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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chaves County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
6.2708% base rate for general revenue, varies by special taxing districts within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chaves County, New Mexico operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes in Chaves County are assessed annually based on the market value of real property, with the county applying a tax rate of 6.2708% for general revenue purposes as of 2025. This rate is applied to the assessed value of properties after any applicable tax credits are deducted.

The actual tax burden varies significantly depending on your specific location within Chaves County due to the presence of different special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other municipal service areas. These special districts can add additional levies to your property tax bill, making it essential to understand which districts apply to your specific property. The New Mexico Property Tax Code also includes assessment limits, with the assessor's full value capped at $106,090 for 2025, providing some protection against rapid increases in property valuations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General Revenue6.2708%Base county levy for FY 2025-2026
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy depending on local school district
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, improvement districts, other local services
MunicipalVariesCity taxes if within incorporated areas

Note: The total effective tax rate varies by location within Chaves County based on which special taxing districts apply to your property. The 6.2708% general revenue rate is the base county rate for levy year 2025, but your actual rate may be higher depending on local district assessments. Property owners should review their tax bill to identify all applicable district levies.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Chaves County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor determines the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to calculate the additional tax owed.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $250,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 increase in assessed value. The supplemental tax would be calculated by multiplying $50,000 by the applicable tax rate (6.2708% plus any special district rates) and then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Head of Family Credit: -$2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Annual Tax (6.2708%): $1,869
  • Monthly Escrow: $156

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Head of Family Credit: -$2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Annual Tax (6.2708%): $3,752
  • Monthly Escrow: $313

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Head of Family Credit: -$2,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax (6.2708%): $6,258
  • Monthly Escrow: $522

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Actual tax bills will include additional special district levies. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chaves County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment and disbursing funds directly to the county treasurer when taxes are due. Your lender will typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount to account for potential increases.

Property taxes in Chaves County are paid in two installments: the first half is due November 10th and becomes delinquent after December 10th, while the second half is due April 10th and becomes delinquent after May 10th. Your escrow servicer will make these payments on your behalf according to this schedule. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, as changes in assessed value or tax rates may require adjustments to your monthly escrow payment. You can verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking with the Chaves County Treasurer's office or through their online payment portal.

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 Chaves County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due November 10th and becomes delinquent December 11th. The second installment is due April 10th and becomes delinquent May 11th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Head of Family Credit provides up to $2,000 reduction in taxable value for qualifying residential properties. The Disabled Veteran Exemption is also available for eligible veterans. Both credits require separate application and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the Head of Family Credit work? A: This credit reduces your taxable value by up to $2,000 if you qualify as head of household for a residential property. You must apply for this credit through the County Assessor's office - it is not automatic.

Q: When does the county assess properties and how can I appeal? A: Property assessments are conducted annually with values typically established by January 1st. If you disagree with your assessment, you can file an appeal with the County Valuation Protest Board during the designated protest period.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Property taxes become delinquent the day after the due date. Interest and penalties accrue on delinquent amounts, and properties with taxes delinquent for multiple years may be subject to tax lien sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Chaves County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts that apply to your specific location, including school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Two properties with the same value can have different tax bills based on these district variations.

Q: What is the assessor's full value limit for 2025? A: For 2025, the assessor's full value cannot exceed $106,090, up from $103,000 in 2024. This limit helps control assessment increases in rapidly appreciating markets.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits each year? A: Most tax credits require initial application but may continue automatically once approved, though you should verify with the County Assessor's office about renewal requirements for specific credits.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Change in ownership, new construction, additions, or improvements that increase your property's assessed value during the tax year will trigger a supplemental tax assessment for the remaining portion of that tax year.

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