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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lincoln County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus local district additions, varies by location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lincoln County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, and other special district services. Property taxes in Lincoln County are administered by the County Assessor's office, which is responsible for locating, identifying, and establishing fair market value for all real and personal property within the county as mandated by New Mexico state statutes and regulations.

Property tax rates in Lincoln County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other municipal service areas. The New Mexico state base assessment rate is approximately 1% of market value, with actual effective rates varying based on your specific property location and the special districts that serve your area. Tax bills are mailed by November 1st each year as required by state statute, with payments due by March 1st of the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for Lincoln County are set annually by the county board before the tax year begins. Rates vary significantly by location within the county based on special taxing districts.

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and bond payments
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (varies by district)
Special AssessmentsVariesDebt service, infrastructure improvements
State EducationVariesState-mandated education funding

Note: Specific 2025 tax rates are not yet available and will be published on the county's official website once set by the county board. Rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary by special taxing districts within Lincoln County boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements completed during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include the purchase of property, completion of new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or corrections to previous assessments. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in July, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the increased assessment from July through the end of the tax year, calculated at your property's applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates as 2025 rates are not yet published. Actual rates will vary by special taxing districts serving your property location.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (≈1%): $3,000
  • Less: Veterans Tax Credit (if applicable): -$4,000 maximum
  • Net Taxable Value: $0 (in this example)
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $0
  • Monthly Escrow: $0

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (≈1%): $6,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (application required): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: varies
  • Estimated Annual Tax: varies by district
  • Monthly Escrow: varies

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (≈1%): $10,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits (application required): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: varies
  • Estimated Annual Tax: varies by district
  • Monthly Escrow: varies

Note: Most tax credits require annual application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lincoln County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property tax bill directly to Lincoln County when due on March 1st each year.

Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal law. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your escrow funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Lincoln County Treasurer's office or monitoring your account through their online payment system, Point & Pay.

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 Lincoln County property taxes due? Property taxes are due by March 1st each year. Tax bills are mailed by November 1st as required by New Mexico state statute.

What tax credits are available and do they require applications? Most tax credits in Lincoln County require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the County Assessor's office to determine available credits, application requirements, and deadlines. Common credits may include veterans' credits and homestead credits.

How does the Homestead tax credit work? The Homestead tax credit typically limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires annual application and filing with the County Assessor's office. Contact the assessor for specific application procedures and deadlines.

When are properties reassessed? New Mexico follows state statutes for assessment schedules. Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for current assessment cycles and procedures.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payment penalties and interest apply to property taxes not paid by the March 1st deadline. Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and calculation methods.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Lincoln County offers online payment options through Point & Pay for current year taxes. You can also pay by phone or mail.

How do special district taxes affect my bill? Your property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location, including school districts, fire districts, and other municipal service areas. Rates vary throughout the county based on these district combinations.

How do I appeal my property assessment? If you believe your property assessment is incorrect, contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines. Appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

What if my home suffered fire or flood damage? The County Assessor's office specifically requests that property owners contact them as soon as possible if your home suffered any fire or flood damage, as this may affect your property's assessed value.

Where can I get more information? Contact the Lincoln County Assessor's office for assessment questions or the County Treasurer's office for payment and collection questions. Check the county's official website for updated tax rates and forms.

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