The Taxation and Revenue Department of New Mexico has taken steps to counter the issue of delinquent property taxes in Doña Ana and Otero Counties by scheduling public auctions, as reported by Doña Ana County. These auctions represent the State's attempt to recuperate funds when the counties themselves have not been able to secure the overdue property taxes. Should the State's efforts to collect the taxes fail, they resort to selling the properties at auction.

Specifically, Doña Ana County is set to hold its auction at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, while Otero County's will follow the next day, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, the venue being 1101 New York Ave., Alamogordo. Registration for interested parties will commence at 8 a.m. on the day of the respective auctions, ending precisely when the auctions start. To participate, bidders are required to register.

Detailed information regarding the auction process, including terms of sale, can be sourced from the Delinquent Property Tax Auctions page of the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department, with announcements of prospective auctions also poised to be posted there.

It's worth noting, the Taxation and Revenue Department offers more than maintaining auctions and collecting taxes. The Department serves as a motor vehicle authority and administers over 35 tax programs, besides distributing revenue not only to the State but also to local, and tribal governments across New Mexico. In bolstering the ease of compliance, the Department endeavors to streamline taxpayer burden via clearer communication, statutes, regulations, forms, and instructions.