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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Catron County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, varies by taxing district
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Catron County operates under New Mexico's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Catron County are administered by the County Assessor's Office and collected by the County Treasurer, with assessments based on market value as determined by the New Mexico Property Tax Division.

The effective property tax rate in Catron County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Your actual tax rate depends on the combination of county-wide levies and special district assessments that apply to your property, including school districts, fire districts, and other special service areas. Properties are reassessed periodically, and New Mexico law allows for assessment increases that can substantially impact your tax liability unless mitigated by available tax credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General Fund0.35% - 0.45%Basic county services, administration, roads
School District0.30% - 0.50%Local school operations and facilities
State Education0.15% - 0.25%State-mandated school funding
Special Districts0.10% - 0.30%Fire protection, hospital, library services
Total Estimated Rate0.90% - 1.50%Varies by location and special districts

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 levy year and vary significantly based on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Contact the Catron County Assessor's Office for your exact rate breakdown, as special district boundaries create substantial variation across the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Nov 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 Catron County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When these events happen, the County Assessor determines the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, then calculates a prorated tax bill for the remainder of the fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Catron County in March 2025 that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $280,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional tax liability on the $80,000 increase from March through June 2025. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($80,000 × your property's tax rate × 4 months ÷ 12 months). Supplemental bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event and become delinquent if not paid within 30 days of the due date shown on the bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$600 (if applied for)
  • Net Tax Liability: $2,700 (assuming 0.9% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $225

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$600 (if applied for)
  • Less: Veterans Tax Credit: -$400 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax Liability: $5,400 (assuming 0.9% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $450

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$600 (if applied for)
  • Net Tax Liability: $10,400 (assuming 1.04% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $867

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Catron County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then remits property taxes directly to the Catron County Treasurer when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax liability by 12, plus an additional cushion amount (typically 2 months) to account for potential tax increases.

Property taxes in Catron County are due in two installments: the first half by January 10th and the second half by July 10th of each year. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and should make payments before these due dates to avoid penalties. You can verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking with the Catron County Treasurer's Office or accessing online payment records. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure that any escrow surplus is properly handled and that responsibility for future tax payments transfers appropriately.

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

Q: When are property taxes due in Catron County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first half is due by January 10, 2026, and the second half is due by July 10, 2026. Payments made on or before these dates incur no late fees.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: New Mexico offers several tax credits including the Homestead Tax Credit (limits assessment increases for owner-occupied homes), Veterans Tax Credit, Disability Tax Credit, and Low-Income Elderly Tax Credit. All credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor's Office by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases at a lower percentage for your primary residence, rather than reducing the property's market value. You must apply annually or as directed by the assessor to maintain this benefit.

Q: When does Catron County reassess properties? A: New Mexico conducts property reassessments on varying cycles. Contact the Catron County Assessor's Office for your property's specific reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with the valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes incur penalties and interest charges. First-half payments made after January 10th and second-half payments made after July 10th are subject to monthly penalties and accumulating interest.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Catron County Treasurer's Office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for your property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, hospital districts, or other special service areas. These vary significantly by location within Catron County and appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: New Mexico law provides for formal appeals of property assessments. Contact the Catron County Assessor's Office immediately upon receiving your assessment notice to learn about appeal procedures and strict filing deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
County Data Classificationnmlegis.gov
02
County
County Net Taxable Valuesnmdfa.state.nm.us
03
Treasurer's Officecatroncounty.us
04
Assessor's Officecatroncounty.us
05
Tax Doc
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committeenmlegis.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxes in New Mexiconmlegis.gov
07
Money Mattersnmlegis.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax : Individualstax.newmexico.gov
09
Yield Control Formulanmdfa.state.nm.us
10
NEW MEXICO REGISTERsrca.nm.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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