Frequently Asked Questions

All real property is valued on January 1st of each tax year. Improvements are valued on January 1st of each tax year, for improvements under construction at the time the valuation is adjusted depending on the percent completed. Personal property is also valued on January 1st of each tax year, but only that personal property used in the conduct of a business is taxed. Livestock is also valued on January 1st of each tax year, or as of the date they enter the County of Otero.

Property values are arrived at based on the sale prices of similar properties that have sold recently. For livestock the New Mexico livestock Board sets the mill levies annually.

Every taxpayer has the right to protest the value placed on his or her property. To do this you must contact our office within 30 days of receipt of your Notice of Value (NOV). The NOV is normally mailed in February or March of each year and must be mailed by April 1st. Forms will be provided on which you must indicate the value you think should be placed on your property. An informal hearing will then be scheduled at which we will show you how we arrived at the valuation for your property.

If you still believe that the value of your property is too high you will be scheduled for a formal hearing before the County Valuation Protest Board comprised of three voting members appointed as follows:

1. One member shall be a qualified elector of the county, and shall be appointed by the county commission for a term of two years;
2. One member shall be a qualified elector of the county, and shall have demonstrated experience in the field of valuation of property and shall be appointed by the county commission of a term of two years; and
3. One member shall be a property appraisal officer employed by the New Mexico's Property Tax Division, assigned by the director and shall be chairmen of the board.

If you disagree with the finding of the protest board you may file with the court of appeals a notice of appeal.

Several exemptions and special use considerations are available to taxpayers as follows:

• Head of Family
• Veterans
• Religious and Educational
• Agricultural

Each of the above exemptions has specific requirements. All forms are available on the Forms and Instructions page. If you have any questions, please contact our office.