FAQs • Lea County, NM • CivicEngage

If I can't pay my taxes when due, what are the late payment charges?: Interest will be charged on unpaid taxes at the rate of 1% per month. A penalty charge of 1% per month will also be charged. The penalty will not exceed 5% of the unpaid base tax. A minimum penalty of $5 will be charged. Penalty and interest will be charged on both 1st and 2nd half tax amounts when delinquent.

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Treasurer

1. When are tax bills mailed?: Tax bills are mailed before or on November 1st of each year. If you did not receive your tax bill, please call 396-8643 and the office staff will assist you with a duplicate tax bill.

2. When is my 1st half tax payment due?: First-half payments are due November 10th and become delinquent if not paid by December 10th.

3. When is my 2nd half tax payment due?: Second-half payments are due April 10th and become delinquent if not paid by May 10th. No notice of second-half payments is mailed.

4. If I didn't receive my tax bill and it is after the delinquency date, do I have to pay late charges?: According to §7-38-36 NMSA 1978, a taxpayer is still liable for taxes and late charges even though the bill was not received.

5. If I can't pay my taxes when due, what are the late payment charges?: Interest will be charged on unpaid taxes at the rate of 1% per month. A penalty charge of 1% per month will also be charged. The penalty will not exceed 5% of the unpaid base tax. A minimum penalty of $5 will be charged. Penalty and interest will be charged on both 1st and 2nd half tax amounts when delinquent.

6. When I pay my taxes, will I receive a receipt?: Taxpayers who pay their tax bill at the Treasurer's Office will receive a receipt. If a taxpayer pays their tax bill by mail, a receipt will be returned if a pre-addressed and stamped envelope is enclosed.

7. I received a tax bill but my mortgage company pays my taxes?: Each property owner receives a tax bill whether or not a mortgage company pays the taxes. If a mortgage company requests a copy of your tax bill, your tax amount will be submitted to the mortgage company on a computer listing. Taxpayer should check their tax bill to see that it correctly reflects their mortgage company. If the information is not correct, please contact the mortgage company. Tax bills are provided to mortgage companies only upon request by the mortgage company.

8. Why does the prior owner's name still appear on my tax bill?: The prior owner's name is used for tracking purposes. When you sell the property, your name will appear on the tax bill as a prior owner.