount accordingly.

Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statement carefully and verify that their servicer has current information about any tax credits or exemptions that may affect their bill. If you receive supplemental tax bills due to property improvements or ownership changes, notify your mortgage servicer immediately as these may not be automatically included in escrow calculations. For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making payments directly to the Roberts County Treasurer by the semi-annual due dates.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Roberts County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: first half by April 30th, 2025, and second half by October 31st, 2025. Tax notices are mailed in January.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Roberts County offers several tax credits that ALL require annual applications filed by March 1st: Homestead Credit (limits assessment increases), Senior Citizen Credit (age 65+), Disabled Veteran Credit, and Agricultural Land Credit. None are automatic - you must apply each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit requires annual application and limits how much your property's assessed value can increase year-over-year (typically 10% cap). It does NOT reduce your property's market value but caps assessment growth. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor by March 1st annually.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Roberts County? A: Roberts County conducts property reassessments annually, with physical inspections on a rotating cycle. Property owners receive assessment notices in March and have until April 15th to appeal values to the County Board of Equalization.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties starting May 1st (first half) and November 1st (second half). Penalty rates are 1.5% per month, and properties become delinquent after one year, subject to tax deed proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my Roberts County property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Roberts County Treasurer's website at [county website]. Credit card payments may include convenience fees. Bank transfers and e-checks typically have lower fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax rates can change annually based on budget requirements for schools, county services, and special districts. Even with stable assessments, rate increases for new school bonds or infrastructure projects will increase your bill.

Q: What special district taxes might appear on my Roberts County tax bill? A: Depending on location, you may see charges for: Rural Fire District, Road Improvement District, Municipal utilities, School bond payments, or Regional library services. Contact the County Treasurer at (605) 698-3395 for specific district information for your property.

Q: How do I dispute my property tax assessment? A: File an appeal with the Roberts County Board of Equalization by April 15th following receipt of your assessment notice. Include comparable property sales data and evidence supporting your position. Appeals can be made in person or in writing to the County Assessor's office.

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
County
Treasurer - Roberts County, South Dakotarobertscosd.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
05
County
Roberts County Zoning Ordinancerobertscosd.gov
06
Relief Programs | South Dakota Department of Revenuedor.sd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertymylrc.sdlegislature.gov
08
Homeowners' Exemptionsdarcc.gov
09
BUDGETARY AND CERTAIN RELATED REQUIREMENTSohioauditor.gov
10
County
ROBERTS COUNTY AUDIT REPORT For the Two Years Ended ...robertscosd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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