In 2018, paper-filed New Mexico tax returns could take up to eight weeks to process, while electronic returns filed through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) were often completed in just two to four weeks. That time gap can mean faster access to your refund and fewer delays in covering bills or reinvesting in your business. Filing your New Mexico tax return promptly and accurately is essential to avoid penalties, protect your refund, and keep your finances on track.
Whether you are a resident, nonresident, or small business owner with New Mexico income, the process requires knowing which forms to complete, what deadlines to meet, and how your federal income tax return impacts your state filing. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department has precise requirements. Still, small mistakes—from missing schedules to incorrect figures—can cause costly delays and even reduce the amount you receive back.
This guide walks you through step-by-step instructions on how to file your New Mexico tax return for the 2018 tax year. You will learn eligibility rules, deadlines, and penalties, choosing between e-filing and paper filing, payment options, and tracking your refund. We will also cover common errors to avoid and ways to maximize deductions and credits. By the end, you will have the information you need to file confidently and take advantage of the resources offered by the Taxation and Revenue Department.
Filing requirements in New Mexico for the 2018 tax year depend on your residency status, income sources, and whether you are required to file a federal income tax return. The first step in knowing if you need to file is to determine your connection to New Mexico and review your income level.
Must file if they are required to file a federal return or if they want to claim a refund for New Mexico state income tax withheld from their pay. Residents also file if they wish to claim rebates or credits, even if their income is low. For example, a single filer earning below the taxable threshold but with state tax withheld from wages should still file to receive that money back.
Individuals from states without an income tax must also file a federal return if they have any income originating from New Mexico. Even a small amount of taxable income from New Mexico sources, such as rental income from a property in Albuquerque, triggers the filing requirement.
Exceptional cases also apply:
Your federal return plays a key role in determining state requirements, as New Mexico uses your Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) as the starting point for state tax calculations. Even low-income taxpayers may need to file if they have withholding or qualify for valuable credits. Filing ensures you meet your legal obligations, avoid penalties, and claim any refunds you are entitled to.
For the 2018 tax year, the original due date for filing your New Mexico tax return was April 15, 2019. If you need more time, you could extend your filing deadline to October 15, 2019, but this extension applies only to submitting your paperwork—not to paying what you owe. Payments were still due by April 15, and any unpaid balance began accruing interest immediately.
If you were required to make estimated tax payments in 2018, they were due quarterly: typically in April, June, September, and January of the following year. Missing these installments could result in additional interest charges and penalties.
The penalties for missing deadlines can add up quickly:
Even if you cannot pay the full amount owed, filing your return on time reduces penalties and prevents more severe collection actions by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. For those facing a large balance, setting up a payment plan through the Taxpayer Access Point can help you stay compliant and avoid escalating fees.
Meeting these deadlines is more than a formality—missing them could cost you hundreds of dollars in avoidable penalties and interest. Filing on time keeps more of your money in your pocket and protects your refund if one is due.
You must have the correct forms before filing your 2018 New Mexico tax return. Using the wrong form or leaving out required schedules can delay your refund or trigger a notice from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
You can access all forms from the Taxation and Revenue Department website, request them by phone, or pick them up at local offices. Using the Revenue Department Notification Service or the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP), you can download and submit many forms electronically, saving time and avoiding mailing delays. Having the proper forms ready before you start helps you complete your return efficiently, reduces errors, and speeds up your refund.
Filing your 2018 New Mexico tax return is much easier when you follow an organized process. These steps will help you prepare, complete, and submit your return accurately, reducing the risk of delays or costly penalties.
Before you start, collect every document you’ll need. Missing paperwork can slow your progress or lead to incorrect calculations.
Each schedule should be double-checked for accuracy before attaching it to your PIT-1.
Simple mistakes are among the most common reasons returns are delayed. Before submitting:
Choose between:
Store your completed return, all supporting schedules, and proof of submission for at least four years. These records are essential in case of a dispute, audit, or need to amend your return. Following this process ensures you submit a complete, accurate return, claim every deduction and credit you’re entitled to, and avoid the costly setbacks from errors or missed deadlines.
When filing your 2018 New Mexico tax return, you have two main options: filing electronically or submitting a paper return. Each has its process, but one is significantly faster and more secure.
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department strongly recommends using TAP for e-filing. This online portal allows you to file your return, make payments, and track your refund in one place. Benefits include:
To use TAP, you must create an account, log in, and follow the step-by-step prompts to file. You can also save a draft return and return to it later.
If you choose to file by mail, you must download and print the correct forms from the Taxation and Revenue Department’s website or pick them up at a local office. All paper returns, whether you owe money or expect a refund, are mailed to:
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
P.O. Box 630
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0630
Paper filing is a slower process, with refunds often taking 6–8 weeks. There’s also a higher risk of errors since the department staff must manually enter your return information into the system. While paper filing is still an option, most taxpayers benefit from the speed, accuracy, and convenience of e-filing through TAP. Choosing electronic filing can mean getting your refund weeks earlier and avoiding preventable delays.
If your 2018 New Mexico tax return shows a balance due, the Taxation and Revenue Department offers several ways for taxpayers to pay. Choosing the correct method can help you avoid extra fees and smooth the process.
The fastest option is to submit your payment online using the TAP system. You can pay directly from a checking account with no added cost or use a debit or credit card for a small convenience fee. Online payments post quickly, which is essential if you are close to the due date. This method also lets you track your account and view payment history anytime.
You can also mail a check or money order payable to “New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.” Include your Social Security number, the tax year (2018), and the type of forms you filed (PIT-1) on the memo line. Remember that payments must be postmarked by the filing deadline to avoid penalties. Always keep proof of mailing if you need additional information for the department or the IRS.
If you cannot pay your balance in full, you may request a payment plan through TAP or by contacting the department directly. This option allows you to make monthly payments, but interest continues to accrue until the balance is paid. Before you set up a plan, determine how much you can realistically pay each month to avoid default.
If you are a business owner who also files gross receipts tax, you can manage your income and business tax accounts through TAP. The revenue department notification service can alert you to upcoming dates and deadlines so you never miss a required payment. Paying on time protects your money, prevents costly penalties, and keeps your tax account in good standing with the Taxation and Revenue Department.
Once you file your 2018 New Mexico tax return, you can monitor the status of your refund or check if you still owe money. The Taxation and Revenue Department provides easy online access through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP), making the process simple for all taxpayers.
Log in to TAP or use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your refund status. You will need your Social Security number, the exact refund amount, and the tax year (2018). Refunds from electronically filed returns typically arrive within 2–4 weeks, while paper returns may take 6–8 weeks. If your refund is delayed, the department or federal agencies, such as the IRS, may contact you for additional information to verify your identity or correct errors.
TAP also allows you to view your account balance if you owe taxes. From there, you can pay, set up a payment plan, or review past payments. Knowing your balance helps determine whether further fees or interest have been added since the due date.
Common causes of delays include missing forms, mismatched filing status, or incorrect figures from your federal tax return. If you filed by mail, processing is slower, and missing signatures or attachments can extend the timeline even further.
If you need assistance, you can contact the Taxation and Revenue Department directly or use the revenue department notification service to get updates about your account. Staying informed ensures you meet all taxation requirements and keep your tax account in good standing.
Even experienced taxpayers can make minor errors that delay refunds or trigger taxation notices. Knowing what to watch for can save time, money, and frustration.
Your filing status on your New Mexico return must match the one on your federal income tax return. A mismatch can cause the Taxation and Revenue Department to hold your return for review.
New Mexico starts with your Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) from your federal tax return. Pulling this figure from the wrong line can affect your income tax calculation and lead to incorrect payments or refunds.
If your return requires schedules like PIT-ADJ, PIT-B, or PIT-CR, they must be attached or submitted electronically. Missing forms can result in the department contacting you to request additional information.
Simple calculation mistakes can change your refund amount or balance due. Use the instructions provided with the forms or file through the Taxpayer Access Point to reduce errors.
If you file jointly, both spouses must sign. Unsigned returns—whether filed by mail or electronically—are considered incomplete and may not be processed until corrected.
Missing the due date leads to penalties and interest. If you cannot pay in full, determine if a payment plan is the best option to avoid further fees. Avoiding these errors ensures a smoother process from submission to refund, helping you meet your obligations while keeping your tax account in good standing with the Taxation and Revenue Department.
Your New Mexico return starts with the Federal Adjusted Gross Income from your federal income tax return. This figure determines your state taxable income and eligibility for deductions or credits. Any changes to your federal return, such as an IRS adjustment, may require filing an amended New Mexico return to keep your income tax records accurate.
You generally do not submit your full federal tax return when e-filing through the Taxpayer Access Point. However, you may need to provide a copy if the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department requests additional information. Paper filers should have their federal return available for reference when completing forms and schedules to ensure figures match.
Gross receipts tax applies to most goods and services sold in New Mexico and is often collected by businesses. Income tax is based on your earnings, such as wages or investment income, reported on your federal and state returns. While separate, business owners may need to file through the Taxpayer Access Point to meet all tax obligations.
If your New Mexico return involves questions about your federal income, deductions, or credits, you may need to contact federal agencies such as the IRS. They can provide additional information about your federal tax return, which can directly impact your state filing. Coordinating between agencies helps ensure your income tax records stay accurate.
The original due date for 2018 returns was April 15, 2019. Extensions to the filing extended the paperwork deadline to October 15, 2019, but any tax owed still had to be paid by April. Missing the due date can result in penalties, interest, and delayed refunds, so timely filing is essential.
If the Taxation and Revenue Department needs additional information, they typically contact you via mail or your Taxpayer Access Point account. This may include requests for copies of forms, proof of income, or clarification on deductions. Respond quickly to prevent processing delays, as unresolved requests can affect your refund or increase your balance due.
New Mexico taxes most income sources, including wages, self-employment income, and investment gains, as reported on your federal income tax return. Some exemptions apply, such as specific military pay or certain retirement income. Review the income tax instructions to determine your exact liability and ensure all figures match your federal return before filing.
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