South Dakota Tax Guide
Explore South Dakota's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how South Dakota compares nationwide.
Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding South Dakota's tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers alike.
In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Mount Rushmore State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.
South Dakota state tax: Overview
Thinking about taxes in South Dakota? Here are some key points to know.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The state doesn’t take a bite out of your paycheck as there’s no income tax here, which is a positive for many residents. Plus, the combined state and local sales tax rate in South Dakota is relatively low compared to much of the country.
But there’s a catch: sales tax is charged on both groceries and clothing, which can add up.
And while you might save on income and sales taxes, keep in mind that South Dakota’s property taxes are on the higher side compared to other states.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
South Dakota income tax
South Dakota has no income tax.
South Dakota retirement taxes
You won’t pay any state income taxes in South Dakota. That’s because there is no personal income tax in South Dakota. There is no estate or inheritance tax in the state either.
- Tax on Taxable Income: N/A
- Social Security: Not taxable
- Pensions: Not taxable
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Not taxable
South Dakota sales tax
The sales tax in South Dakota is 4.20%. The average local sales tax is 1.91%, resulting in a combined sales tax rate of 6.11%, according to the Tax Foundation.
Source: Tax Foundation
- Groceries: Taxable
- Clothing: Taxable
- Motor Vehicles: Exempt from ordinary sales tax, but taxable under a special 4% excise tax
- Prescription Drugs: Taxable
How much is South Dakota property tax?
In South Dakota, the median property tax rate is 1.01% of assessed home value, according to the Tax Handbook.
South Dakota Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
South Dakota 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. Taxes are a lien on the property.
A property tax "freeze" is also available for seniors 65 and older. To qualify for the assessment freeze, you must meet income requirements and have resided in a single-family dwelling for at least 200 days of the previous calendar year.
South Dakota gas tax
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Gasoline | $0.28 per gallon |
Diesel | $0.28 per gallon |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
South Dakota taxes on tobacco and alcohol
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $1.53 per pack |
Other Tobacco Products | 35% of the wholesale price |
Medical Marijuana | 0.00% |
Recreational Marijuana | 19.50% (4.50% cannabis sales tax + 15% state excise tax) |
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Beer | $0.27 per gallon |
Wine | $0.93 per gallon |
Liquor | $3.93 per gallon |
There is also a 2% wholesale tax on wine and liquor.
Source: Sales Tax Handbook
South Dakota estate and inheritance taxes
South Dakota has no estate or inheritance tax.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Kelley R. Taylor is the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, where she breaks down federal and state tax rules and news to help readers navigate their finances with confidence. A corporate attorney and business journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Kelley has helped taxpayers make sense of shifting U.S. tax law and policy from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), to SECURE 2.0, the Inflation Reduction Act, and most recently, the 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill.” She has covered issues ranging from partnerships, carried interest, compensation and benefits, and tax‑exempt organizations to RMDs, capital gains taxes, and energy tax credits. Her award‑winning work has been featured in numerous national and specialty publications.
-
$100,000 Travel Emergencies You Don’t See Coming and How to PrepareTravel emergencies can get expensive fast. Here's how to protect your wallet from the worst case scenario.
-
Ask the Tax Editor: Residential Rental Property QuestionsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on reporting income and loss from residential rental property.
-
11 Stock Picks Beyond the Magnificent 7With my Mag-7-Plus strategy, you can own the mega caps individually or in ETFs and add in some smaller tech stocks to benefit from AI and other innovations.
-
Do You Pay Property Taxes in Tennessee? What You Need to Know in 2026Property Taxes State lawmakers are moving to ban state property taxes, but can they stop the local rate spike? Here's how 2026 could lower your Tennessee property tax bill.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
New California Wealth Tax for 2026? Here's What's Happening NowState Taxes California has considered taxing wealth before, but the latest proposal seems to be different.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
Georgia Tax Rebate And Income Elimination? What 2026 Could Mean For YouState Tax We break down how lawmakers aim to axe the state income tax and how much you could get in a Georgia tax refund in 2026.
-
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
-
Are You Afraid of an IRS Audit? 8 Ways to Beat Tax Audit AnxietyTax Season Tax audit anxiety is like a wild beast. Here’s how you can help tame it.
-
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?