Starting a Business in New Mexico: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

New Mexico start-up checklist

Register for state taxes with New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax and gross receipts tax.
Sales tax: get a New Mexico CRS (Combined Reporting System) registration from New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
If you have employees, withhold New Mexico income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. The 2026 taxable wage base is $34,800 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.33% to 5.4%. Official page
Workers' compensation through New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration and private insurers. Required when: 3 employees
Paid sick leave is required statewide from 1 employee.
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

File Biennial Report (corporations and nonprofits): every 2 years by April 15; fee $25.
(limited liability partnerships): every year by April 1; fee varies.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: New Mexico Secretary of State. Official page
Taxes: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Official page
Workers' compensation: New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration.
Contractor licensing: New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Real estate licensing: New Mexico Real Estate Commission.
Alcohol licensing: New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division.
Child care licensing: New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department.
Health facility licensing: New Mexico Department of Health.

City/county business registration (City or county): Albuquerque, Santa Fe and others require local business registration.
Cannabis: adult-use licensing, regulated by New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (Regulation and Licensing Department).

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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