Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Fall River County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Fall River County

In Fall River County, property taxes are an ad valorem tax, meaning they are based on the fair market value of the property. The process begins with the Director of Equalization, who is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all real property within the county. By South Dakota law, all property is assessed at 100% of its full and true market value. However, for tax purposes, the "taxable value" may be adjusted based on state productivity formulas or specific classification caps.

Once the assessments are finalized, the tax rate—often referred to as the millage rate or levy—is applied. These rates are determined by the budgetary needs of various local taxing jurisdictions, including the Fall River County government, school districts, municipalities, and townships. One mill represents one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. Your total tax bill is calculated by multiplying the taxable value of your property by the combined levy of all jurisdictions in which your property is located.

Available Exemptions

South Dakota provides several programs designed to offer property tax relief to eligible homeowners. These exemptions and credits can significantly lower the taxable value of a property or reduce the applicable levy. Common programs available to Fall River County residents include:

• Owner-Occupied Tax Reduction: This is the most common form of relief, providing a lower tax levy for property that is owned and occupied as a primary residence.
• Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled: This program prevents the taxable value of a home from increasing for homeowners who are at least 65 years old or are disabled, provided they meet specific income and property value requirements.
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a 100% service-connected permanent disability may receive an exemption on the first $150,000 of the taxable value of their primary residence.
• Paraplegic Veteran Exemption: Specifically designed for paraplegic veterans, this program may provide a total exemption on the veteran's dwelling and the lot on which it sits.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Fall River County are paid in arrears, which means the taxes you pay in the current year are based on the assessment and levies from the previous year. Tax notices are typically mailed out in January. The county allows taxpayers to pay their annual bill in two equal installments to ease the financial burden:

• First Installment: Due by May 1st.
• Second Installment: Due by November 1st.

If these deadlines fall on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. It is critical to meet these deadlines, as late payments incur an interest penalty of 10% per annum (approximately 0.83% per month) on the unpaid balance. Payments can generally be made in person at the County Treasurer's office, by mail, or through the county's online payment portal.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been assessed at a value higher than its actual market value, or if you feel the assessment is inequitable compared to similar properties in Fall River County, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process follows a strict statutory timeline that begins in the spring. Property owners are encouraged to first contact the Director of Equalization for an informal review to discuss how the valuation was determined.

If an agreement is not reached, a formal appeal must be filed with the Local Board of Equalization by the third Monday in March. If you are dissatisfied with the local board's decision, you may appeal to the County Board of Equalization in April. Further appeals can be escalated to the South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners or the Circuit Court. Documentation such as recent appraisals, photographs, or sales data for comparable properties is essential for a successful appeal.