New Mexico is home to more than 170,000 veterans — and the Land of Enchantment delivers a strong package of state benefits backed by some of the Southwest's most significant military installations. From a complete military retirement income tax exemption to unique education scholarships for Vietnam veterans and their dependents, free hunting licenses for 100% disabled veterans, and a residential care facility in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico's veteran support system rewards the state's deep military heritage. Here's everything you need to know for 2025.
New Mexico's veteran population of 170,000+ is shaped by the state's long and significant military history. The state is home to some of the most strategically important military facilities in the United States:
New Mexico also has significant connections to the Manhattan Project (Los Alamos National Laboratory), the Bataan Death March (many New Mexico National Guard soldiers were captured at Bataan), and the state's Indigenous and Hispanic veteran communities — all of which have shaped New Mexico's particularly deep commitment to veteran support.
One of New Mexico's most significant financial benefits for veteran retirees is the complete exemption of all military retirement pay from New Mexico state income tax. This is not a partial exclusion or an age-based phase-in — New Mexico fully exempts all military retired pay from state gross income, regardless of the amount or the veteran's age.
New Mexico has a graduated state income tax with rates currently ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. Without the military retirement exemption, a veteran receiving $30,000 per year in military retirement would owe roughly $1,200 to $1,700 in New Mexico state income taxes annually. The complete exemption eliminates this burden entirely.
Important aspects of the military retirement tax exemption:
For veterans with both military retirement and VA disability compensation, New Mexico essentially taxes neither source of veteran income at the state level — a powerful combination that meaningfully improves net retirement income compared to states that partially or fully tax military retirement.
Editorial Standards: This article was written by Marcus J. Webb, a veterans benefits researcher who has studied 38 CFR Part 4, the VA M21-1 Adjudication Manual, and thousands of BVA decisions. Content is verified against current 38 CFR regulations and VA.gov guidance. Last reviewed: April 2026. Not legal advice — for representation on your specific claim, talk to a VA-accredited attorney.
New Mexico law provides veterans with a meaningful advantage in state government employment through the New Mexico Veterans Preference under New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 10-9-13.
Veterans who served on active duty and were honorably discharged receive 5 preference points added to their state civil service examination and merit system scores. Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive 10 preference points. These additions advantage veterans in competitive state hiring processes and can be decisive in close competitions for state government positions.
Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes may also be eligible for preference. Contact the New Mexico State Personnel Office for current eligibility rules and application procedures.
New Mexico's Workforce Solutions offices provide priority employment services to veterans across the state. The One-Stop Career Center system designates veterans as priority customers, giving them first access to job listings, placement services, skills assessments, and training referrals. Veterans are also connected to the federal American Job Center network, which provides additional employment and training resources.
New Mexico's location near Fort Bliss (El Paso) means many transitioning service members from the Army's 1st Armored Division and other Fort Bliss units consider Las Cruces and southern New Mexico as retirement or transition destinations. Workforce Solutions' Doña Ana County office serves this population.
New Mexico provides one of the most generous outdoor recreation benefits for disabled veterans of any state: completely free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings.
Under New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 17-3-14, veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA are entitled to hunt and fish in New Mexico completely free of charge — no license fee, no habitat stamp, no upland bird validation required. This is a meaningful benefit in a state renowned for world-class elk hunting, trophy deer, pronghorn antelope, and outstanding freshwater and Rio Grande fishing.
To claim this benefit, veterans typically need to present their VA disability rating documentation at a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish license vendor or office. The license is issued at no cost and covers standard hunting and fishing activities for the license year.
Veterans with ratings below 100% should inquire about reduced-fee license options that may be available at various rating tiers. Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (wildlife.state.nm.us) for current procedures and available license types.
New Mexico maintains a Veterans Emergency Fund administered through NMVS to assist veterans and their families facing sudden financial crises. This fund can provide short-term financial assistance for veterans in genuine emergency situations — covering costs such as emergency housing, utility shutoffs, food, and medical expenses not covered by other programs. The emergency fund is intended as a stopgap, not a long-term assistance program.
Veterans facing financial emergencies should contact NMVS directly (nmveterans.com) to inquire about current funding availability and application procedures. Emergency fund availability varies with annual appropriations.
New Mexico also maintains the New Mexico Veterans Trust Fund, which provides grants to veterans and their families for a range of needs including emergency assistance, burial assistance, education support, and programs benefiting the veteran community. The Trust Fund is supported by a combination of legislative appropriations and voluntary contributions.
Free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 100% SC disability (NMSA 17-3-14). New Mexico offers elk, deer, pronghorn, and excellent fishing statewide.
Short-term emergency financial assistance for veterans in crisis. Contact NMVS for current availability and application procedures.
New Mexico VA Health Care System based in Albuquerque with community-based clinics in Gallup, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Farmington, Raton, and Truth or Consequences.
Wondering how New Mexico stacks up against Texas, Arizona, or Colorado? Use claim.vet's state benefits comparison tool to evaluate all 50 states side by side.
The New Mexico VA Health Care System is headquartered at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, with community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in Santa Fe, Gallup, Las Cruces, Farmington, Raton, and Truth or Consequences. Veterans in rural New Mexico — particularly those in the state's large rural counties — may qualify for VA community care under the MISSION Act if drive times to VA facilities exceed 30 minutes for primary care or 60 minutes for specialty care. Telehealth services are also available through VA Video Connect.
New Mexico has a particularly deep connection to the Bataan Death March — the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery Regiments of the New Mexico National Guard were among the forces captured by Japan in 1942. Many survivors settled in New Mexico after the war. The state honors this legacy through the Bataan Memorial Military Museum in Santa Fe and the annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range — a 26.2-mile tribute march open to the public. This history underscores New Mexico's unique, multi-generational commitment to its veteran community.
Yes. New Mexico fully exempts all military retirement pay from state gross income, regardless of the amount. There is no income cap, age restriction, or partial phase-in — the exemption is complete. VA disability compensation is also excluded. This makes New Mexico highly favorable for veteran retirees from a tax perspective.
Contact your New Mexico county assessor's office. You will need your DD-214 (honorable discharge), proof of New Mexico residency, and proof of property ownership. Application deadlines vary by county — apply in early spring to ensure coverage for the current tax year. For the 100% SC disability additional exemption, you will also need your VA rating decision letter.
New Mexico residents who served in Vietnam or in adjacent waters between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 with an honorable or general discharge, who are now pursuing higher education at a New Mexico public institution. Contact the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission (nmveterans.com) or the New Mexico Higher Education Department for current eligibility criteria and scholarship amounts.
Yes. Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities can continue the property tax exemption as long as they remain on the property and do not remarry. Dependents of veterans who died service-connected may also qualify for the Veterans Service Commission Education Scholarship for college funding. Federal DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) is also available from the VA.
Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (wildlife.state.nm.us) or visit a license vendor with your VA disability rating documentation showing 100% service-connected disability. The free license covers standard hunting and fishing activities under NMSA § 17-3-14.
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