South Dakota seniors struggling to pay their property taxes can get help from a state refund program that has been in place since the 1970s.
The Property Tax Refund Program is designed to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Erik Nelson, associate state director for advocacy at AARP South Dakota, said the refunds can be especially helpful for older people who have lived in their homes for years.
“As their property values have appreciated, so have their taxes,” Nelson said, “and if they’re living on fixed incomes, they can’t afford the yearly increases while meeting their basic needs for food, medicine and utilities.”
To qualify, homeowners must have lived in South Dakota for all of 2025 and either have been 65 or older for the entire year or received disability benefits during that year. They also must meet income thresholds.
In 2026, the income limit is $17,215 for singles or a combined household income of $23,265.
Applications are open through July 1, and homeowners will receive their refunds in the mail in September. Single-person households can get up to $500, and households with more than one person can get up to $1,000.
Nelson said AARP South Dakota advocates for the program because of the relief it provides. In recent years, he said, the organization has worked with elected leaders and the state Department of Revenue to streamline applications and raise income eligibility.
He said the program can help seniors remain in their communities and homes.
“Many South Dakota seniors, Social Security is one of their primary, if not their only source of income,” Nelson said, “so this is a good program that allows them to meet that goal.”
The South Dakota Legislature has allocated $425,000 for the program this year. The state mailed applications to past recipients in May. Homeowners who did not receive one can find the application on the state Department of Revenue website or through their county treasurer’s office.