Municipal Property Tax Refund Program Passes

The Sioux Falls City Council approved an ordinance last night establishing a program to refund the municipal portion of property taxes on owner-occupied homes for low-income elderly and/or disabled individuals as defined by the Social Security Act.

Who is eligible? Those 65 years or older and/or have a disability as defined by the Social Security Act are eligible for a Property Tax Refund if they have applied through Minnehaha or Lincoln County and are approved for South Dakota’s Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled program. Additional requirements including income limits, home market value, and more can be found on the City’s website here: siouxfalls.org/proptaxrefund.

How do people apply? Applications for South Dakota’s Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled program can be filed with the homeowner’s county treasurer’s office annually on or before April 1. Applicants must apply every year in order to remain eligible for a refund. 

How much money can people receive? The tax refund amount is 100% of the municipal property tax due up to a maximum refund of $500.

The City of Sioux Falls will receive a list of qualified individuals and addresses directly from Minnehaha County and Lincoln County and will automatically issue refunds. The continuation of this program is subject to City Council approval annually by resolution.

Refunds are issued the year after the homeowner qualifies for the Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled. For example, with City Council approval to continue the program, if the applicant applies by April 1, 2022, and is approved for an assessment freeze, they will receive a property tax refund in 2023.

For more information, visit siouxfalls.org/proptaxrefund or call the Finance office at 605-367-8860.