Skip to main content

Free South Dakota Sales Tax Calculator

Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the South Dakota Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.

Calculate sales tax on any purchase in South Dakota. The state sales tax rate is 4.2%, and when combined with the average local rate of 1.9%, the total average in South Dakota comes to 6.10%. Actual rates vary by city and county.

Sales Tax Is How South Dakota Pays Its Bills

With no state income tax on wages, South Dakota leans on sales tax revenue more than most states — worth remembering when you compare its 6.1% combined rate with states that tax both paychecks and purchases.

At 6.1% combined (state plus average local), South Dakota's sales tax ranks 36th-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.

The 4.2% state rate does most of the work in South Dakota, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 1.9%.

Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Iowa (6.94%); Minnesota (7.525%); Montana (no sales tax); Nebraska (6.94%); North Dakota (7.04%). Montana charges no sales tax at all.

South Dakota Sales Tax Rates

State Rate
4.2%
Avg Local Rate
1.9%
Combined Average
6.10%

Quick Reference

South Dakota has no income tax and is popular for trust formation.

State income tax: None

South Dakota Sales Tax Table

Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.10% combined average rate:

Purchase Price Sales Tax Total
$10 $0.61 $10.61
$25 $1.52 $26.52
$50 $3.05 $53.05
$100 $6.10 $106.10
$250 $15.25 $265.25
$500 $30.50 $530.50
$1,000 $61.00 $1061.00
$2,500 $152.50 $2652.50
$5,000 $305.00 $5305.00

Shopping in South Dakota: What Gets Taxed

Sales tax in South Dakota is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 4.2% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 1.9% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.

When budgeting in South Dakota, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $257,200 and a property tax rate of 1.08%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.

Related South Dakota Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in South Dakota? +
The South Dakota state sales tax rate is 4.2%. With the average local sales tax of 1.9%, the combined rate is approximately 6.10%. Actual rates vary by city and county — some localities charge higher or lower local rates.
How do I calculate South Dakota sales tax on a purchase? +
Multiply the pre-tax price by the applicable tax rate as a decimal. For example, on a $100 purchase at the combined 6.10% rate: $100 x 0.0610 = $6.10 in tax, for a total of $106.10. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in South Dakota? +
Grocery taxation varies by state. In South Dakota, the rules depend on the type of food item. Generally, unprepared food for home consumption may be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt, while prepared meals and restaurant food are subject to the full 6.10% combined rate. Check your local jurisdiction for specific exemptions.
Does South Dakota charge sales tax on online purchases? +
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, South Dakota requires out-of-state online retailers that meet economic nexus thresholds to collect and remit South Dakota sales tax. This means most online purchases are subject to the same 4.2% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from South Dakota sales tax? +
Common exemptions in most states include prescription medications, medical devices, and certain essential services. South Dakota may also exempt specific categories like clothing, agricultural supplies, or manufacturing equipment. During designated sales tax holidays, additional items may be temporarily exempt. Check South Dakota's Department of Revenue for the current exemption list.
How much do local governments add to South Dakota sales tax? +
On average, cities and counties add 1.9% on top of the 4.2% state rate, bringing the typical combined rate to 6.1%. Your exact rate depends on where the purchase is made.
Is South Dakota a high sales tax state? +
South Dakota's 6.1% combined average ranks 36th-highest nationally, below the national median of 7%. Keep in mind South Dakota collects no state income tax on wages, so sales tax carries a larger share of the state's budget.
How does South Dakota sales tax compare with neighboring states? +
Rates change the moment you cross a border. Combined state-plus-local averages for nearby states: Iowa (6.94%); Minnesota (7.525%); Montana (no sales tax); Nebraska (6.94%); North Dakota (7.04%) — versus 6.1% in South Dakota. Montana charges no sales tax at all.

Other State Sales Tax Calculators