Tax in South Dakota: a complete guide
This South Dakota tax guide the tax responsibilities of those living in the state, covering everything from state income and sales tax to property tax and how taxes will impact your retirement.
South Dakota income tax
South Dakota is one of nine states in the US that does not levy state income tax.
The state tax in South Dakota was repealed in 1943. All attempts to reinstate it have, so far, failed. According to many, South Dakota is the most tax-friendly state – especially for retirees.
While those living in South Dakota do not have to pay state income tax, like every other citizen in the US, they do have to pay federal taxes. In 2023, seven different federal income tax brackets dictate how much you’ll owe each tax year.
For single filers, these include:
| Income bracket | Tax owed |
|---|---|
| $0 - $11,000 | 10 percent of taxable income |
| $11,001 – $44,725 | $1,100 plus 12 percent of the excess over $11,000 |
| $44,726 - $95,375 | $5,147 plus 22 percent of the excess over $44,725 |
| $95,376 - $182,100 | $16,290 plus 24 percent of the excess $95,375 |
| $182,101 - $231,250 | $37,104 plus 32 percent of the excess over $182,100 |
| $231,251 - $578,125 | $52,832 plus 35 percent of the excess over $231,250 |
| $578,126 and over | $174,238.25 plus 37 percent of the excess over $578,125 |
For people who are married and filing jointly, these include:
| Income bracket | Tax owed |
|---|---|
| $0 - $22,000 | 10 percent of taxable income |
| $22,001 – $89,450 | $2,200 plus 12 percent of the excess over $22,000 |
| $89,451 - $190,750 | $10,294 plus 22 percent of the excess over $89,450 |
| $190,751 - $364,200 | $32,580 plus 24 percent of the excess $190,750 |
| $364,201 - $462,500 | $74,208 plus 32 percent of the excess over $364,200 |
| $462,501 - $693,750 | $105,664 plus 35 percent of the excess over $462,500 |
| $693,751 and over | $186,601.50 plus 37 percent of the excess over $693,750 |
South Dakota also does not have a corporate income tax.
If you’re unsure about filing your taxes, a financial advisor can help. Here, they can review your income sources and develop a unique tax strategy just for you.
South Dakota sales tax
According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, the state has a sales tax rate of 4.2 percent. However, as with other states, local sales tax can increase this amount. The maximum rate municipalities can impost is 2 percent. They may also impose a one percent municipal gross receipts tax (MGRT) in addition to the municipal sales tax. The average local sales tax rate comes in at 1.90 percent, bringing the average sales tax total to 6.10 percent.
Most purchases will apply this rate. However, there are some exemptions, including purchases made with food stamps and prescription drugs.
Alcohol is not tax-exempt, and a comparatively high excise is put on wine, beer, and liquor. For example:
Beer Tax is $0.27 per gallon.
Liquor Tax is $3.93 per gallon.
Wine Tax is $0.93 per gallon.
South Dakota property tax
Property tax rates across South Dakota can vary depending on different counties and municipalities within the state. According to the Tax Handbook, the median property tax rate is 1.17 percent of assessed home value.
According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, these taxes are calculated in four steps:
Establishing the value of the property
Determining the taxable value of the property
Determining the tax levy for all taxing jurisdictions that can tax properties
Computing taxes for individual properties
It’s important to note South Dakota offers several property tax relief programs for elderly and disabled citizens.
South Dakota motor tax
All new motor vehicles registered in South Dakota are subject to the four percent motor vehicle excise tax.
Vehicle owners should also be aware of fuel taxes in the state. Regular gas is taxed at $0.28 per gallon, and diesel is taxed at $0.28 per gallon.
South Dakota estate tax
South Dakota does not levy an estate tax.
However, it’s important to remember federal estate tax can still apply if your estate is above a certain threshold ($12.92 million in 2023); otherwise, there will be no fees on the estate or inheritance you leave behind.
Also, if you live in South Dakota but inherit an estate from someone living in a state with estate tax, you must abide by local regulations.
South Dakota retirement tax
South Dakota is regularly deemed one of the more retirement-friendly states in the US. It is known for its low cost of living, making it an ideal destination for retirees who want to stretch their retirement savings and live comfortably without breaking the bank.
It boasts a lower cost of living, and with its zero state income tax, all of your retirement income is tax-exempt. Your beneficiaries also benefit from South Dakota’s tax rules, as the state does not levy estate or inheritance tax.
South Dakota also has other benefits for retirees; it offers a property tax homestead exemption for homeowners 70 or older (or surviving spouses), which delays payment of property taxes until the property is sold.
For further tax guidance and to ensure you’re not paying more tax than you need to, it’s wise to speak to an expert. A financial advisor can help you handle all your tax queries and ensure you’re not paying more tax than needed.
Senior Content Writer
Rachel is a Senior Content Writer at Unbiased. She has nearly a decade of experience writing and producing content across a range of different sectors.