Equalization

The primary function of the Equalization office is to annually value all real property in Brookings County at its full and true market value. Ag land is valued on its productivity value, which is synonymous with market value per South Dakota Codified Law. The directive of the Equalization office is a fair and equal market value. This value is then used in determining taxation.

Responsibilities

  • Administering all state laws pertaining to the ad valorem property tax system
  • Assisting with abatement
  • Continuing to educate the public on the South Dakota tax system
  • Determining tax exempt status for applicable properties
  • Determining the taxable value of approximately 18,000 parcels. The tax base in Brookings County is just over $4 billion
  • Discovering, listing and valuing all real property within Brookings County
  • Linking real properties to their respective owners and placing assessed values and owners’ names on the assessment roles. Types of properties included in the assessment process are: residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural classes of property
  • Mailing all assessments notices by March 1 of each year
  • Providing equalization between classes of property
  • Testifying in court on assessment issues
  • Working through the appeal process with review boards

Other Department Programs:

The office also works with:

  • Owner occupied applications
  • Discretionary formulas
  • Elderly and disabled assessment freezes
  • Renewable energy credits
  • Tax moratoriums
  • TIF districts
  • Veteran’s property tax relief programs

See Quick Links for the correct forms and applications.


Staff Information

The Brookings County Board of Commissioners appoints the Director of Equalization. The Director of Equalization and staff appraisers must be certified by the South Dakota Department of Revenue in order to assess real property for tax purposes. After initial certification appraisers must be re-certified every five years. Requirements for re-certification include:

  • Attending and passing the annual Department of Revenue sponsored school
  • Attending the South Dakota Association of Assessing Officers Conference
  • Attending workshops

Office administrators assist with maintaining all office records and also must attend necessary training sessions.