[manaboutown]

In New Mexico large tax assessment valuation increases are known as "tax lightning", a very descriptive term. A few years ago the legislature passed a law ensuring the tax valuation of an owner occupied residence can not be increased by more than 3% per year. Needless to say that is how much they have raised the valuations every year, even during the last several years when property values have declined. Many people successfully appeal but the waiting for a hearing is currently months long.

Tax lightning is still allowed fon commercial properties there and is a serious problem for property owners. I do not know how residences held for rental are treated.

I learned from a long time small apartment house owner in DC 40 years ago to appeal unreasonable increases. I routinely appeal unjustified and erroneous tax increases these days. Most assessments are done by computers. Usually no one from the tax assessor's office even bothers to drive by a property much less comprehensively evaluate it.