News

TASK FORCE UNVEILS IDEAS TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES

TASK FORCE UNVEILS IDEAS TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES

Photo: WNAX


RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Is relief on the way for South Dakota homeowners?

If the recommendations by the South Dakota property tax task force turn into reality, homeowners could see more than $348 million in relief, as well as a 25-percent cut in their taxes.

The recommendations were released Wednesday, following the task force’s last meeting.

To provide that relief, the South Dakota Legislature will debate the following recommendations when the 2027 session begins in January:

An immediate $120 million tax rebate to homeowners by using collected but unspent tax dollars.

A 5 percent cut in state government spending, estimated to be $123 million in savings; applied to property tax reduction.

Allowing the sales and use tax rate reduction to expire in July 2027, using the additional $105 million to reduce homeowner property tax.

Adding 25 percent of future state revenue growth to replace property tax revenue.

“This plan provides critical, long-term reforms that finally reduce the burden of property taxes on families while still funding local services and honoring our commitments to seniors and veterans. It’s time to make tax cuts a priority for property owners,” state Senator Chris Karr, task force member, said.

Other recommendations include expanding tax relief programs for seniors and disabled veterans; mandating elections for opt-outs and bond issues; pushing video lottery revenue to education and limiting public school capital project spending.

Recent Headlines

12 hours ago in Sports, Trending

IOC and Saudi Arabia cancel their 12-year deal to host video gaming Esports Olympics in Riyadh

FILE -Olympic Rings are pictured in front of The Olympic House, headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the opening of the executive board meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, March 28, 2023. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP, File)

The IOC and Saudi Arabia have canceled their 12-year deal to host the video gaming Esports Olympics in Riyadh in a rare setback for a sports project backed by the oil-rich kingdom.

12 hours ago in National, Trending

Banks and retailers run short on pennies as the US Mint stops making them

A sign in a Kwik Trip store shows the store will no longer be using pennies to give change, on Oct. 23, 2025, in Yorkville, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

President Donald Trump's decision to stop producing the penny earlier this year is starting to have real implications for the nation's commerce.

12 hours ago in Entertainment

What to Stream: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ Florence + the Machine, &TEAM, ‘Sorry, Baby’ and ‘Hedda’

"Jurassic World Rebirth" roaring and snarling on Peacock and Florence + the Machine's latest Halloween-ready album, "Everybody Scream," are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

12 hours ago in Entertainment

Janelle Monáe embraces HalloQueen role, creating an empire where art and freedom collide in October

Janelle Monáe performs during Cinespia: The Craft on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

"It's really about community for me," Monáe said backstage with The Associated Press before performing a 20-minute set. "We love the ritualistic nature of what Halloween means: being with your friends, embracing your magic and celebrating that together."

12 hours ago in Music, Trending

Universal Music and AI song generator Udio settle lawsuit and partner on new AI music platform

FILE - Taylor Swift arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

The rise of AI song generation tools like Udio has disrupted the $20 billion music streaming industry. Record labels accuse the platforms of exploiting the recorded works of artists without compensating them.