The South Dakota Department of Revenue and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources reminds the public of the changes made to the riparian buffer strip program.
Eligible riparian buffer strips can receive a reduction in the assessed value for property tax purposes. Only land within 120 feet of a listed lake, river or stream may be classified as a riparian buffer strip and grazing is prohibited from May 1 through Sept. 30.
As of July 1, 2021, landowners approved for the riparian buffer strip program may receive an increased reduction in property value. The original reduction of 40% is now up to 50% reduction in property value of the eligible riparian buffer strip. In addition, there is no longer an annual application. Once approved, the new assessed value of the eligible property will be approved for 10 years or until the property changes use. Lastly, land impacted by center pivot irrigation can now be harvested or mowed starting June 25.
Applicants may view a web map to help determine which waters qualify under the program. The interactive map can be accessed at https://danr.sd.gov/Press/DataAndMapping.aspx.
Applications must be submitted to the director of equalization in the county where the property is located. To learn more about the property tax incentive or access the application, visit https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/#buffer. We would like to remind landowners that to be eligible for the 2022 assessment for taxes payable in 2023, applications for the riparian buffer strip property tax incentive must be submitted by October 15, 2021.