A less surprising result of the latest KELO-TV/Emerson College poll is most South Dakotas still oppose implementing a state income tax:
In our most recent poll, 875 voters were asked if South Dakota should consider an income tax to lower other taxes such as the sales and property tax. 71 percent of those asked said ‘no’ while 17 percent said ‘yes’ and 13 percent were unsure [Lauren Soulek, “Poll Shows Stances on Income Taxes, Sales Taxes,” KELO-TV, 2026.05.21].
I continue to marvel at South Dakotans’ stubborn resistance to the fairest possible tax, the one tied most directly to citizens’ ability to bear the burden of taxation. Exempt the basic cost of living—let people keep the cash they need to provide food, clothes, shelter, etc. for their households—tax income beyond those basic costs at percentages that increase as the ability to bear the burden increases. If your crops fail and you make barely enough to put diesel in the tractor and food on your own table, you pay zero tax. If you get a bumper crop and bumper prices, you pay 1 or 2 or 5% on your income past your justifiable expenses. If you’re stashing a billion dollars on Phillips Avenue and living off the interest, you pay 10 or 20% on the capital gains you shield in our state and maybe a nominal parking fee on your principal (right, Toby D?).
A progressive income tax would balance South Dakota’s tax burdens better than anything Larry Rhoden, Jon Hansen, and Dusty Johnson have floated this campaign season. But South Dakotans remain far from recognizing that fiscal argument.
Not suprizing. No one likes taxes of any kind. Just a general suggestion that other taxes may be lowered doesn’t cut it. Each person has to undersand exactly what their total tax bill is going to be before thinking about tax reform that includes any other form of taxation. If I had the skill, I would construct a handy dandy little app that would allow people to calculate their tax burdens under various assumptions.
South Dakota Democrats need to run on a corporate income tax, ending video lootery, reducing the number of South Dakota counties to 25 and turning Dakota State and/or Northern State University into community colleges.
The Great State of South Dakota is more free than the states of Iowa, where Mr. Mike is from, Minnesota, Colorado or Nebraska. The freest.
@grudz … If you mean no income tax, looser gun laws, lighter business regulation, and fewer social‑service mandates, then yes — South Dakota ranks high.
@Flipping the perspective … We see strict abortion bans, limited LGBTQ protections, heavy criminal penalties, weak tenant rights, restrictive ballot initiative rules, and centralized state control overriding local decisions.
Therefore: SD is not the freest state overall.
– SD is less free than MN and CO on personal liberties, civil rights, and democratic access.
– SD is not clearly freer than IA or NE when you include personal freedoms.
Jeez grudz, I’m from the self proclaimed Free State of Florida. Unless your a woman or minority or trans that’s true. I’m sure you agree with our shortstop governor. He grew up in Dunedin that allows bars to stay open until four. Anyplace like that in South Dakota? Freedom rings!
A progressive state income tax, the easiest and BEST tax and most fair by far.
It will never happen. That’s my two cents worth.
Porter, you said it all, thanks.
How about state income tax that exempts the first $250,000 of household income? I suspect that would poll far better. The rate should increase at incomes over $1 million.
Flat tax rates only, Mr. Reynold. Not even a discussion without a fair, flat rate.
Donald, 30-ish years ago, people were shown the individual math that put them ahead with an income tax (compared to what they spent in taxes then) and still the income tax didn’t move people to vote their proven own interests. I cannot imagine decades of propaganda like my dear grudznick continues to promote here has helped enlighten any.
Given the GOP commercials for Gubernatorial candidates, the taxation discussion and issue has become evermore ignorant.
Flat taxes are simple, the simple minded love them.