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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Todd County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 0.50% effective rate, varies significantly by special taxing districts within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Todd County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Todd County are administered by the County Treasurer's office and are based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county boundaries.

The effective property tax rate in Todd County for the 2025 levy year is approximately 0.50%, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other municipal services. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which special districts serve their property, meaning two similar properties in different areas of the county may have different total tax obligations.

Todd County follows South Dakota's assessment practices where property is typically assessed at a percentage of market value. The county reassesses properties on a regular cycle, and property owners receive annual tax statements reflecting both county-wide levies and any applicable special district assessments that fund local services in their specific area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.15%Basic county services, administration, law enforcement
School District~0.25%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Special Districts~0.10%Fire protection, water, other local services
Total Base Rate~0.50%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent typical ranges. Actual rates vary by specific location within Todd County based on which school district and special taxing districts serve each property. Property owners should consult their tax statement for their exact rate breakdown, as some areas may have additional special assessments for bonds, improvements, or other local initiatives.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Todd 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 Todd County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements outside the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, change of ownership that prompts reassessment, or correction of previous assessment errors.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 due to completed construction in January, and the local tax rate is 0.50%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $250 ($50,000 × 0.005) for the full year, or prorated based on when the change became effective.

These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from regular property tax statements and have their own payment deadlines. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when making significant improvements to their property, as these taxes are in addition to the regular annual property tax obligation.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Annual Tax ($296,000 × 0.50%): $1,480
  • Monthly Escrow: $123

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $596,000
  • Annual Tax ($596,000 × 0.50%): $2,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $248

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $996,000
  • Annual Tax ($996,000 × 0.50%): $4,980
  • Monthly Escrow: $415

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual tax rates may vary based on special district assessments in your specific location. These examples use the base county rate and may not reflect additional school district or special district levies.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Todd County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments toward annual property taxes are collected along with principal and interest payments. The lender holds these funds in escrow and pays property taxes directly to Todd County when due. Escrow payments are typically calculated by dividing the previous year's tax bill by 12 months, plus a small buffer amount as allowed by federal regulations.

Property taxes in Todd County are due in two installments: the first half by April 10th and the second half by October 10th each year. Lenders typically pay these installments on behalf of escrowed borrowers before the due dates to avoid penalties. Property owners should receive annual escrow analysis statements from their lender showing how tax payments were calculated and applied.

For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making payments directly to the Todd County Treasurer's office. It's important to verify that tax payments have been properly credited, whether paid through escrow or directly, as any discrepancies should be resolved promptly to avoid penalty assessments or potential issues with property ownership records.

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 Todd County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due in two installments: first half by April 10, 2025, and second half by October 10, 2025. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Dakota offers various tax credits including homestead credits for owner-occupied residences, senior citizen credits, and disabled veteran credits. Most credits require annual application through the County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit primarily limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application with the County Assessor, typically by March 1st annually, and only applies to your primary residence including the house, garage, and up to one acre of land.

Q: How often is property reassessed in Todd County? A: Properties are typically reassessed on a regular cycle as determined by the County Assessor's office. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal through the county equalization process, usually during specific time periods in the spring.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Late property tax payments in Todd County incur penalties and interest charges starting the day after the due date. These penalties compound over time and can result in tax lien procedures if payments remain delinquent.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Todd County Treasurer's office directly to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can occur even with stable assessments due to changes in tax rates, new or increased special district levies, voter-approved bond measures, or changes in state funding that affect local levy requirements.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on your location within Todd County, you may pay additional taxes for school districts, fire protection districts, water districts, or other special services. These vary by geographic area and are itemized on your tax statement.

Q: How do I verify which special districts serve my property? A: Contact the Todd County Assessor's office with your property address or parcel number to determine which special taxing districts apply to your specific location, as this affects your total tax rate.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Property owners remain responsible for paying taxes even if they don't receive a bill. Contact the Todd County Treasurer's office immediately if you haven't received your statement by the typical mailing dates to avoid late penalties.

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