The Office of the Bernalillo County Assessor and the Office of the Treasurer are collaborating to meticulously review all properties slated for state auction due to unpaid property taxes. This joint effort aims to prevent residents from losing their homes, land, or businesses.
Property owners who are more than three years delinquent on their property taxes face the risk of having their assets sold in a public auction conducted by the state.
“We’re checking—and double-checking—every property on the list to make sure there are no errors,” BernCo Assessor Damian Lara said. “These are people’s homes. If there’s any way we can help them stay in their homes, we’re going to try.”
Only real property, including homes, commercial buildings and land, is subject to auction. Personal property, such as mobile homes or livestock, is exempt. Proceeds from the auctions are used to cover the outstanding property taxes.
“Auctioning off property is a last resort for unpaid taxes,” BernCo Treasurer Tim Eichenberg said. “If this collaboration helps even one family keep their home, it’s absolutely worth it.”
According to the county,, 634 delinquent properties are being reported to the State of New Mexico this year, bringing the total number of delinquent Bernalillo County properties at the state level to 2,150.
Any auction dates will be determined by the Department of Taxation and Revenue.
To learn more about the Assessor’s Office and available tax savings programs, visit www.BernCo.gov/Assessor. For details about property taxes, visit the Treasurer’s Office at www.BernCo.gov/Treasurer.
