HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bernalillo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bernalillo County, NM. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
42.258 mills ($42.258 per $1,000 of assessed value)
1st Due
Nov 10
2nd Due
Apr 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bernalillo County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. The county assessor determines property values, while the treasurer collects taxes based on rates set by multiple taxing entities including the county, municipalities, school districts, and special improvement districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Bernalillo County property owners face a composite tax rate of approximately 42.258 mills (or $42.258 per $1,000 of assessed value). This rate reflects the combined levies of all applicable taxing jurisdictions within the county. Property taxes in Bernalillo County are assessed on one-third of the property's market value, providing some relief compared to states that tax full market value. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 1.2% to 1.5% of market value depending on the specific tax district and applicable exemptions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General8.500County operations, services, infrastructure
Public Schools18.750Albuquerque Public Schools operational levy
School Bond4.200Capital improvements and facility bonds
Municipal Levy6.800City services (varies by municipality)
Special Districts2.500Fire, water, sewer districts (varies by location)
Debt Service1.508Various bond obligations
Total Composite42.258Combined rate for typical urban property

Note: Actual rates vary by specific location within Bernalillo County based on which taxing jurisdictions serve the property. Rural areas may have different municipal and special district components.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bernalillo County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 10
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Apr 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Bernalillo County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include ownership transfers, new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, or corrections to previous assessments. Unlike the annual tax bill, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from when the change occurred.

The calculation uses the same tax rate as the regular assessment but applies only to the difference in assessed value. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on one-third of that value ($33,333 assessed value) multiplied by the applicable tax rate (42.258 mills), then prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. This would result in approximately $703 in supplemental taxes ($33,333 × 0.042258 × 0.5 years = $703).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (1/3): $100,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assumed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax (42.258 mills): $4,226
  • Monthly Escrow: $352

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (1/3): $200,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assumed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax (42.258 mills): $8,452
  • Monthly Escrow: $704

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (1/3): $333,333
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assumed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $333,333
  • Annual Tax (42.258 mills): $14,086
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,174

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bernalillo County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual tax bill plus a cushion amount (typically 2 months of payments) to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due. Property taxes in Bernalillo County are typically due in two installments: the first half due May 10th and the second half due November 10th.

Homeowners should verify their escrow payments annually by reviewing their tax statements and comparing them to their lender's escrow analysis. If there are discrepancies or if you're making direct payments, you can pay online, by mail, or in person through the Bernalillo County Treasurer's office. For current payment options, due dates, and account information, visit https://www.bernco.gov/treasurer/ where you can access your account and make secure payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Bernalillo County? Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by May 10th and second half by November 10th. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

What exemptions are available to homeowners? New Mexico offers various exemptions including the Veterans Disability Exemption, Head of Family Exemption, and Low-Income Elderly/Disabled Exemption. Contact the assessor's office for eligibility requirements and applications.

How is my property's assessed value determined? The Bernalillo County Assessor values property at one-third of market value using sales comparisons, cost approach, and income method for commercial properties. Residential properties are typically revalued every six years.

Can I appeal my property assessment? Yes, property owners can file an appeal with the County Valuation Protest Board if they believe their assessment is incorrect. Appeals must be filed by the statutory deadline, typically 30 days after receiving the notice of value.

What happens if I pay my taxes late? Late payments incur a penalty of 1% per month plus interest. After three years of delinquency, the property may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

How can I pay my property taxes online? Visit the Bernalillo County Treasurer's website to pay online using a checking account or credit card. Service fees may apply for credit card payments.

Do I need to file anything annually for property taxes? Generally no, unless you're applying for exemptions or have made significant property changes. The assessor maintains property records and sends annual tax notices.

What if I disagree with supplemental tax charges? You can appeal supplemental assessments using the same process as regular assessments. Contact the Bernalillo County Assessor's office at https://www.bernco.gov/assessor/ for appeal procedures and deadlines.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate