Estimate your quarterly taxes as a self-employed worker in Rapid City for 2026, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, with no South Dakota state income tax.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Rapid City freelancers pay federal self-employment tax and federal income tax, but South Dakota has no state income tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. The state relies on sales tax and tourism-related revenue. Combined with low property taxes, South Dakota is consistently ranked among the most tax-friendly states.
| Tax Component | Rate / Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Tax | 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit |
| Social Security portion | 12.4% on first $176,100 |
| Medicare portion | 2.9% (no cap) |
| SE Tax Deduction | Deduct half of SE tax from income |
| Federal Standard Deduction (Single) | $15,000 |
| South Dakota State Income Tax | No state income tax |
| Rapid City Local Income Tax | None |
| Quarterly Due Dates | April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 |
Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, with an economy built on tourism, Ellsworth Air Force Base and its bomber mission, healthcare serving a wide region, and retail trade for the western Dakotas and eastern Wyoming.
| Local Metric | Rapid City (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 78,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Pennington County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 89 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $19.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $38.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $11.20/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,000/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,250/month |
| Median home price | $320,000 |
| Median household income | $60,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 6.2% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.1% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax, you generally must pay quarterly. This covers freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, and LLC members in Rapid City. South Dakota has no state income tax, so only federal estimated payments apply.
Federal estimated taxes are due April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15. There are no state estimated payments in South Dakota.
A common rule is 25% to 35% of net profit. Without state income tax, Rapid City freelancers can often target the lower end of that range. Use the calculator above for your numbers.
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to $176,100 of net earnings, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap). It applies to 92.35% of net profit, and half of it is deductible against income tax.
Rapid City does not levy a local personal income tax. Your estimated payments cover federal taxes only, since South Dakota has no state income tax.