CNBC 2025 · #44 of 50

New Mexico

Less favourable
Overall score
70 /100

Rank: #44 of 50

Category breakdown

All 10 CNBC categories — score out of category max, rank among 50 states.

Economy #46 177/445
Infrastructure #29 201/405
Workforce #31 165/335
Cost of Doing Business #23 162/295
Business Friendliness #39 108/270
Quality of Life #33 124/265
Technology & Innovation #35 107/255
Education #38 48/110
Access to Capital #46 15/60
Cost of Living #26 30/60

CNBC methodology — 10 categories, 2,500 points max

Founder Snapshot

Lite operational context for New Mexico — what to know before operating here. Sourced public facts, separate from CNBC scores.

Tax posture

New Mexico uses Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on business receipts rather than a traditional sales tax. Corporate income tax tops out at 5.9%; personal income tax is progressive up to 5.9%.

Source: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

Business registration

Register entities through the New Mexico Secretary of State Business Services.

Source: New Mexico Secretary of State

Compliance calendar

Biennial reports are due in odd-numbered years; GRT and corporate returns follow TRD schedules.

Source: New Mexico SOS — Business Maintenance

Multi-state heads-up

If you operate outside New Mexico or hire remotely — informational, not legal advice.

Remote sales & economic nexus

Remote sellers and marketplace providers may owe New Mexico GRT once economic nexus thresholds are met.

Source: New Mexico TRD — Marketplace Providers

Remote employees & payroll

New Mexico employers register for withholding and unemployment insurance.

Source: New Mexico TRD — Withholding

Also applies across state lines

Regulatory Pulse

Recent regulatory changes in New Mexico — sourced public updates for founders operating here.