Los Alamos County reminds residents about low-income tax rebate

Los Alamos County published a notice on Jan. 14 summarizing the state-authorized Low-Income Taxpayer Property Tax Rebate Program, which the Legislature extended through tax years 2025–2028. The notice reminds eligible low-income property owners that they may claim a rebate on their New Mexico personal income tax return to offset property taxes, with awards not to exceed $350.

The program uses state-defined modified gross income brackets to determine rebate levels. Rebate percentages range from 75% of property tax for taxpayers with a modified gross income of $0–$8,000 down to 35% for higher eligible brackets up to $24,000. The county’s announcement emphasizes that these limits and percentages are set by the state and that detailed eligibility rules and filing instructions are available from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

Los Alamos County has participated in the rebate program since 2001. Under the program, the county reimburses the Taxation and Revenue Department for the county’s portion of any awarded rebates, meaning the county covers its share of payments for qualifying residents. That longstanding participation keeps the program available to local taxpayers who meet state income thresholds.

For Los Alamos County residents, the rebate is a targeted, modest form of relief. While the cap of $350 is not a complete answer to broader affordability pressures, it can lower the out-of-pocket property tax burden for households near or below the state’s income cutoffs. The rebate is applied through the state income tax filing process rather than a separate county application, so taxpayers planning to claim the credit should prepare to report their property tax and income information on their New Mexico return.

The county notice directs residents to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for full eligibility details and tax-filing instructions and posts information online at losalamosnm.us/News-articles/Low-Income-Property-Tax-Rebate-Program. Tax preparers, financial advisers, and residents who meet the income thresholds will need to consult those resources or their tax professional to determine whether they qualify and how to claim the rebate for the covered tax years.

This reminder makes clear the rebate will remain available through 2028 for qualifying local homeowners and that Los Alamos County will continue covering its share of awards. Residents who believe they may qualify should review their modified gross income against the state brackets and plan to include the rebate claim on their New Mexico personal income tax return in the relevant filing year.