McKinley Property Tax Guide: Rates, Deadlines & Assessor Help

McKinley Property Tax rates affect every homeowner and business owner in Gallup, NM. Knowing the property tax payment deadlines McKinley residents face can prevent late fees and tax lien risks. The online property tax payment portal McKinley offers a quick way to settle bills while the McKinley County tax map and parcel search helps verify assessment details. For questions, call the McKinley County assessor contact information at (505) 863‑3032 or visit the Assessor’s Office website.

McKinley Property Tax exemptions simplify budgeting for seniors, low‑income families, and tribal land owners. Check property tax exemption eligibility McKinley before filing a property tax appeal form McKinley to ensure you claim all credits. The county’s tax delinquency procedures outline steps for resolving overdue balances and attending the tax lien auction schedule. Use the Arizona property tax calculator McKinley to estimate future bills and understand the impact of property value changes McKinley.

Search McKinley County Property Tax

Property owners in McKinley County, New Mexico, can search current tax records through the County Assessor’s Office public portal. The online system provides parcel-level data, assessed values, exemption status, and outstanding balances for every taxable property within the county. Searches run on the official county domain, so records stay accurate and current with each tax cycle.

Step-by-Step Searching Method

1. Open the McKinley County Assessor page at https://www.mckinleycounty.org/175/Assessor
2. Select the “Property Search” link listed on the Assessor landing page
3. Enter the parcel number, owner name, or street address in the search field
4. Click the matching parcel record to open the property summary
5. Review the “Assessment,” “Exemptions,” and “Taxes” tabs for full details
6. Print or save the parcel page for recordkeeping or appeal preparation

Information Required for Accurate Results

• Parcel identification number (PIN) printed on a prior tax statement
• Full legal name of the recorded deed holder
• Street number, street name, and suffix (Street, Avenue, Road, Lane)
• Subdivision name and lot number for platted residential parcels
• Section, township, and range for unplatted rural land

Common Search Errors and Fixes

• Misspelled owner names: Try partial matches or remove middle initials
• Old addresses: Search by parcel number instead of street address
• Multiple parcels: Use owner name to see every parcel linked to one account
• Special characters: Remove apostrophes, hyphens, and periods from search terms

McKinley County Property Tax Rates and Calculations

McKinley County property tax rates combine county, municipal, school district, and special district levies into one mill rate applied to each parcel’s net taxable value. New Mexico statutes cap most residential and agricultural properties at a three percent annual value increase, which stabilizes bills even when market values climb. The Assessor’s Office certifies the tax roll each spring so the Treasurer’s Office can mail bills by November 1.

Components of the Total Tax Rate

• County operational mill levy for general services
• County debt service levy for bond repayments
• Municipal levy for city operations (Gallup, Ramah, and other towns)
• School district levy for local K-12 funding
• Special district levies for hospitals, flood control, or fire protection

Sample Mill Rate Distribution Table

Calculation Formula for a Sample Parcel

1. Start with the full market value recorded by the Assessor
2. Subtract any approved exemption (head of family, veteran, agricultural)
3. Apply the three percent cap limit for residential and agricultural use
4. Multiply the net taxable value by the combined mill rate
5. Divide the result by 1,000 to get the annual tax bill

McKinley County Assessor Office Contact Information

The McKinley County Assessor’s Office maintains ownership records, tracks property characteristics, and certifies the annual tax roll. Staff answer questions about parcel data, exemption forms, valuation appeals, and ownership transfers. Direct phone contact works best for time-sensitive matters like deed recording or senior credit applications.

Main Phone and Communication Channels

• Main phone line: (505) 863-3032
• Physical address: 207 West Hill Ave, Gallup, NM 87301
• Mailing address: 207 West Hill Ave, Suite 102, Gallup, NM 87301
• Public search portal: https://www.mckinleycounty.org/175/Assessor

Office Location Details

The Assessor’s Office sits on the first floor of the McKinley County Courthouse complex at 207 West Hill Avenue. Visitors enter through the main courthouse doors and follow posted signs toward the Assessor’s counter. Free public parking surrounds the building along Hill Avenue and adjacent side streets.

Department Name and Reporting Structure

The McKinley County Assessor’s Office operates under a county-wide elected Assessor who serves a four-year term. The office answers directly to county voters rather than the County Commission. Public records, exemption files, and valuation appeals stay under the Assessor’s authority regardless of the Treasurer’s billing schedule.

Property Tax Exemption Eligibility in McKinley County

Property tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of qualifying parcels before mill rates apply. New Mexico offers several statutory exemptions that the McKinley County Assessor’s Office administers locally. Each exemption carries its own application form, income test, or age requirement that property owners must satisfy.

Standard Exemption Categories

• Head of Family exemption for occupied primary residences
• Veteran exemption for service-connected disabled veterans
• Agricultural deferral for working farms and ranch land
• 100 percent disabled veteran exemption with statutory caps
• Religious, charitable, and educational property exemptions

Income-Based Eligibility Tests

• Total household income must fall below annual thresholds set by the New Mexico Department of Finance
• Applicants submit the most recent federal tax return with each renewal
• Property must serve as the primary residence for the applicant
• Renewal forms reach the Assessor by March 1 of each year

Exemption Savings Table

McKinley County Property Tax Payment Deadlines

McKinley County property tax bills arrive each fall and split into two equal installments. The first installment lands on November 10 and the second on April 10 of the following year. Postmark dates determine on-time payment, so mailing early avoids late penalties on a high-balance parcel.

Annual Payment Schedule Table

Grace Period Rules and Penalty Calculations

• New Mexico allows a 30-day grace window after each due date
• Interest accrues at one percent per month on the unpaid balance
• A five percent administrative penalty applies once bills become delinquent
• Penalties compound monthly until the Treasurer records a tax lien

Online and Mail Payment Options

Online payments post the same business day for most cards and ACH transfers. Mail payments take three to five business days to clear, so the Treasurer’s Office recommends mailing at least one week before the due date. Walk-in payments are accepted at the Treasurer’s counter during regular business hours.

Tax Delinquency Procedures in McKinley County

Delinquent property taxes trigger a formal collection process managed by the County Treasurer. The Treasurer records a tax lien against the parcel, notifies the owner by certified mail, and prepares the parcel for the annual tax lien auction. Property owners can stop the auction by paying the full delinquent amount plus penalties and interest before the sale date.

Step-by-Step Recovery Process

1. Receive a Notice of Delinquency from the County Treasurer by certified mail
2. Review the outstanding balance, penalties, and interest total
3. Contact the Treasurer to set up a payment plan if full payment creates hardship
4. Pay the full amount before the published auction date to clear the lien
5. Request a receipt and recorded release once the Treasurer posts the payment

Lien Recording Steps

• The Treasurer files the lien with the County Clerk’s Office
• The Clerk indexes the lien under the parcel number and owner name
• Public notice of the pending auction runs in the local newspaper
• The Treasurer publishes the auction list 30 days before the sale

Tax Lien Auction Process

Annual tax lien auctions take place each February at the McKinley County Courthouse. Bidders register in advance and post a refundable deposit with the Treasurer. The highest bid wins the lien, but the original property owner keeps a redemption window to reclaim the parcel by paying the full bid price plus interest.

Property Tax Appeal Form and Filing Process

Property owners who disagree with the Assessor’s valuation may file a protest with the County Valuation Protest Board. The appeal must reach the Assessor’s Office by the deadline printed on the annual Notice of Value. Late filings lose appeal rights for that tax year, so timing matters as much as the evidence packet.

Required Documentation for the Appeal

• Completed Notice of Protest form from the Assessor’s Office
• Copy of the current Notice of Value with the disputed amount
• Recent comparable sales within the same neighborhood or district
• Photographs documenting property condition and any defects
• Income and expense statements for income-producing commercial parcels

Filing Deadlines and Hearing Windows

• Appeals must arrive within 30 days of the Notice of Value mailing date
• Protest Board hearings take place between April and July each year
• Decisions issue within 60 days of the final hearing
• Owners may escalate to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department if the local board denies the protest

Hearing Process Steps

1. Submit the protest packet to the Assessor’s Office before the deadline
2. Receive a hearing date from the Protest Board clerk by mail
3. Bring original documents and witnesses to the scheduled hearing
4. Present the valuation argument and respond to the Assessor’s evidence
5. Receive a written decision from the Protest Board within 60 days

McKinley County Tax Lien Auction Schedule

The County Treasurer holds a single annual tax lien auction to recover unpaid property taxes. Parcels with two or more years of delinquent taxes typically appear on the auction list. The sale takes place at the McKinley County Courthouse unless the Treasurer announces a different venue in the official sale notice.

Auction Notice Procedure

• Notice of sale publishes in a local newspaper of record at least 30 days before the auction
• Notice posts on the Treasurer’s page and the courthouse bulletin board
• Parcels are listed by legal description, parcel number, and minimum bid
• Owner notification goes out by certified mail at the address on file

Bidder Requirements and Registration

• Bidders register with the Treasurer at least seven days before the auction
• A refundable deposit equal to 10 percent of the maximum intended bid is required
• Winning bidders must pay the full bid within five business days
• Bidders receive an assignment of the lien from the Treasurer upon full payment

Redemption Window Rules

Property owners retain a redemption right after the auction that runs until the lien holder files for a tax deed. Redemption requires payment of the auction price, accrued interest, and any subsequent taxes paid by the lien holder. Failure to redeem within the statutory window can result in the loss of the property through the tax deed process.

Online Property Tax Payment Portal

The County Treasurer maintains an online payment portal for current taxes, delinquent balances, and special assessments. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks from most U.S. banks. Payment confirmations email immediately after the transaction posts to the parcel account.

Payment Method Options

• Credit card payment with a small convenience fee per transaction
• Debit card payment with a flat convenience fee
• ACH electronic check payment with no convenience fee
• Recurring scheduled payments for mortgage escrow accounts

Payment Confirmation Steps

1. Enter the parcel number or account number on the Treasurer’s payment page
2. Verify the balance and select the desired payment amount
3. Choose a payment method and enter the required account details
4. Confirm the transaction and save the emailed receipt
5. Allow one to three business days for the payment to clear the parcel record

Receipts and Recordkeeping

Online receipts include a transaction number, payment amount, parcel number, and confirmation timestamp. Taxpayers should retain receipts for at least three years to support IRS filings, escrow audits, and potential refund claims. Printed copies or PDF downloads work equally well for personal records.

McKinley County Tax Map and Parcel Search

The McKinley County GIS system provides a layered tax map that overlays parcel boundaries, zoning designations, and school district boundaries. Users can pan across the county, search by parcel number, and click individual parcels to see assessment details. The map refreshes nightly with the latest changes from the Assessor’s Office.

Map Navigation Tools

• Zoom controls for street-level and neighborhood-level views
• Pan tools for moving across the county without losing search results
• Layer toggles for parcel lines, zoning, flood zones, and school districts
• Measurement tools for calculating lot dimensions and acreage

Layer and Filter Options

• Parcel boundary layer showing lot lines and acreage
• Zoning layer showing residential, commercial, and industrial designations
• Flood zone layer for FEMA-mapped hazard areas
• School district layer for verifying district boundaries

Search Function Within the Map

The map search bar accepts parcel numbers, owner names, and street addresses. Search results highlight the matching parcel in yellow and pop up a summary window with the owner, acreage, and tax year. Clicking the summary window opens the full Assessor’s record for deeper research.

Property Tax Bill Interpretation

Each annual property tax bill lists the parcel identification, the current year’s mill rate, the net taxable value, and the total amount due. The bill also shows any unpaid prior balances, current exemptions, and special assessments for local improvement districts. Understanding each line item helps owners verify the Treasurer’s calculations before paying.

Key Bill Sections

• Parcel identification line with the legal description and PIN
• Assessed value line showing the current year valuation
• Exemption line showing reductions applied to the taxable value
• Mill rate line showing the total levy for the parcel’s districts
• Installment schedule listing the due dates and amounts

Reading Your Assessment Notice

1. Locate the parcel number and confirm it matches your deed
2. Compare the assessed value to last year’s value to spot a jump
3. Verify exemptions appear in the deduction column
4. Calculate the tax by multiplying net value by mill rate and dividing by 1,000
5. File an appeal within 30 days if any value or exemption looks wrong

Where to Direct Bill Questions

Bill calculation questions route to the County Treasurer at the courthouse. Valuation questions route to the Assessor’s Office at the same building. Exemption questions route to the Assessor as well, since exemptions originate on the assessment side before the Treasurer applies them to the bill.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Credit

McKinley County residents aged 65 or older may qualify for a property tax credit that reduces or eliminates the annual tax bill. The credit depends on household income, length of residency, and property use. Approved applicants see a credit applied directly to their next tax bill rather than a refund check.

Eligibility Conditions

• Applicant must be at least 65 years old at the time of application
• Property must serve as the primary residence of the applicant
• Household income must fall below the annual threshold set by the state
• Applicant must have lived in New Mexico for at least one year before applying

Application Process Steps

1. Pick up the senior credit application from the Assessor’s Office
2. Complete the form with personal and property information
3. Attach proof of age, income, and residency documents
4. Submit the packet to the Assessor’s Office by March 1 of each year
5. Receive a written approval and applied credit on the next tax bill

Income Threshold and Credit Amount

Income thresholds update each year under state guidelines, so the Assessor’s Office can provide the current limit. Approved applicants receive a credit that may cover the full tax bill if income falls below the lowest threshold. Partial credits apply to applicants whose income falls in the middle of the qualifying range.

Low-Income Property Tax Relief Programs

Low-income households that do not qualify for the senior credit may qualify for the state’s property tax rebate program. The rebate is separate from the property tax bill and arrives as a direct payment after application. Rebate amounts depend on income, filing status, and the prior year’s tax bill.

Program Categories

• State property tax rebate for households under the income limit
• Disabled veteran property tax freeze program for service-connected veterans
• Circuit breaker program for households with very high property tax burdens
• County-funded emergency assistance for documented hardship cases

Documentation Needed for the Rebate

• Completed rebate application from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
• Copy of the prior year’s property tax bill
• Proof of household income for the prior calendar year
• Proof of New Mexico residency as of the application date

Where to Apply and Check Status

Rebate applications go to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, not the County Assessor. The Department reviews applications and issues rebate checks directly to approved households. Approved applicants receive a confirmation letter and can track the rebate status through the Department’s online portal.

Tribal Land Property Tax Rules

McKinley County sits within the Navajo Nation and parts of the Zuni Pueblo, so a large share of land falls under tribal jurisdiction. Trust land and allotted land follow specific rules that differ from standard fee-simple parcels. The County Assessor maintains records on the taxable portions, but the broader tax status follows federal Indian trust law.

Trust Land Considerations

• Trust land held by the federal government for tribal members is generally not taxable
• Allotted land may be taxable depending on the original patent and current ownership
• Tax agreements between the county and tribal nations can shift responsibility for services
• Lease payments on trust land may trigger a gross receipts tax rather than property tax

Allotted Land Procedures

Allotted parcels with fee-simple ownership pay the same property tax as non-tribal parcels. Owners should confirm the current status with the Bureau of Indian Affairs before assuming a tax exemption. Improper claims of exemption can result in penalties, interest, and a tax lien against the parcel.

Coordination Between the County and Tribal Authorities

McKinley County coordinates with the Navajo Nation and the Zuni Pueblo on revenue sharing, service agreements, and joint planning. Property owners on tribal land should contact the tribal tax office for any fees or assessments that fall outside the county’s jurisdiction. Coordination helps prevent double-billing and protects the owner’s right to appeal.

Commercial Property Tax Guidelines

Commercial parcels in McKinley County follow the same general mill rate system as residential parcels, but the valuation process uses income data and market rents. The Assessor’s Office collects income statements, rent rolls, and expense reports from commercial owners each year. Failure to submit documentation can result in an estimated value the owner must appeal.

Income Approach Method

• Gross potential income is calculated from market rents and occupancy rates
• Vacancy and collection losses are deducted from gross income
• Operating expenses like management, taxes, and repairs are deducted
• Net operating income is divided by a capitalization rate to reach value

Commercial Rate Considerations Table

Appeal Process for Commercial Parcels

Commercial owners can appeal the assessed value using an income approach argument backed by a current appraisal. The protest packet should include at least three years of income statements, an operating expense breakdown, and any changes in occupancy. A certified appraisal from a New Mexico licensed appraiser carries strong weight at the Protest Board hearing.

Residential Property Tax Appraisal

Residential parcels in McKinley County receive a mass appraisal that compares each home to recent sales in the same neighborhood. The Assessor’s Office updates the model each year using new sales data and cost tables. Properties with unique features may receive a physical inspection before the next Notice of Value mails out.

Mass Appraisal Process

• The Assessor collects recent arm’s-length sales within each neighborhood
• A computer model adjusts each sale for square footage, age, and lot size
• The adjusted values create a base value for every parcel in the neighborhood
• Owners receive a Notice of Value before May 1 of each year

Comparable Sales Analysis

• Identify at least three closed sales within the past 12 months
• Choose sales in the same subdivision or similar neighborhood
• Adjust each sale for differences in square footage, condition, and features
• Average the adjusted values to support the appeal argument

Physical Inspection Requests

Owners can request a physical inspection if their home has suffered damage, has unfinished additions, or differs significantly from neighboring properties. The inspection allows the Assessor to record the actual condition rather than rely on the mass appraisal model. Updated records flow into the next year’s tax bill.

Impact of Property Value Changes on McKinley Property Tax

Property value changes affect the next year’s tax bill through the assessment cycle, not the current bill in the owner’s hand. New Mexico’s three percent cap limits annual increases on most residential parcels, so sharp market jumps get spread across multiple years. A drop in market value can trigger a reduction request the Assessor reviews each spring.

Market Value Adjustment Triggers

• Recent arm’s-length sale of the subject property
• Significant damage that reduces the property’s market value
• Major economic shifts affecting the local real estate market
• Zoning changes that restrict the use of the parcel

Owner Notification Process

The Assessor mails a Notice of Value each spring to inform owners of the upcoming year’s valuation. Owners who disagree with the value have 30 days from the mailing date to file a protest. Late protests lose appeal rights, so acting quickly after the notice arrives protects the owner’s options.

Three Percent Cap Exceptions

New properties, properties that change ownership, and properties that lose an exemption lose the three percent cap protection for the next assessment cycle. Commercial properties and unoccupied land do not qualify for the residential cap. The cap also resets when a property substantially changes its use classification.

Historical Property Tax Rates in McKinley County

McKinley County’s mill rate has shifted over the years as voter-approved bonds, school district levies, and municipal needs change. Rate changes are recorded in the annual financial report published by the County Finance Office. Owners researching historical rates can request the report from the County Clerk or pull archived budgets from the county’s online records archive.

Rate Trend Patterns

• School district levies tend to rise with construction bond authorizations
• Municipal levies follow voter approval of infrastructure projects
• County general fund levies adjust with operational needs and revenue changes
• Special district levies reflect service area expansions and new formations

Major Levy Changes Over Time

Major levy changes in McKinley County have included hospital bond authorizations, school construction programs, and water infrastructure upgrades. Each bond issue added a debt service mill that applied to every parcel in the affected district. Property owners can trace these changes through the County Clerk’s recorded bond documents and the County Finance Office’s annual reports.

Using Historical Rates for Forecasting

Historical rate data helps owners forecast future bills and budget for anticipated increases. A simple forecast applies the average annual rate change to the current mill rate, then multiplies the result by the parcel’s net taxable value. Owners planning a property purchase can use the same method to estimate the first-year tax bill.

Mortgage Escrow Property Tax Allocation

Many McKinley County homeowners pay property taxes through a mortgage escrow account. The lender collects a portion of the annual tax bill with each mortgage payment and holds the funds until the bill comes due. The lender then pays the Treasurer on the homeowner’s behalf and provides an annual escrow statement.

Escrow Account Funding

• Lender estimates the next year’s tax bill based on current valuation
• Lender divides the estimate by 12 for the monthly escrow contribution
• Homeowner pays the combined principal, interest, taxes, and insurance each month
• Lender adjusts the monthly amount each year after the new tax bill arrives

Lender Payment Steps

1. Lender receives the tax bill from the Treasurer or the homeowner
2. Lender verifies the amount and parcel information
3. Lender pays the Treasurer on or before the installment due date
4. Lender deducts the payment from the homeowner’s escrow account
5. Lender issues an annual escrow statement showing the activity

Escrow Shortages and Surpluses

An escrow shortage occurs when the collected funds fall short of the actual tax bill, leaving the homeowner responsible for the difference. An escrow surplus occurs when the collected funds exceed the actual bill, and the lender refunds the excess or credits it to the next year. Annual escrow analyses keep the account balanced over time.

Property Tax Refund Process

Property owners who overpay their McKinley County property taxes can request a refund from the County Treasurer. Common refund triggers include duplicate payments, exemption adjustments after billing, and successful valuation appeals. Refund requests must include documentation of the overpayment and the parcel identification.

Refund Eligibility Conditions

• Duplicate payment of the same tax installment
• Approved exemption that should have reduced the original bill
• Successful valuation appeal that lowers the net taxable value
• Payment made on a parcel not owned by the payer

Claim Filing Procedure

1. Contact the County Treasurer to confirm the overpayment amount
2. Complete the Treasurer’s refund request form
3. Attach proof of payment, exemption approval, or appeal decision
4. Submit the packet to the Treasurer’s Office in person or by mail
5. Allow 60 to 90 days for processing and refund issuance

Refund Payment Method

Approved refunds issue as a check mailed to the property owner of record or as a credit applied to the next year’s tax bill. The Treasurer selects the payment method based on the refund amount and the parcel’s payment history. Large refunds typically go out as checks to prevent accidental credit application to a different parcel.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

McKinley County property tax records, assessments, exemptions, and payment questions are handled by two primary offices. The Assessor’s Office manages valuation, ownership records, and exemption applications. The County Clerk’s Office handles deed recording, lien documentation, and public records requests. Both offices share the same courthouse address in Gallup.

McKinley County Assessor’s Office

• Department Name: McKinley County Assessor’s Office
• Of

  ficial Website URL: https://www.mckinleycounty.org

• Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://www.mckinleycounty.org/175/Assessor
• Main Phone: (505) 863-3032
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: 207 West Hill Ave, Gallup, NM 87301
• Mailing Address: 207 West Hill Ave, Suite 102, Gallup, NM 87301

McKinley County Clerk’s Office (Deed Recorder)

• Department Name: McKinley County Clerk’s Office
• Official Website URL: https://www.mckinleycounty.org
• Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://www.mckinleycounty.org/181/County-Clerk
• Main Phone: (505) 863-6866
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: 207 West Hill Ave, Gallup, NM 87301
• Mailing Address: PO Box 1268, Gallup, NM 87305

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding McKinley Property Tax helps owners avoid penalties, plan budgets, and claim available relief. The Assessor’s Office offers online tools, clear deadlines, and assistance for both residential and commercial parcels. This guide answers the most common queries and points you to exact resources.

What are the current McKinley County property tax rates for residential homes?

The county charges roughly 0.70 % of assessed value for single‑family homes. For a house assessed at $150,000, the annual bill equals about $1,050. Rates can shift each fiscal year, so check the Assessor’s portal before budgeting. The site shows the exact percentage applied to your parcel.

How can I use the Arizona property tax calculator for McKinley County?

Visit the Assessor’s public search portal, enter the parcel number, and select “Tax Calculator.” Input the assessed value, then the tool multiplies it by the current rate and adds any district fees. The result displays the total amount due, helping you plan payments ahead of the deadline.

When must I pay my McKinley property tax bill to avoid penalties?

Payments are due by November 1 each year. A late fee of 5 % applies after December 31. The online payment portal accepts credit cards, ACH, and cash at the Assessor’s office. Setting a reminder a month early ensures you meet the deadline and keep your credit intact.

What exemptions qualify a senior citizen for a property tax credit in McKinley?

Seniors 65 or older may claim a $1,500 exemption on the assessed value. To qualify, file the exemption form before September 15 and attach proof of age and residency. Once approved, the credit lowers the bill each year, often reducing the payment by $10‑$15.

How do I appeal a McKinley County real estate tax assessment?

Download the appeal form from the Assessor’s website and file it within 30 days of receiving the notice. Include recent sale data, comparable property values, and any errors in the listed improvements. After submission, the board reviews the case and may adjust the assessed amount.

Where can I find the McKinley County tax lien auction schedule?

The schedule appears on the County Clerk’s page under “Tax Lien Auctions.” Listings show parcel numbers, due amounts, and auction dates. Attend the auction in person or bid online through the county’s approved vendor. Paying a lien early can stop a foreclosure and protect ownership.