A political group is pushing an initiated measure to eliminate property taxes in South Dakota. The group, Abolish Property Taxes South Dakota, is circulating petitions and needs about 35,000 valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
Former state senator Julie Frye‑Mueller says the plan is about “freedom” and argues property taxes are burdensome, especially for seniors. The proposal would replace property tax revenue with a new per‑transaction retail tax. Mueller added most of the revenue would come from visitors, estimating a maximum of $1.50 per transaction and roughly $75 added to a typical trip.
Supporters say shifting the tax burden to retail purchases would leave the state budget whole and ease financial pressure on homeowners. They also argue the added tourist cost would not significantly affect travel to South Dakota.
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