Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Quay County

In Quay County, property taxes are determined by the interaction between the assessed value of your property and the local millage rate (tax rate). The Quay County Assessor’s office is responsible for determining the "taxable value" of all real and personal property. Under New Mexico law, property is generally assessed at 33.33% of its market value. Once the taxable value is established, it is multiplied by the millage rate, which is set annually by various taxing entities, including the county, municipal governments, and school districts. These rates are expressed in dollars per $1,000 of taxable value. It is important to note that New Mexico has strict limitations on annual valuation increases for residential properties, typically capped at 3% per year unless there is a change in ownership or new construction.

Available Exemptions

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

• Head of Family Exemption: A $2,000 reduction in the taxable value for residents who qualify as the head of a family in New Mexico.
• Veterans Exemption: Qualified veterans or their surviving spouses may receive a reduction in taxable value. This includes both the standard veteran exemption and, in some cases, a full exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
• Senior Citizen or Disabled Person Valuation Freeze: Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those who are permanently disabled, may be eligible to freeze the valuation of their primary residence, preventing future increases in the taxable value regardless of market fluctuations, provided they meet specific income requirements.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

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

• First Half: Due by November 10th. If not paid by December 10th, the installment becomes delinquent.
• Second Half: Due by April 10th of the following year. If not paid by May 10th, the installment becomes delinquent.

If you choose to pay the entire annual amount at once, you may do so by the November 10th deadline. Failure to pay by the specified delinquency dates will result in the accrual of interest and penalty charges. Continued non-payment may eventually lead to the placement of a tax lien on the property and potential sale at a public 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 with the Quay County Assessor. You must file your protest within 30 days of the date on your Notice of Value. The process typically involves submitting a written petition detailing your reasons for the appeal, such as comparable sales data, appraisal reports, or evidence of physical defects. Following your submission, the Assessor’s office will review your evidence, and you may be granted a hearing before the County Valuation Protests Board if a resolution is not reached informally.