State Summary

• Tax Collection Method: Deeds
• Primary Bidding Type: Premium
• Redemption Period: None
• Redemption Interest Rate/Flat Penalty: Not applicable

The following information summarizes the life cycle, requirements, and administering of tax liens in the state of New Mexico. Please read this information carefully. There are tax collection laws that pertain to all counties in New Mexico, but be aware that there are subtle differences between the counties as well. When the word "typical" is used in the FAQs below, it indicates that most counties use this procedure/follow this convention, but not all counties.

Is New Mexico a tax lien or a tax deed state?
New Mexico is a tax deed state.

What is the name of the county official whom typically collects property taxes in New Mexico?
The County Treasurer.

When are property taxes due in the state of New Mexico?
Taxpayers have the option of paying one full payment due November 10, or paying in two installments, with the first installment being due November 10 and the second installment being due April 10.

When do property taxes become delinquent in the state of New Mexico? 
The full payment or the first installment payment becomes delinquent on December 10, and the second installment payment becomes delinquent on May 10. Interest on delinquent tax bills accrue at 1% per month. A 1% flat penalty is also assessed each month that a tax bill is delinquent. The counties stop adding the 1% flat penalty after the fifth month, but 1% simple interest keeps accruing until the tax bill is paid.

What is the name of the official or office whom typically conducts tax deed sales in New Mexico?
The State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department handles tax deed sales for all counties.

When does the typical New Mexico county hold their tax deed sale?
There are no set timelines on when New Mexico counties will hold their tax deed sale. The State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department posts a notice of a county tax sale 25 days prior to the sale date.

What are the registration requirements for the typical New Mexico tax deed sale?
Bidders at a State of New Mexico tax deed sale can register up until the morning of the sale. Persons acting as representatives or agents for a business entity or another individual must provide documented proof that they have the power to bid on the entity's or individual's behalf.

What is the bidding type used at a typical New Mexico tax deed sale?
The State of New Mexico hold premium public outcry auctions to sell tax deeds.

What are the general terms of payment for the typical tax deed purchased at an New Mexico tax deed sale?
All counties require full payment of the tax deed on the day of the sale. Accepted payment is cashier's check, money order, personal check or company check. Checks must be accompanied by a letter of credit from the issuing bank.

Are tax deeds offered "over-the-counter" in New Mexico?
No.

What is the name of the local official whom typically determines the values of properties on a annual basis?
County Assessor.

For more information on delinquent real estate taxes and tax deeds in the state of New Mexico, refer to Chapter 7: Taxation in the New Mexico Statutes.



New Mexico County Reference