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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hidalgo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hidalgo 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
6.5000% effective rate countywide, varies by district and special levies
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hidalgo County, New Mexico operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. The county uses an assessment-based system where properties are valued and taxed according to their assessed value, with taxes collected in two installments throughout the year.

For the 2025 tax year, Hidalgo County has an effective property tax rate of 6.5000% for most areas within the county. However, actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional levies for school bonds or infrastructure projects. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location and applicable special districts, as rates can differ substantially between municipalities and unincorporated areas within Hidalgo County.

The county follows New Mexico's statewide property tax framework, with local assessments conducted regularly and tax bills calculated based on net taxable value after applicable credits are applied. Property owners are responsible for understanding their specific tax obligations and applying for any available tax credits, as most benefits require active application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyVariableGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal school district operations and facilities
Municipal ServicesVariableCity services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariableFire, water, sewer, and other special service areas
Total Rate (FY 2025)6.5000%Combined rate for remainder of county

Note: The 6.5000% rate applies to the general county area for Levy Year 2025. Rates vary significantly for specific municipalities and special taxing districts within Hidalgo County. Property owners should verify their exact rate by consulting their tax statement or contacting the Hidalgo County Assessor's office, as some areas may have substantially different rates due to additional municipal levies or special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hidalgo 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 property taxes in Hidalgo County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use outside of the regular assessment cycle. The most common triggers include new construction, completion of major improvements, changes in property classification, or corrections to previous assessments.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference on a prorated basis.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition to their home in March, and the addition increases the assessed value by $80,000, they would owe supplemental taxes on that $80,000 increase from March through the end of the tax year. At a 6.5% tax rate, this would equal approximately $4,333 in supplemental taxes ($80,000 × 6.5% × 10 months ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (NM assesses at market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Annual Tax (6.5%): $19,370
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,614

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Annual Tax (6.5%): $38,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,239

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax (6.5%): $64,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $5,406

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. The Homestead exemption shown is estimated and may vary. Additional credits may be available for seniors (65+) and disabled persons, which also require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hidalgo County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect one-twelfth of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal regulations.

Property taxes in Hidalgo County are due in two installments: the first installment by June 1st and the second installment by October 1st. Lenders usually pay these installments directly from the escrow account on behalf of the property owner. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making payments on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders will adjust monthly payments if there's a shortage or surplus. Property owners can request escrow account statements and should review them regularly to ensure accuracy. If paying taxes independently without an escrow account, property owners must ensure they make both installments on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Hidalgo County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - the first installment is due by June 1st and the second installment is due by October 1st. Late payments incur penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Hidalgo County offers Homestead credits for primary residences, senior credits for those over 65, and disabled person credits. All credits require application through the County Assessor's office and are NOT automatic. Contact the assessor's office for current application deadlines and requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides a reduction in assessed value for primary residences and may include caps on assessment increases. You must file an application with the County Assessor's office. This benefit requires annual or periodic renewal and does not automatically transfer with property ownership changes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hidalgo County? A: New Mexico requires counties to conduct property revaluations on a regular cycle. Contact the Hidalgo County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your property's valuation.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure varies, so contact the County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Hidalgo County website or contact the County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Hidalgo County? A: Different areas within the county are subject to various special taxing districts for services like fire protection, water, sewer, schools, and municipal services. Your specific location determines which districts apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after receiving your notice of value. Contact the Hidalgo County Assessor's office immediately if you believe your assessment is incorrect, as appeal deadlines are strictly enforced.

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 Net Taxable Valuesnmdfa.state.nm.us
02
Combined CMP GRT table and schedule 202501 vF.xlsxtaoscountynm.gov
03
County
County Data Classificationnmlegis.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQhidalgocounty.us
05
Tax Doc
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committeenmlegis.gov
06
Tax Doc
Certificates of Property Tax Ratesnmdfa.state.nm.us
07
Tax Doc
TAX RATEhidalgocounty.us
08
Tax Doc
Property Taxes in New Mexiconmlegis.gov
09
County
Hidalgo County - 2023 -2027 CONSOLIDATED PLAN ...alton-tx.gov
10
State
state of new mexiconmlegis.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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