When are property taxes usually assessed in South Dakota?

Property taxes in South Dakota are assessed annually on January 1. This means that the assessment of property values, which serves as the basis for property taxation, occurs at the start of the year, providing a consistent and predictable timeline for property owners and tax authorities alike. This annual assessment cycle allows for the valuation of property to reflect changes such as improvements or market fluctuations, ensuring that taxes are based on up-to-date property values.

Options that suggest property taxes are assessed only upon sale or when new constructions occur do not accurately reflect the ongoing nature of the assessment process. Such approaches would lead to potentially inequitable taxation, as properties could be undervalued or overvalued depending on market conditions between transactions. The annual assessment on January 1 helps standardize the process, allowing all property owners to be treated consistently, regardless of when they purchased their property or made improvements.