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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sierra County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
7.1875% composite rate (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sierra County's property tax system operates under New Mexico state law, funding essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and special districts. Property taxes in Sierra County are calculated using assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with tax rates varying significantly depending on your property's location within special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries.

For the 2025 levy year, Sierra County's overall property tax rate is 7.1875%, though this represents a composite rate that varies by location. Your actual tax rate depends on which combination of taxing entities serve your property area. Most residential properties are assessed at approximately 33.33% of market value under New Mexico's assessment methodology, with the final tax calculated by multiplying your net assessed value by the applicable mill levy rate for your specific area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariableCounty operations, roads, public safety
School DistrictVariableK-12 education funding varies by district
State EducationVariableStatewide education support
Debt ServiceVariableBond payments for infrastructure projects
Special DistrictsVariableFire, water, road districts as applicable
Total Composite71.8757.1875% effective rate for levy year 2025

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by location within Sierra County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Sierra County Assessor's office for your specific area's breakdown. These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2025-2026).

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sierra 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership, new construction completion, or other assessable improvements during the tax year. In Sierra County, supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in October that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $400,000, triggering a reassessment to $300,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value from October through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($300,000 - $200,000) × 33.33% × 7.1875% × (3 months ÷ 12 months) = approximately $599. Supplemental bills are mailed directly to property owners and typically aren't handled through mortgage escrow accounts.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $99,990
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $97,990
  • Annual Tax (7.1875%): $7,042
  • Monthly Payment: $587

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $199,980
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $197,980
  • Annual Tax (7.1875%): $14,226
  • Monthly Payment: $1,186

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (33.33%): $333,300
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $331,300
  • Annual Tax (7.1875%): $23,812
  • Monthly Payment: $1,984

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application with the County Assessor. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sierra County collect property taxes through escrow accounts, spreading the annual tax burden across 12 monthly payments. Your lender analyzes your tax history and estimated annual taxes to determine monthly escrow contributions, typically adding a small cushion for potential increases.

Property taxes in Sierra County are payable in two installments: the first half is due by August 31st, and the second half is due by April 10th of the following year. Lenders typically pay the first installment in August and the second in April using your accumulated escrow funds. You should receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments are allocated and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to verify that your lender receives and pays any supplemental tax bills, as these are often mailed only to property owners and may not be automatically included in escrow payments.

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 Sierra County for the current tax year? A: For the 2025 levy year, the first installment is due August 31, 2025, and the second installment is due April 10, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: New Mexico offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit for primary residences and credits for veterans, seniors, and disabled persons. All credits require annual application with the Sierra County Assessor's office by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a tax credit (not exemption) and helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. It requires annual application and caps how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, providing tax stability for homeowners.

Q: When does the County Assessor revalue properties? A: New Mexico conducts property revaluations on a regular cycle. Contact the Sierra County Assessor for the current revaluation schedule and appeal process if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments accrue interest and penalties. First installment payments after August 31st and second installment payments after April 10th will incur additional charges.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Sierra County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods for current tax year obligations.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Sierra County? A: Tax rates depend on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, water districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties in different areas pay different rates based on their specific service combinations.

Q: How do I apply for available tax credits? A: Contact the Sierra County Assessor's office for applications and deadlines. Most credits have annual application requirements and specific eligibility criteria that must be met and verified.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County Data Classificationnmlegis.gov
02
Tax Doc
Certificates of Property Tax Ratesnmdfa.state.nm.us
03
Combined CMP GRT table and schedule 202501 vF.xlsxtaoscountynm.gov
04
IMPORTANT DATEStax.newmexico.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Informationsierracounty.ca.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxes in New Mexiconmlegis.gov
07
Money Mattersnmlegis.gov
08
NEW MEXICO REGISTERsrca.nm.gov
09
County
Payments | Sierra County, CA - Official Websitesierracounty.ca.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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