Access Riverside County Property Tax Records

Riverside County property tax records are maintained by the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and the Treasurer-Tax Collector offices. Property owners can search assessments, view tax bills, and make payments online at no charge. The county serves one of the fastest-growing regions in California with hundreds of thousands of parcels. Contact information is available through both toll-free and local phone numbers. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Most services are available through online portals that provide 24-hour access to property records, payment systems, and exemption forms without needing to visit a county office in person.

Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder

The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder is a combined office handling property assessments and document recording. The Assessor determines the value of all real property each January 1. They also process exemption claims and handle ownership changes. The office maintains records for all parcels throughout Riverside County.

Call the Assessor at 800-746-1544 or 951-955-6200 for assistance. Phone hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The main website at rivcoacr.org provides online tools for property searches, forms, and assessment information. You can email questions through the contact form on the website.

Property records are searchable online through the county portal. Look up any parcel by address, parcel number, or owner name. The database shows assessed value, property details, exemptions, and recent sales. This service is free to use and does not require registration or account creation.

Treasurer-Tax Collector Office

The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes. Secured property tax bills mail in October. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10 at 5:00 pm. A ten percent penalty applies to late payments. Second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty.

Contact the Tax Collector at 951-955-3900 or toll-free at 877-RIVCOTX (877-748-2689). Email ttcinfo@rivco.org with questions. Mail payments to P.O. Box 12005, Riverside, CA 92502-2205. The official website is countytreasurer.org where you can view bills, make payments, and access tax information.

After June 30, unpaid taxes accrue an additional 1.5 percent per month, which equals 18 percent annual percentage rate. This is in addition to the original ten percent penalty. Taxes that remain unpaid for five years can result in the property being sold at a tax sale to recover the delinquent amounts.

Property Tax Payment Methods

Riverside County offers several ways to pay property taxes. Pay online through the county portal at countytreasurer.org. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Enter your parcel number or address to find your bill. The portal shows current amounts due, payment history, and any penalties or fees.

Mail payments to P.O. Box 12005, Riverside, CA 92502-2205. Include your payment stub with a check or money order. Postmarks on the due date are considered on time. Keep proof of mailing if you send payment close to the deadline. In-person payments can be made at county offices during business hours. Check the website for office locations that accept tax payments.

Duplicate tax bills cost $3.41 per bill if you lose your original. Request a duplicate online or by phone. The duplicate shows all the same information including parcel number, assessed value, and payment amounts. It serves as a valid bill for making payments.

Note: Late payment penalties are calculated on each installment separately, not the total annual amount.

Late Payment Penalties

Late payments receive a ten percent penalty on each installment. First installment penalties apply after 5:00 pm on December 10. Second installment penalties apply after 5:00 pm on April 10. These penalties are calculated on the installment amount, not the full year tax.

After June 30, unpaid taxes default and additional interest accrues. The county charges 1.5 percent per month on defaulted amounts. This equals 18 percent APR. Defaulted taxes also incur redemption fees and costs that increase the total amount owed. Properties with five years of unpaid taxes can be sold at tax sale.

Riverside County may offer payment plans for taxpayers who fall behind. Call 951-955-3900 to discuss payment arrangements. These plans help property owners catch up on delinquent taxes over time. Not all situations qualify for payment plans, so contact the Tax Collector to check eligibility.

Property Tax Exemptions

The Homeowners' Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. File the claim with the Assessor by February 15. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year. Notify the Assessor if you move, rent out the property, or sell it.

Veterans with disabilities qualify for exemptions based on their disability percentage and income. Basic exemption is $4,000 off assessed value. Low-income veterans with 100 percent disability can receive up to $138,173 exemption. Disabled persons under age 62 also qualify with income limits. Forms are available at rivcoacr.org or by calling 800-746-1544.

Churches, schools, and charitable organizations can claim welfare exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filing by February 15 with documentation of exempt use. Contact the Assessor for application forms and instructions on proving eligibility.

Assessment Appeals

Property owners can appeal assessments they believe are too high. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15 for regular assessment appeals. Decline-in-value appeals may have extended deadlines to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board to confirm which deadline applies.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Fill out property information, state your opinion of value, and explain why the current assessment is wrong. Attach supporting evidence like appraisals, comparable sales, or photos. Some counties charge a filing fee to cover administrative costs.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You get written notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, you present your case and evidence. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board considers both sides and issues a written decision. Most hearings last 15 to 30 minutes. You can represent yourself or hire professional representation.

Major Cities in Riverside County

Riverside County includes several cities over 100,000 population. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities. Some areas have Mello-Roos districts or special assessments.

Nearby Counties

Riverside County borders San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial counties. Each county operates its own property tax system.