-
Overall Rank
2
–No change since 2026 -
1
–No change since 2026 -
1
–No change since 2026 -
31
–No change since 2026 -
15
▼ 1Down 1 place since 2026 -
Unemployment Insurance Tax Rank
19
▲ 1Up 1 place since 2026
#2
South Dakota ranks 2nd overall on the 2027 State Tax Competitiveness Index.
Score 7.56 / 10
About South Dakota's Tax Code
South Dakota is one of only two states to forgo individual income, corporate income, and gross receipts taxes. Consequently, the state relies heavily on its sales tax, which nevertheless retains a highly competitive rate, though one imposed on an overbroad base. It applies to most final personal consumption—which is appropriate—but also to a wide range of business inputs, which causes harmful tax pyramiding.
South Dakota also relies on relatively high property taxes to fund local government. While the state does impose a tax on the tangible property of centrally assessed utility and transportation property, the property tax base is competitive in that the state generally exempts business tangible personal property and business inventory from taxation. South Dakota does not have an estate or inheritance tax. The state does, however, utilize split roll property taxation, as school districts may levy separate rates on different classes of property. By favoring some classes of property over others, the tax burden is imposed in a nonneutral manner, which distorts economic decision-making.
Component Scores
#2 overall · 7.56 / 10Each component is scored from 0 to 10, where 10 is best. Select a component for its detail page.
| Component | Rank | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Taxes | #1 | 10.00 / 10 | › |
| Individual Income Taxes | #1 | 10.00 / 10 | › |
| Sales Taxes | #31 | 4.47 / 10 | › |
| Property Taxes | #15 | 5.44 / 10 | › |
| Unemployment Insurance Taxes | #19 | 5.32 / 10 | › |
Ranking Changes, 2020–2027
#2 in 2027 · unchanged from 2020South Dakota ranked 2nd in 2020 and ranks 2nd in 2027, no net change. The axis is zoomed to the state's range. Ranks for 2020 through 2026 are backcast under the current methodology.
Show the Table
| Year | Overall | Corporate | Individual Income | Sales | Property | Unemployment Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 (7.36) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 39 (4.10) | 14 (5.42) | 19 (5.24) |
| 2021 | 2 (7.35) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 40 (4.11) | 28 (5.14) | 21 (5.21) |
| 2022 | 2 (7.43) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 39 (4.15) | 19 (5.28) | 19 (5.37) |
| 2023 | 2 (7.47) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 39 (4.12) | 13 (5.51) | 19 (5.31) |
| 2024 | 2 (7.56) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 32 (4.47) | 14 (5.50) | 21 (5.22) |
| 2025 | 2 (7.57) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 32 (4.46) | 14 (5.59) | 22 (5.20) |
| 2026 | 2 (7.61) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 31 (4.44) | 14 (5.63) | 20 (5.32) |
| 2027 | 2 (7.56) | 1 (10.00) | 1 (10.00) | 31 (4.47) | 15 (5.44) | 19 (5.32) |
South Dakota Compared across the States
#2 overallEach row places the states on a 0 to 10 score scale for one measure. South Dakota is the large outlined dot, and the dashed line is the 50-state median, so a dot to its right scores better than the typical state. Hover over or tab to any dot for detail, and select it to open that state's profile.
Overall
#2 7.56
Corporate Taxes
#1 10.00
Individual Income Taxes
#1 10.00
Sales Taxes
#31 4.47
Property Taxes
#15 5.44
Unemployment Insurance Taxes
#19 5.32
Score (0 = worst among the states, 10 = best)
- South Dakota
- Other states, by rank (1st to 50th)
- 50-state median
South Dakota and Its Neighbors
#2 overallSouth Dakota borders 6 states and ranks 2nd overall; 1 of them ranks higher and 5 rank lower.
What Each Component Includes
The five components of the Index, what each one covers, and where South Dakota lands. Open any component for the full breakdown.
-
Corporate Taxes
Rank #1Includes corporate income taxes and gross receipts taxes. Measures the impact of each state’s principal tax on business activities.
- Corporate Income Tax Rates
- Tax Credits and Gross Receipts Deductions
- Net Operating Losses
- Treatment of Capital Investment
- Other Corporate Base Variables
-
Individual Income Taxes
Rank #1Covers the tax individuals pay on income, and with it a significant number of businesses — sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations — that report their income through the individual income tax code.
- Individual Income Tax Rates
- Marriage Penalty, Capital Income, Indexation
- Other Individual Base Variables
-
Sales Taxes
Rank #31Covers the general sales tax levied on the purchase price of goods and services, plus excise taxes on gasoline, diesel, tobacco, vapor products, beer, and spirits, and taxes on digital advertising.
- Sales and Excise Tax Rates
- Business-to-Business Exemptions
- Consumer Goods and Services in the Base
- Sales Tax Structure
-
Property Taxes
Rank #15Includes taxes on real and personal property, net worth, and the transfer of assets — among them capital stock, estate, inheritance, and real estate transfer taxes.
- Property and Capital Stock Tax Rates
- Property Tax Bases
-
Unemployment Insurance Taxes
Rank #19Covers the taxes employers pay into the state unemployment insurance program to finance benefits for workers recently unemployed.
- UI Tax Rates
- Experience Formulas and Charging Methods
- Other UI Base Variables
Tax Data Explorer
Every policy variable behind South Dakota's 2027 scores, grouped by the report's tables, as of July 1, 2026. Its bordering states are shown alongside to start. Search the variables and values, or add up to 4 states to compare side by side.
149 data points · Shaded values differ from South Dakota
Corporate Taxes: Corporate Income Tax Rates
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bracket 1 | None | 5.5% > $0 (differs) | 9.8% > $0 (differs) | 6.75% > $0 (differs) | 4.55% > $0 (differs) | 1.41% > $0 (differs) | None |
| Bracket 2 | n.a. | 7.1% > $100,000 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | 3.55% > $25,000 (differs) | n.a. |
| Bracket 3 | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | 4.31% > $50,000 (differs) | n.a. |
| Gross Receipts Tax | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Corporate Taxes: Tax Credits and Gross Receipts Deductions
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Credits | No | Yes (differs) | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No | No |
| Research and Development Credits | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No |
| Investment Credits | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No |
| Compensation Expenses Deductible | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Cost of Goods Sold Deductible | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
Corporate Taxes: Net Operating Losses
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conforms to Federal NOL Treatment | n.a. | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Carryback (Years) | n.a. | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | 0 (differs) | 3 (differs) | 0 (differs) | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | n.a. |
| Carryback Cap | n.a. | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | $0 (differs) | $500,000 (differs) | $0 (differs) | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | n.a. |
| Carryforward (Years) | n.a. | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | 15 (differs) | 10 (differs) | 20 (differs) | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | n.a. |
| Carryforward Cap | n.a. | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | 70% (differs) | Unlimited (differs) | Unlimited (differs) | Conforms to federal treatment (differs) | n.a. |
Corporate Taxes: Treatment of Capital Investment
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 168(k) Expensing | 100% | 100% | 20% (differs) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Conforms to Section 163(j) Limitation | No | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No |
| GILTI Inclusion | n.a. | Decouples (differs) | 50% Inclusion (differs) | 20% Inclusion (differs) | 60% Inclusion (differs) | 30% Inclusion (differs) | n.a. |
| Section 174 Expensing | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Section 168(n) Expensing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Corporate Taxes: Other Corporate Base Variables
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Used as State Tax Base | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Conformity Status | n.a. | Rolling (differs) | Static (current) (differs) | Rolling (differs) | Rolling (differs) | Rolling (differs) | n.a. |
| Allows Federal ACRS or MACRS Depreciation | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Allows Federal Depletion | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Partial (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Throwback Rule | n.a. | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Foreign Tax Deductibility | n.a. | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
| Corporate AMT | n.a. | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
| Brackets Indexed for Inflation | n.a. | No (differs) | Flat CIT (differs) | Flat CIT (differs) | Flat CIT (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
Individual Income Taxes: Individual Income Tax Rates
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bracket 1 | No Income Tax | 3.8% > $0 (differs) | 5.35% > $0 (differs) | 4.7% > $0 (differs) | 2.46% > $0 (differs) | 1.95% > $49,575 (differs) | No Income Tax |
| Bracket 2 | n.a. | n.a. | 6.8% > $33,310 (differs) | 5.65% > $47,500 (differs) | 3.51% > $4,130 (differs) | 2.5% > $250,400 (differs) | n.a. |
| Bracket 3 | n.a. | n.a. | 7.85% > $109,430 (differs) | n.a. | 4.55% > $24,760 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. |
| Bracket 4 | n.a. | n.a. | 9.85% > $203,150 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Standard Deduction (Single Filer) | n.a. | $16,100 (differs) | $15,300 (differs) | $16,100 (differs) | $8,850 (differs) | $16,100 (differs) | n.a. |
| Personal Exemption (Single Filer) | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Personal Exemption Credit (Single Filer) | n.a. | $40 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. | $176 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. |
| Personal Exemption per Dependent | n.a. | n.a. | $5,300 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Personal Exemption Credit per Dependent | n.a. | $40 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. | $176 (differs) | n.a. | n.a. |
| Average Local Income Tax Rate | None | 0.10% (differs) | None | None | None | None | None |
| Surtaxes on Wage Income | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
Individual Income Taxes: Marriage Penalty, Capital Income, Indexation
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Penalty | n.a. | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Married Couples Can File Separately on One Return | n.a. | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
| Convenience Rule | No | No | No | No | Yes (differs) | No | No |
| Interest Taxed | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Dividends Taxed | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Capital Gains Taxed | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Combined Capital Gains Tax Rate | n.a. | 3.943% (differs) | 10.85% (differs) | 4.1% (differs) | 4.55% (differs) | 1.5% (differs) | n.a. |
| Tax Brackets Indexed for Inflation | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Standard Deduction Indexed for Inflation | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Personal Exemption Indexed for Inflation | n.a. | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Progressivity Ratio | n.a. | 1.00 (differs) | 1.45 (differs) | 1.00 (differs) | 1.00 (differs) | 1.00 (differs) | n.a. |
Individual Income Taxes: Other Individual Base Variables
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Used as State Tax Base | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| Conformity Status | n.a. | Rolling (differs) | Static (current) (differs) | Rolling (differs) | Rolling (differs) | Rolling (differs) | n.a. |
| Credits for Taxes Paid to Other States | n.a. | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | n.a. |
| AMT Levied | n.a. | No (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
| Recognition of S Corporation Status | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Section 179 Expensing Limit | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 | $2,560,000 |
| Tips | n.a. | Exempt (differs) | Taxable (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Taxable (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. |
| Overtime | n.a. | Exempt (differs) | Taxable (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Taxable (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. |
| Filing and Withholding Threshold Index | 10 | 0.565 (differs) | 5 (differs) | 10 | 0 (differs) | 3.333 (differs) | 10 |
Individual Income Taxes: Other Individual Income Variables
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Recapture | n.a. | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | n.a. |
Sales Taxes: Sales and Excise Tax Rates
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Sales Tax Rate | 4.20% | 6.00% (differs) | 6.88% (differs) | n.a. (differs) | 5.50% (differs) | 5.00% (differs) | 4.00% (differs) |
| Average Local Sales Tax Rate | 1.91% | 0.94% (differs) | 1.26% (differs) | 0.00% (differs) | 1.48% (differs) | 2.09% (differs) | 1.39% (differs) |
| Maximum Local Sales Tax Rate | 4.50% | 2.00% (differs) | 3.00% (differs) | None (differs) | 2.00% (differs) | 3.75% (differs) | 3.00% (differs) |
| Gasoline Tax (Cents per Gallon) | 30.00 | 30.00 | 32.70 (differs) | 33.75 (differs) | 32.70 (differs) | 23.03 (differs) | 24.00 (differs) |
| Diesel Tax (Cents per Gallon) | 30 | 32.5 (differs) | 32.7 (differs) | 30.5 (differs) | 32.1 (differs) | 23.03 (differs) | 24 (differs) |
| Cigarette Tax (Dollars per Pack of 20) | $1.53 | $1.36 (differs) | $3.88 (differs) | $1.70 (differs) | $0.64 (differs) | $0.44 (differs) | $0.60 (differs) |
| Beer Tax (Dollars per Gallon) | $0.2742 | $0.19 (differs) | $0.47 (differs) | $0.1387 (differs) | $0.31 (differs) | $0.43 (differs) | $0.0189 (differs) |
| Spirits Tax (Dollars per Gallon) | $4.93 | $15.14 (differs) | $8.74 (differs) | $10.55 (differs) | $3.75 (differs) | $4.93 | $0.00 (differs) |
| Vapor Tax Ratio to Cigarette Tax | n.a. | n.a. | 248.5833% (differs) | n.a. | 5.00% (differs) | n.a. | 39.25% (differs) |
Sales Taxes: Business-to-Business Exemptions
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Inputs | Some Taxable | Some Taxable | Some Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Some Taxable | Some Taxable | Some Taxable |
| Farm Equipment | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Partial (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Office Equipment | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable |
| Manufacturing Machinery | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) |
| Manufacturing Raw Materials | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | n.a. (differs) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Business Fuel and Utilities | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Business Leases and Rentals | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable |
| Information Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Software as a Service (SaaS) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Platform as a Service (PaaS) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Digital B2B Products | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Payroll Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Data Center Purchases | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Partial (differs) |
| Digital Advertising Tax | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Sales Taxes: Consumer Goods and Services in the Base
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Clothing | Taxable | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable |
| Prescription Medication | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | n.a. (differs) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Nonprescription Medication | Taxable | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable |
| Gasoline | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | n.a. (differs) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Landscaping | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Repair Services | Taxable | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Taxable |
| Real Estate Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Parking | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Dry Cleaning | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Taxable |
| Fitness Services | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Barber Services | Taxable | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Veterinary Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| E-Books | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Taxable |
| Streaming Video | Taxable | Taxable | Taxable | n.a. (differs) | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Taxable |
| Medical Services | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | n.a. (differs) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Legal Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Financial Services | Exempt | Taxable (differs) | Exempt | n.a. (differs) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Accounting Services | Taxable | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) | Exempt (differs) |
| Sales Tax Holiday | No | Yes (differs) | No | n.a. (differs) | No | No | No |
Sales Taxes: Sales Tax Structure
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniform Base Definitions | Yes | Yes | Yes | n.a. (differs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unified Tax Administration | Yes | Yes | Yes | n.a. (differs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safe Harbor for Remote Sellers | Gross Sales Threshold | Gross Sales Threshold | Sales or Transactions Threshold (differs) | n.a. (differs) | Sales or Transactions Threshold (differs) | Gross Sales Threshold | Gross Sales Threshold |
Property Taxes: Property and Capital Stock Tax Rates
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Collections per Capita | $1,864 | $2,104 (differs) | $2,041 (differs) | $2,173 (differs) | $2,354 (differs) | $1,684 (differs) | $2,635 (differs) |
| Property Tax as a Percentage of Personal Income | 2.47% | 3.22% (differs) | 2.70% (differs) | 3.14% (differs) | 3.24% (differs) | 2.34% (differs) | 3.04% (differs) |
| Assessment Limit | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes | Yes |
| Levy Limit | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | No (differs) |
| Capital Stock Tax Rate | None | None | None | None | Fixed dollar payment schedule (differs) | None | 0.02% (differs) |
| Capital Stock Tax Maximum Payment | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | $11,995 (differs) | n.a. | Unlimited (differs) |
| Payment Options for Capital Stock and Corporate Income Taxes | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | Pay both (differs) | n.a. | Pay both (differs) |
Property Taxes: Property Tax Bases
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible Personal Property Tax | Partial | No (differs) | Partial | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | Partial | Yes (differs) |
| Tangible Personal Property De Minimis Exemption | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | $1,000,000 (differs) | None (differs) | n.a. | $75,000 (differs) |
| Intangible Property Tax | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) |
| Inventory Tax | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Real Estate Transfer Tax | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) |
| Split Roll | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | Yes |
| Split Roll Ratio | 1.23 | 2.02 (differs) | 2.00 (differs) | 1.97 (differs) | 1.00 (differs) | 1.11 (differs) | 1.33 (differs) |
| Estate Tax | No | No | 16% (differs) | No | No | No | No |
| Inheritance Tax | No | No | No | No | 15% (differs) | No | No |
| Gift Tax | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Unemployment Insurance Taxes: UI Tax Rates
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.40% (differs) | 0.13% (differs) | 0.00% | 0.07% (differs) | 0.10% (differs) |
| Maximum Rate | 9.13% | 5.40% (differs) | 9.30% (differs) | 6.30% (differs) | 5.40% (differs) | 9.67% (differs) | 8.60% (differs) |
| Taxable Wage Base | $15,000 | $20,400 (differs) | $44,000 (differs) | $47,300 (differs) | $9,000 (differs) | $46,600 (differs) | $33,800 (differs) |
| Most Favorable Schedule: Minimum Rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.10% (differs) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.01% (differs) | 0.00% |
| Most Favorable Schedule: Maximum Rate | 9.30% | 7.00% (differs) | 9.00% (differs) | 6.12% (differs) | 5.40% (differs) | 5.40% (differs) | 8.50% (differs) |
| Least Favorable Schedule: Minimum Rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.40% (differs) | 1.62% (differs) | 0.00% | 0.01% (differs) | 0.00% |
| Least Favorable Schedule: Maximum Rate | 9.45% | 9.00% (differs) | 9.40% (differs) | 6.12% (differs) | 5.40% (differs) | 5.40% (differs) | 8.50% (differs) |
| Employer Contributions as a Share of Total Wages | 0.10% | 0.53% (differs) | 0.44% (differs) | 0.73% (differs) | 0.17% (differs) | 0.41% (differs) | 0.43% (differs) |
| Employer Contributions as a Share of Taxable Wages | 0.33% | 0.97% (differs) | 0.90% (differs) | 1.15% (differs) | 0.87% (differs) | 0.71% (differs) | 0.89% (differs) |
| Trust Fund Solvency Ratio | 1.7 | 1.54 (differs) | 0.3 (differs) | 1.59 (differs) | 1.31 (differs) | 1.03 (differs) | 2.36 (differs) |
| New Employer Rate | 1.20% | 3.00% (differs) | 3.00% (differs) | 3.00% (differs) | 2.50% (differs) | 1.00% (differs) | 3.00% (differs) |
Unemployment Insurance Taxes: Experience Formulas and Charging Methods
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Formula Based On | Reserve Ratio | Benefits Ratio (differs) | Benefits Ratio (differs) | Reserve Ratio | Reserve Ratio | Reserve Ratio | Benefits Ratio (differs) |
| Benefits Charged in Proportion to Base-Period Wages | No (base-period employers in inverse chronological order) | No (base-period employers in inverse chronological order) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No (base-period employers in inverse chronological order) | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) |
| Charged If Employee's Benefit Award Is Reversed | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Charged for Reimbursements on Combined Wage Claims | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charged If Employee Left Voluntarily | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Charged If Employee Was Discharged for Misconduct | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Charged If Employee Refused Suitable Work | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charged If Employee Continues to Work Part-Time | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) |
Unemployment Insurance Taxes: Other UI Base Variables
| Variable | South Dakota | Iowa | Minnesota | Montana | Nebraska | North Dakota | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solvency Tax | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes |
| Taxes for Socialized Costs or Negative Balance Employers | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes (differs) |
| Loan and Interest Repayment Surtaxes | No | Yes (differs) | Yes (differs) | No | No | No | No |
| Reserve Taxes | No | Yes (differs) | No | No | Yes (differs) | No | No |
| Surtaxes for UI Administration or Non-UI Purposes | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | Yes | No (differs) | No (differs) | Yes |
| Temporary Disability Insurance | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Voluntary Contributions | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | No (differs) | Yes | Yes | No (differs) |
| Years to Qualify for Experience Rating | 2 | 3 (differs) | 1 (differs) | 3 (differs) | 1 (differs) | 1 (differs) | 3 (differs) |
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About the Authors
Janelle Fritts is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Tax Foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy. She is the lead researcher on the annual State Tax Competitiveness Index and serves as a resource to policymakers in their efforts to modernize and improve the structures of their state tax codes. Her work has been cited in The New York Times, the Associated Press, Bloomberg, and numerous state media outlets across the country.
Jared Walczak is a Senior Fellow at the Tax Foundation, where he spent five years as Vice President of State Projects, and president of Walczak Policy Consulting.
Nicole Fox is a Policy Analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, where she serves as a resource to policymakers in their efforts to modernize and improve the structure of their state tax codes.
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