Upcoming tour champions tax-slashing program that applies to all tribes in New Mexico

Dec. 02, 2011

By: Arthur D. Bishop

SANTA FE—For the past two months, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) Vice-Chair, Theresa Becenti-Aguilar, has been on the road speaking to constituents in District 4 about PRC initiatives, including the agency’s Native American Tax Exemption program. Early next month, the commissioner will be touring again in northwestern New Mexico with a similar agenda.

In addition, this weekend, Becenti-Aguilar and her staff are traveling to Iyanbito for the Eastern Navajo Agency meeting. On Dec. 14, the commissioner will also be at the Nenahnezad Chapter house for the Northern Navajo Agency meeting. At both events, they will be hosting a booth and distributing handouts and other PRC-related information about tax exemption and other programs.

The PRC’s Native American Tax Exemption program provides certain types of tax breaks and surcharge exemptions to Native American businesses and individuals from all 22 tribes in the state who live on pueblos or Indian lands. Potential exemptions include, state, city and county gross receipts taxes, 911 fees, municipal and county franchise fees, telecommunications relay service charges, and New Mexico Universal Service Charges. Exemptions also apply to propane, landline telephone service, cellular phone bills and utilities.

The PRC’s Native American tax exemption form can be found at:

http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/consumer-relations/docs/native-american-tax-exemption.pdf

At her upcoming meetings, Becenti-Aguilar will be available to answer important questions about issues like propane rights for consumers and telecommunications and utility services in rural areas.

All parties interested in booking Commissioner Becenti-Aguilar and the PRC for outreach fairs and special events in the District 4 area can call 505-827-8019 for more information, or send an e-mail to [email protected]