▼

County Assessor's Office

Show All Answers

1. Why does the Taos County Assessor value my property?

In order to fund local city government, county government, schools, police, fire, emergency services, etc., each property owner pays taxes based on the value of the property owned by him/her.

2. When are the “Notice of Valuations” mailed?

The Assessor is required to mail “Notices of Valuations” on April 1st of each year, unless an extension is deemed necessary and is granted by the State Property Tax Division.

3. Who is eligible for the “Head of Family Exemption” and how is it applied?

The “Head of Family” exemption may be granted upon application to an individual New Mexico Resident who is either: (1) Married, (2) Widow or Widower, (3) Head of Household, or (4) A Single person, provided it is the primary home and they reside in the home. The amount of the exemption is $2,000.00 and is applied against the net taxable value of property. One per household.

4. How is the “Veterans Exemption Status” determined and how does it affect property taxes?

The New Mexico Veteran’s Service Commission determines all eligibilities and issues a certificate to all qualifying veterans. A maximum amount of $4,000.00 may be claimed against a property’s value and or a motor vehicle’s license fee. (See Veterans Exemption on page 4, for the allowable amounts) The certificate should be taken to the Motor Vehicles Department first, if claimant desires to use the exemption in the Assessor’s Office and the Motor Vehicle Department both. The amount the Motor Vehicle Department determines is used to pay license fees and is then divided by a 4.5 factor. The amount is then subtracted from the allowable amount, and the remaining amount may then be claimed against property taxes at the Taos County Assessor’s Office. If the entire allowable amount is claimed at the Taos County Assessor’s Office it will not be necessary to claim the exemption every year, it will automatically be applied every year. It is only necessary for the veteran to present the certificate if there is a change of property ownership or if they choose to use a portion of the allowable amount at the Motor Vehicle Department. The deadline for claiming the veteran’s exemption is 30 days after the Notice of Valuation is mailed of each year.

5. How can I find out if any organization warrants an exemption for property owned by it?

State law requires non-governmental entities to meet certain requirements before an exemption is granted for property taxes. Included in these requirements are:

1) Primary use of land or improvements, regardless of the character of the owner, is of charitable, religious, or educational benefit to the public.

2) There must be no profit derived from the use of the property. The burden of proof is on the property owner to document eligibility on an annual basis. If you feel your property may qualify, an application must be obtained from the Taos County Assessor’s Office by February 28th, of each year.