Doña Ana County assessor explains property valuations, notices of value and how to protest

Doña Ana County Assessor Gina Eugenia Montoya Ortega told listeners that the assessor's office sets property values for all county property — residential, commercial, personal property and livestock — so the treasurer can prepare tax bills. She said notices of value are normally sent April 1 and “when you get your notice of value, you have 30 days after we send out the notices of value to come into our office and be able to protest that value.”

Why it matters: the assessor's valuation determines the basis for your property tax bill. Montoya Ortega said reviewing the notice is the essential first step because it starts the window for filing a protest or applying for exemptions that can reduce taxable value.

How the process works: Montoya Ortega described a multi-step review. Property owners who disagree should bring documentation — comparable sales, photos or other evidence — to the assessor's office. Appraisers will review submitted materials; if disagreement continues, the matter can proceed to a formal protest hearing. “The state chairs the protest hearing and we actually have two community members here from Doña Ana County that sit on that board,” she said, describing how the board hears both sides and may make a determination immediately or take evidence for a later written decision.

Exemptions and special programs: Montoya Ortega listed several reliefs residents should consider. She cited a $10,000 veteran exemption and a $2,000 head-of-household exemption, and noted a law enacted in 2024 through the Department of Veterans Services that provides an additional exemption for veterans with a percentage disability. She also described valuation-freeze programs for qualifying taxpayers — typically residents age 65 or older or people with disabilities — and noted an income threshold discussed by staff.

New homeowners and disclosure: New owners must file an affidavit disclosing purchase price within 30 days; Montoya Ortega said the affidavit is confidential and helps the assessor set local market values. She added that New Mexico is a partial-disclosure state for commercial sales and that commercial data providers help the office estimate market values where owners do not report transactions.

Other practical notes: the assessor's office is a self-rendering system for certain property types (for example, owners must report livestock). Improvements to a property (additions, garages, extra bedrooms) can increase assessed value. Montoya Ortega urged residents not to discard notices of value and to contact the office promptly if they have questions.

Contact and next steps: Montoya Ortega encouraged residents to call, email or visit the assessor's office; for general county transfer, she advised calling the Doña Ana County main line at (575) 525-5800 and asking to be transferred to the assessor. “Be on the lookout for your notices of value,” she said. “If you have any questions on that notice of value, as soon as you receive it, call our office. If you don't agree with the value, you can file a protest.”

The podcast concluded with the host thanking Montoya Ortega and directing listeners to the county's social channels and podcast platforms for the audio version.