What SD1 Is and How to Find Your Bill
SD1 is the South Dakota state income tax form, not a utility or service bill. If you received a notice labeled SD1, it is a tax bill from the South Dakota Department of Revenue, meaning you owe state income tax. This happens when you file your state return and show a balance due, or when the state audits your return and finds additional tax owed.
Your SD1 notice will show the amount due, a due date, and payment instructions. The notice itself is your bill — you do not need to request one. If you cannot locate your notice, you can contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue at 605-773-3311 to confirm the balance and get payment details.
The payment methods available depend on whether you are paying a current-year bill or an older balance. Current bills (filed with your return) and past-due balances have slightly different processes, though both can be paid online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- SD1 bills come from the South Dakota Department of Revenue and represent state income tax you owe, not a utility bill.
- You can pay online through the state's tax payment portal, by mail with a check, or by phone with a credit card.
- Online payment usually posts within one business day, while mailed checks take one to two weeks to clear.
- If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Revenue to discuss payment plans or extensions before the important date passes.
Paying Your SD1 Bill Online
The fastest way to pay is through the South Dakota Department of Revenue's online payment system. Go to dor.sd.gov and look for the "Pay Your Tax Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, the amount you owe, and the tax year the bill covers.
The state accepts payment by debit card or electronic bank transfer (ACH). Credit cards are not accepted for online payments. If you pay by debit card or bank transfer, the payment posts to your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting payment — save this for your records.
Online payment does charge a processing fee, which varies depending on the payment method you choose. The fee is added to your total, so confirm the final amount before you submit. The state's payment page will show you the exact fee before you complete the transaction.
Paying by Mail with a Check
If you prefer to mail a check, write it to the South Dakota Department of Revenue. On the memo line, write your Social Security number and the tax year (for example, "2023 SD1"). Include your SD1 notice with the check so the department can match the payment to your account.
Mail your check to the address shown on your SD1 bill. Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date the department receives it. Do not mail cash. If you want confirmation that your payment arrived, send the check by certified mail with return receipt requested — this costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof of delivery.
Mailing a check is slower than paying online, so if your due date is within two weeks, consider paying online or by phone instead to avoid a late payment.
Paying by Phone with a Credit Card
You can pay by phone using a credit card, which is the only method that accepts credit cards. Call the South Dakota Department of Revenue at 605-773-3311 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your bill notice and credit card ready.
A staff member will take your payment information over the phone and provide a confirmation number. This method is useful if you want to speak with someone directly or if you have questions about your bill before paying. Phone payments are processed the same day, though it may take one business day for the payment to appear in your account.
Credit card payments do incur a processing fee, similar to online debit card payments. The staff member will tell you the fee amount before charging your card.
What Happens After You Pay
Once your payment is received and processed, the Department of Revenue will send you a receipt. If you paid online or by phone, you received a confirmation number when ready — that is your temporary receipt. The official receipt arrives by mail within one to two weeks and shows the payment date, amount, and your account balance.
If you paid more than you owed, the state will either refund the overpayment or credit it to a future tax bill, depending on your request. When you pay, you can specify which year the payment should be applied to if you have bills from multiple years.
If you still have a balance after your payment posts, you will receive a new notice showing the remaining amount due and a new due date. If you cannot pay the full balance by the important date, contact the Department of Revenue before the due date to discuss a payment plan.
Setting Up a Payment Plan If You Cannot Pay in Full
If you owe more than you can pay by the due date, the South Dakota Department of Revenue can set up an installment agreement. Contact them at 605-773-3311 before your due date and explain your situation. The department will work with you to arrange monthly payments that fit your budget.
Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one, and the state must approve it. The sooner you contact them, the more options you have. If you wait until after the due date, the state may assess penalties and interest, which increases what you owe.
During a payment plan, you will receive a new notice showing your monthly payment amount and due dates. Make each payment on time to keep the plan in good standing. If you miss a payment, the state may cancel the plan and demand the full balance.
If Your Payment Does Not Post or You Have Questions
If you paid online or by phone and your payment does not appear in your account within two business days, contact the Department of Revenue. Have your confirmation number ready. If you mailed a check and it has been more than three weeks, call to confirm receipt.
If you have questions about what your bill covers, why you owe, or whether you can dispute the amount, the Department of Revenue can explain it. They cannot change the bill over the phone, but they can tell you what it includes and direct you to the right department if you believe there is an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have an SD1 notice but think I owe South Dakota income tax?
Contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue at 605-773-3311 with your Social Security number and the tax year in question. They can tell you whether you have a balance due and send you a bill if one exists. Do not wait for a notice to arrive — if you believe you owe, reaching out early gives you more time to pay.
Can I pay someone else's SD1 bill for them?
Yes, but you will need their permission and their tax information. If you are paying online, you will need their Social Security number and the exact amount owed. If you are mailing a check, write it to the South Dakota Department of Revenue and include the taxpayer's Social Security number on the memo line so the payment is credited correctly.
What if I paid my bill but received another notice saying I still owe?
This usually means your payment has not posted yet or was applied to a different tax year. Check your confirmation number and call the Department of Revenue to confirm the payment was received. If it was received, ask which tax year it was applied to and whether the new notice is for a different year or a penalty added after your original due date.
Do I get a refund if I overpay my SD1 bill?
Yes. If you pay more than you owe, the state will refund the overpayment or credit it to a future bill. When you make your payment, you can request which option you prefer. Refunds are typically issued within four to six weeks by check or direct deposit, depending on how you paid.
Can I set up automatic monthly payments for my SD1 bill?
Automatic recurring payments are not available through the state's online system. You can set up a one-time automatic payment through your bank's bill pay feature if your bank supports it, or you can contact the Department of Revenue to arrange a manual payment plan where you pay each month on a set date.
