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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Taos County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
6.5% effective rate (varies significantly by taxing district and municipality)
1st Due
May 10
2nd Due
Nov 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Taos County, New Mexico operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and county operations. Property taxes in Taos County are calculated based on assessed values and applied tax rates that vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple special taxing districts and municipal boundaries.

The effective property tax rate in Taos County is approximately 6.5% for the 2025 tax year, though this rate varies considerably depending on your specific location within the county. Properties within incorporated municipalities, school districts, and special service areas may have additional tax levies applied. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their property's specific taxing district combination, which can include county general fund, school districts, municipal taxes, and special assessments for services like fire protection or water districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County LevyVariableGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal school district funding
Municipal LevyVariableCity/town services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariableFire, water, hospital, or other special service districts
Total Combined Rate~6.5%Approximate combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: The combined tax rate of approximately 6.5% applies to the 2025 levy year, but actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Taos County. Properties may be subject to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipalities, and special service districts. Contact the Taos County Assessor's Office for your property's exact tax rate based on its specific taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Taos 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 Taos County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional tax based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, a supplemental assessment would be issued for the increased value ($150,000 difference) for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($150,000 × 6.5% tax rate × 9/12 months = $731.25). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular annual tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 6.5% = $19,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,625

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 6.5% = $39,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,250

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 6.5% = $65,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $5,417

Note: These examples use the approximate 6.5% rate and assume no tax credits have been applied. Available tax credits require separate applications and can reduce your final tax bill. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Taos County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment to cover annual property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Taos County when they become due.

Property tax bills in Taos County are due December 10th annually, with an option to pay in two installments (first installment due November 10th). Lenders usually pay the full annual amount by the December deadline. Your mortgage servicer should provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made on your behalf, and you can verify these payments through the Taos County Treasurer's online portal. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly.

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 Taos County for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, property taxes are due December 10th. You can pay in full by this date or make two installments with the first due November 10th and the second due December 10th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: New Mexico offers various tax credits including veteran disability credits, low-income/elderly credits, and agricultural use credits. ALL tax credits require separate applications filed with the County Assessor's office and are NOT automatically applied to your bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work in New Mexico? A: New Mexico's homestead exemption is limited compared to other states. It provides some protection but requires application with the County Assessor. This is not an automatic benefit and must be applied for annually in some cases.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Taos County? A: New Mexico requires annual assessment updates, but significant revaluations typically occur every few years. Property values are adjusted based on market conditions and sales data.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Penalty and interest apply to late payments after the December 10th due date. Contact the Taos County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and interest calculations.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Taos County offers online payment options. Check the Taos County Treasurer's website for available payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary within the county? A: Properties may be located within different combinations of school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, or municipal boundaries, each with separate tax levies that are added to your total bill.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Assessor's office by specific deadlines, typically in early spring. Contact the Taos County Assessor for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Property ownership changes, new construction, major improvements, or other events that increase assessed value during the tax year will generate a supplemental tax bill for the increased amount.

Q: Where can I find my exact tax rate? A: Your property tax bill shows the specific rate for your location. You can also contact the Taos County Assessor's office with your property address to determine which taxing districts apply to your property.

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