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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Turner County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Turner 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 by location and taxing districts within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Turner County, South Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including county operations, school districts, townships, and various special districts. Property taxes in Turner County fund essential services such as public education, law enforcement, road maintenance, emergency services, and other municipal functions that benefit residents and property owners throughout the county.

The effective property tax rate in Turner County is approximately 0.50% for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts. Properties may be subject to additional levies from school districts, municipalities, townships, and special assessment districts for services like fire protection, library services, or infrastructure improvements. Assessment values are calculated at 85% of full and true market value as determined by the county's Director of Equalization, with taxes typically paid in two installments during the fiscal year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding (varies by district)
TownshipVariesTownship road maintenance and services
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, water, sewer districts
Total Effective Rate~0.50%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are calculated on 85% of assessed market value. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Turner County based on which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Turner County Auditor's office for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Turner 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 Turner County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, change of ownership that removes existing exemptions, or correction of assessment errors discovered after the main tax roll is finalized.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current year's 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 you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and the supplemental assessment adds $42,500 to your taxable value (85% of market value), you would owe approximately $212.50 in supplemental taxes ($42,500 × 0.50% rate) for that tax year, typically billed separately from your regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $255,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $251,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $1,255
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$105

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $510,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $506,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $2,530
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$211

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (85%): $850,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit (if applied): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $846,000
  • Annual Tax (0.50%): $4,230
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$353

Note: Credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual rates may vary based on your specific taxing districts within Turner County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Turner County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and holds these funds in a separate account to pay your taxes when due.

Property taxes in Turner County are typically due in two installments - the first half due in October and the second half due in January of the following year. Your mortgage servicer will pay these installments directly to the Turner County Treasurer from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments, and they must maintain adequate funds while avoiding excessive collections. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, typically providing 60 days notice of any payment changes.

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 Turner County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first half due in October 2024 and second half due in January 2025. Contact the Turner County Treasurer for exact due dates and any penalty information.

Q: What property tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Dakota offers various tax credits including owner-occupied homestead credits and senior citizen credits. Most credits require annual application by specific deadlines - they are NOT automatic. Contact the Turner County Assessor's office for available credits and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value directly. You must file an application to receive this benefit, and it generally applies only to your primary residence. This credit limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Turner County? A: South Dakota requires regular reassessment of all properties. Contact the Turner County Director of Equalization for the current assessment schedule and procedures for appealing your assessed value if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Turner County assesses penalties and interest on delinquent property tax payments. Contact the Turner County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options to avoid additional charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many South Dakota counties offer online payment options. Check the Turner County Treasurer's website or call their office to confirm available electronic payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase even though the tax rate stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property values, completion of improvements, removal of previous credits or exemptions, or changes in special district assessments. The total rate may also change based on various taxing districts' budget needs.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Turner County? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, library services, or water/sewer systems. These districts can levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. Your total tax rate depends on which combination of districts serve your property location.

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