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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Quay County
Property Tax Guide

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

6 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% base rate plus mill levies, varies significantly by special districts and location
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Quay County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Quay County are administered by the County Assessor's office and collected by the County Treasurer, with tax bills based on the assessed value of real property multiplied by the applicable mill levy rates.

The effective tax rate in Quay County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. While New Mexico's base assessment rate is approximately 1% of market value, the actual tax burden depends on which special districts serve your specific property. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ from the base rate due to additional levies for school bonds, fire districts, hospital districts, and other local governmental entities that may apply to their particular area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operational levy
School Bond DebtVariesVoter-approved school construction bonds
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (where applicable)
Hospital DistrictVariesLocal hospital district levy (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, drainage, or other special districts

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Total effective rates vary significantly by location within Quay County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. For specific rates applicable to your property, contact the Quay County Assessor's office or refer to your current tax bill, as rates can range from approximately 15 mills to over 40 mills depending on district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Quay 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 property taxes in Quay County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and improvements rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed in January with an assessed value of $200,000, and the previous assessed value of the vacant lot was $20,000, a supplemental tax would be calculated on the $180,000 increase for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($180,000 ÷ 1,000) × applicable mill rate × (11 months ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (requires application): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $2,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $200

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (requires application): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $196,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $4,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $408

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,333
  • Less: Homestead Credit (requires application): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $329,333
  • Annual Tax (assuming 25 mills): $8,233
  • Monthly Escrow: $686

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual mill rates vary by location within Quay County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Quay County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, deposits these funds into a separate escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Quay County when they become due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using an escrow account.

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 Quay County for the current fiscal year? A: The first installment is due November 10, 2024, and the second installment is due May 10, 2025. Property tax returns must be filed by February 28, 2025, with an extended deadline of March 30, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: New Mexico offers various tax credits including the Homestead Credit for primary residences, Veterans Disability Credit, and Low Income Comprehensive Credit. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and requires filing an application. This credit caps assessment growth rather than reducing market value, and you must reapply periodically to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Quay County? A: New Mexico requires properties to be reassessed periodically, though the specific schedule may vary. Property owners receive notices of assessment changes and have the right to appeal if they believe the assessment is incorrect.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Quay County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Quay County Treasurer's office for available online payment options, as many New Mexico counties offer electronic payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Quay County? A: Tax rates differ based on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and municipal boundaries. Each district adds its own levy to fund specific services.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the County Board of Commissioners sitting as the County Board of Equalization. Specific deadlines and procedures apply, so contact the Quay County Assessor's office for current appeal information.

Verified Sources

Backed by 6 Official Government Sources

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

01
Minutesquaycounty-nm.gov
02
Tax Doc
taxation & revenue department property tax divisiontax.newmexico.gov
03
IMPORTANT DATEStax.newmexico.gov
04
State
state of new mexiconmlegis.gov
05
Tax Doc
Certificates of Property Tax Ratesnmdfa.state.nm.us
06
Tax Doc
Ordinance 18: Gross Receipts Tax Refunding Revenue Bondquaycounty-nm.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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