Doña Ana County Property Taxes: A Guide

The amount you owe in property taxes depends on several factors:

• • Assessed Property Value: The Doña Ana County Assessor’s Office determines your property’s taxable value based on market conditions. This value is typically a percentage of the home’s market value.

• • Tax Ratio: New Mexico uses a tax ratio, which can vary annually, to calculate the taxable value from the assessed value. You can find the current tax ratio on the Doña Ana County Assessor’s website.

• • Mill Levy Rate: A mill levy is the tax rate applied to the taxable value of your property. Each taxing district within the county has its own mill rate, which is combined to determine your final tax obligation. This means that properties within the same city can have different tax rates depending on the specific taxing districts they fall under.

• • Exemptions and Deductions: Various tax exemptions can lower your total tax bill.

Tax rates can change annually and vary depending on the taxing districts your property is located in.

To get the most up-to-date tax rate for your specific location, you can visit the Doña Ana County Treasurer’s Office website or review your property tax bill.

Property taxes are billed in two halves each year:

• First Half Payment: Due November 10 (delinquent after December 10, though a grace period may apply)
• Second Half Payment: Due April 10 (delinquent after May 10, though a grace period may apply)

Failing to pay your taxes on time may result in penalties, interest charges, and potential tax liens on your property.

New Mexico law provides several exemptions that can lower your Doña Ana County property taxes:

1. Head of Household Exemption: If you are a resident of New Mexico and the head of a household, you may qualify for a $2,000 exemption off your taxable property value.
2. Veteran and Disabled Veteran Exemptions: Qualified veterans may receive a $4,000 reduction in their taxable property value. This applies to disabled veterans with a disability rating below 100%. Fully disabled veterans may be 100% exempt from property taxes.
3. Low-Income Senior Property Tax Freeze: Residents 65 years or older with an income below a certain threshold can apply for a property valuation freeze, which prevents tax increases due to property value appreciation.
4. Agricultural and Special Land Use Exemptions: Land designated for agricultural use may receive tax benefits, significantly lowering assessed values compared to residential or commercial properties.

The Doña Ana County Treasurer’s Office offers multiple ways to pay your property taxes:

• Online: Payments can be made through the county’s official website using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
• In-Person: You can visit the Treasurer’s Office in Las Cruces to pay in cash, check, or money order.
• By Mail: Payments can be mailed to the county office. Ensure they are postmarked before the due date to avoid penalties.
• Drop Box: Some locations offer drop boxes for after-hours payments.

If you miss your tax payment deadlines, the following penalties may apply:

• Late Fees and Interest: Delinquent taxes accrue interest at 1% per month plus a penalty of up to 5%.
• Tax Liens: If taxes remain unpaid for more than two years, the property may be sold at a tax auction conducted by the New Mexico Department of Taxation & Revenue.
• Credit Impact: Unpaid taxes may result in a lien that can affect your ability to sell or refinance your home.

Yes, Doña Ana County offers payment plans, usually for delinquent taxpayers. Contact the Treasurer’s Office for details.

You can file an appeal within 30 days of receiving your property valuation notice.

You can view or request a copy of your bill online at the Doña Ana County Treasurer’s Office website.

Understanding Doña Ana County property taxes is essential for homeowners, investors, and businesses.

By staying informed about tax rates, payment deadlines, exemptions, and assessment appeals, you can effectively manage your tax obligations and avoid unnecessary penalties.

If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to the Doña Ana County Assessor’s or Treasurer’s Office for professional guidance.