How Much Does a Funeral Cost in New Mexico?
Funeral homes in 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states charge a median of $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a funeral with a viewing and burial and $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source for a direct cremation. No New Mexico price lists are in these figures.
Across 276Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a funeral with a viewing and burial is $6,393Median of 276 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from New Mexico. The price covers the basic services fee, the transfer of the remains to the funeral home, embalming and other preparation, use of the facilities for the viewing and the ceremony, the hearse, and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells. A graveside service and burial with no viewing costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Cemetery charges are separate.
Across 864Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of a direct cremation, a cremation with no viewing or ceremony, is $2,290Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from New Mexico. One price list in ten charges $1,195Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or less, and one in ten charges $3,655Median of 864 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source or more. A memorial service and an urn cost extra.
Across 780Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source funeral homes' price lists from 13Median of 883 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source other states, the median price of an immediate burial, a burial with no viewing or ceremony, is $3,500Median of 780 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. None of those price lists is from New Mexico. A graveside service and burial, with a hearse and the lowest-priced casket the funeral home sells, costs a median of $5,700Median of 709 funeral homes' general price lists in 13 states, effective December 2024 to November 2026 (16 CFR 453.2(b)(4))Verified Nov 10, 2026View source. Neither figure includes the cemetery's charges for the plot, opening and closing the grave, or the marker.
Yes. Under federal law, a funeral home must give a general price list16 CFR 453.2(b)(4)Verified Nov 9, 2026View source to anyone who asks in person about its goods, services or prices. The list is printed, shows the date its prices took effect, and is handed over at the start of that conversation. It prices each item separately, so the same items can be compared from one funeral home to the next.
A funeral home's price list covers only the funeral home's own goods and services. The cemetery charges separately for the plot, opening and closing the grave, and the marker. Anything the funeral home pays others on the family's behalf is added to the bill: a separate crematory's fee, clergy, an obituary and flowers. There is a public program in New Mexico for a family that cannot pay: County burial or cremation of unclaimed and indigent decedents (NMSA 1978 § 24-13-1)NMSA 1978 § 24-13-1Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The New Mexico burial and cremation laws page has the details.
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Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in New Mexico
Free New Mexico forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for New Mexico.
Notice to Creditors
In New Mexico, creditors have 4 monthsNMSA § 45-3-801 (four months from first publication; sixty days from mailed notice, whichever is later); § 45-3-803 (claims barred at the earlier of one year after death or the § 45-3-801 periods)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In New Mexico, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveNMSA 1978, § 45-3-203(C)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In New Mexico, the Small Estate Affidavit§ 45-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $50,000§ 45-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 days§ 45-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In New Mexico, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysNMSA § 45-3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In New Mexico, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsNMSA § 45-3-1003(B); § 45-3-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Last Will and Testament
In New Mexico, a will is signed before 2NMSA § 45-2-502Verified Oct 19, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimonyNMSA § 45-2-502Verified Oct 19, 2026View source.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in New Mexico
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in New Mexico: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for New Mexico.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in New Mexico costs an estimated $24,985NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentageVerified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 1.8%Modeled estimate under NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%Modeled estimate under NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
New Mexico is a community property state, so the surviving spouse already owns half of what the couple acquired during the marriage. Without a will in New Mexico, descendants divide what passes to them per capita at each generationNMSA § 45-2-106Verified Oct 21, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hoursNMSA § 45-2-104(A)Verified Oct 21, 2026View source to inherit.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
New Mexico allows you to name your own agent in advanceNMSA 1978 § 24-12-4(A)(2)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
New Mexico levies no estate or inheritance taxNMSA 1978 §§ 7-7-3(A), 7-7-2(D) (Estate Tax Act — pick-up tax equal to the IRC § 2011 federal credit, $0 since 1/1/2005)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
New Mexico imposes no inheritance or estate taxNMSA 1978 §§ 7-7-3(A), 7-7-2(D) (Estate Tax Act — pick-up tax equal to the IRC § 2011 federal credit, $0 since 1/1/2005)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in New Mexico take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces ordinary income tax at the state's regular rates, after the first $2,500 of gain is excludedNMSA 1978 § 7-2-34 (as amended by Laws 2024, Ch. 67 / HB 252 § 8)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in New Mexico costs an estimated $24,985NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentageVerified Sep 8, 2026View source and takes 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 1.8%Modeled estimate under NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%Modeled estimate under NMSA § 45-3-715(A)(21) (PR may employ attorneys); § 45-3-721 (court review of the compensation); § 45-3-720 (estate litigation expenses, incl. attorneys fees); no statutory percentage: the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. Estates under $50,000§ 45-3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
New Mexico Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering New Mexico probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
