Property owners in Bernalillo County will see changes to their 2025 property taxes due to the introduction of a new taxing district and two exemptions approved by voters in 2024 for New Mexico veterans. The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration has issued the tax rates for 2025, with most property rates showing a decrease compared to those in 2023.
“Despite a new taxing authority in Bernalillo County being added to the tax rolls and two new initiatives aimed at helping veterans, for the most part – taxing districts kept their budgets modest,” said County Assessor Damian Lara. “As an example, a senior citizen on our Value Freeze program since 2023, with a taxable property value of $100,000 will pay $46 less in taxes in 2025 compared to 2023.”
Mill rates across Bernalillo County differ based on which entities levy taxes where properties are located. Property owners may be subject not only to city, county, educational, and hospital taxes but also to other assessments such as those from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District or the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority.
“This year, tax payers will be impacted by three new taxing initiatives being added to the tax rolls – one of them, Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District, and the other – two initiatives passed by voters in last year’s November General Election giving New Mexico’s veterans a break on their property taxes,” added BernCo Assessor Lara.
When voters approve new tax initiatives or create exemptions for groups like veterans, it can lead to shifts in how much individual property owners pay. For instance, if certain groups become exempt from some portion of property tax—as happened for New Mexico’s veterans—the resulting shortfall must be made up by increasing overall rates paid by others. Similarly, voter-approved authorities such as Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District receive funding through additional mill levies that appear on local bills.
“County Assessors don’t set the tax rate,” said BernCo Assessor Lara. “Taxing entities provide the State their budget to determine the tax rates, and we provide the assessment of property value to calculate the property taxes. At the end of the day a fair balance between property owners and fiscal responsibility from the taxing entities means everyone wins when tax bills arrive,” adds Lara.
Property owners should expect these adjustments reflected in their November 2025 bills.
Meanwhile, other issues continue within Bernalillo County government agencies. For example, the District Attorney’s office has expressed frustration over suspects violating GPS monitor rules while awaiting trial—a situation highlighted by recent high-profile cases.
