Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Colfax County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Colfax County

Property taxes in Colfax County are determined by a combination of the property’s taxable value and the local millage rate. The Colfax County Assessor’s Office is responsible for identifying, locating, and valuing all taxable property within the county. The process begins with the determination of the "Full Value" of your property. Under New Mexico law, the taxable value is generally calculated as one-third of the assessed value.

The millage rate, or tax rate, is set annually based on the budget requirements of local taxing entities, including school districts, municipal governments, and the county itself. Your total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your net taxable value by the composite mill rate for your specific tax district. Because mill rates vary depending on your exact location within Colfax County, two properties with identical values may have different tax obligations.

Available Exemptions

New Mexico offers several tax relief programs to help eligible homeowners reduce their property tax burden. These exemptions are applied to the taxable value of your primary residence:

• Head of Family Exemption: A flat $2,000 reduction in the taxable value of your primary residence.
• Veterans’ Exemption: Qualified honorably discharged veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for a reduction in taxable value. A "100% Disabled Veteran" exemption is also available, which may exempt the residence from all property taxes.
• Senior or Disabled Exemption: Low-income seniors (age 65+) or individuals with a permanent disability may qualify for a valuation freeze, which keeps the taxable value of their home at the level it was in the year they qualified.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Colfax County are typically mailed by the County Treasurer by November 1st of each year. Taxes are due in two equal installments:

• First Half: Due on November 10th and becomes delinquent if not paid by December 10th.
• Second Half: Due on April 10th and becomes delinquent if not paid by May 10th.

If you prefer, you may pay the full amount of your property taxes by December 10th. Failure to pay by the delinquency dates will result in the imposition of interest and penalty charges as mandated by state law. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to the sale of the property at a public tax auction.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the valuation of your property is inaccurate or inequitable, you have the right to file a formal protest. You must file a written protest with the Colfax County Assessor’s Office within 30 days of the date on your Notice of Value. It is recommended to provide evidence such as recent appraisals, photographs of structural issues, or sales data of comparable properties in your immediate neighborhood. Following your submission, the Assessor’s office will review your claim, and if a resolution is not reached, your case may be heard by the County Valuation Protests Board.