Dona Ana County re-appraises property each year. The total value determined by the assessor for real property each tax year is based on the market value of the property in the prior year. For example your 2010 notice of value will reflect a 2009 market value. However, there are restrictions against increasing residential property valuations, i.e. Houses, apartments, manufactured homes. Under state law, valuation increases on residential property must not exceed 3 percent per year if the market value has increased more than 3 percent over last year’s value. Example:

• 2008 Assessor’s Full Value was $100,000
  
• 2009 Assessor’s Full Value can not exceed $103,000
  
• 2010 Assessor’s Full Value can not exceed $106,090

THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS TO
THE LIMITATIONS.

THE LIMITATIONS DOES NOT APPLY TO:

• Property that has changed in ownership due to a sale. In this case the valuation cap is removed in the tax year after the sale date and the Assessor’s valuation must be changed to reflect the market value of the sale date. This is especially important to potential home buyers. Please be aware of the potential increase in property valuation that could lead to increased taxes.
  
  
• Property that is placed on the tax rolls for the first time such as a new home.
  
  
• Any new improvements made to property in the year prior to current tax year such as additions or outbuildings.
  
  
• Property whose use or zoning has changed.

HEAD OF FAMILY EXEMPTIONS
The Head of Family Exemption is a $2,000 reduction of the taxable value of your residential real estate. Only one person in a household may qualify as Head of Family, and it may only be applied in one county in the state. Essentially, any New Mexico resident who provides more than half the cost of support to the household may qualify. Dependants are not a requirement. By claiming this exemption you may save between $44 and $63 per year in taxes, depending on which tax district your property lies.

VETERAN’S EXEMPTION
The Veteran’s Exemption is a $4,000 reduction in the taxable value of your real estate. Any honorably discharged veteran (or the veteran’s unmarried surviving spouse) who has applied with the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission and has been issued a “certificate of eligibility” may qualify for this benefit. For first time applicants, the certificate must be presented to the Assessor’s Office within the deadline. Once the exemption is claimed and applied, it remains applied to the property until the ownership of that property changes. With this exemption you may save between $88 and $126 per year in taxes, depending on which tax district your property lies.

100% DISABLED VETERAN EXEMPTION
Any veteran who is deemed 100 percent disabled (or the veteran’s unmarried surviving spouse) who has applied with the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission and has been issued a “certificate of eligibility” may qualify for a 100 percent exemption from property taxes on his or her place of residence. Once the exemption is claimed and applied, it will remain applied to the property until the ownership of that property changes. Other circumstances may apply.

VALUATION FREEZE
If you are 65 years or older OR permanently disabled (at any age) AND had a modified gross income of $32,000 or less in 2009, you may apply for a property-valuation freeze for your residence. Application must be submitted along with proof of income, age & disability. Freezing your valuation will help minimize your property value increases.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?
The deadline for claiming the head of family, veterans, 100 percent disabled veteran’s exemptions, as well as the valuation freeze is 30 days after the official date of mailing as indicated yearly on the Assessor’s official “Notice of Value.” Dona Ana County typically mails notices on or around March 31st of each year. You can apply in person or by mail. Veteran Exemptions must be claimed in person.

WHY DID MY PROPERTY VALUE GO UP 3% THIS YEAR,
WHEN THE MARKET IS DECLINING?

Most likely the value on your residential property increased 3% because the assessor’s valuation has been capped in prior years while the market was increasing by much more than 3%. It may have been capped between one and eight years, depending on how long you have owned your home. The law went in to effect in 2001. The assessor’s capped value may be very low relative to the real time market value and therefore may not reflect the current market value, thus it must be re-appraised and increased by up to 3% per year.

New Mexico law requires the disclosure of residential sales information to the County Assessor’s Office. This must be accomplished by filing a notarized affidavit at the Assessor’s office within thirty days of the date of filing a deed, real estate contract or memorandum of real estate contract with the County Clerk. There are some exceptions for having to comply with the disclosure. The exceptions are listed on the back of the required form, and the form can be viewed on our website. All information collected is required to be kept confidential with the Assessor’s office, and will not be made available as public information. Failure to comply with the law could result in a conviction of a misdemeanor and punishable by the imposition of a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Free notary service is available in our office for this purpose.

QUESTIONS?

Contact the office of the
Doña Ana County Assessor

"We are happy to assist you!"

All aspects and laws relating to property tax assessments are not covered in this informational web page. For more information on other topics please visit our website :

donaanacounty.org/assessor

or call us at 575-647-7400

Gary Pérez
County Asessor
845 N. Motel Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88007
575-647-7400 (phone)
575-525-5538 (fax)

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