Where and how to pay Riverside property taxes

The City of Riverside collects property taxes through the Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk's office, not through the city itself. You can pay by mail, online, in person, or by phone. The county processes payments year-round, though property tax bills arrive on a set schedule tied to the county's fiscal year.

Online payment through the county's website is the fastest route if you want confirmation the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the county office and be recorded. In-person payment at the county assessor's office in downtown Riverside is when ready but requires you to travel during business hours. Phone payment is available but typically involves a processing fee.

Your bill shows the amount due, the payment important date, and the parcel number you'll need for any payment method. Keep a copy of your bill or receipt — the county uses your parcel number to match payments to your property, not your name alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk handles property tax collection, not the city, and you can pay online, by mail, in person, or by phone.
  • Online payment through the county website is recorded the same day; mail takes 7 to 10 business days and requires the correct mailing address.
  • In-person payment at the county assessor's office in downtown Riverside is when ready but only available during posted business hours.
  • Your property tax bill shows your parcel number, which you must include with any payment to may support it reaches your account.
  • Property taxes in Riverside are due on specific dates set by the county; paying after the important date triggers penalties and interest.

Payment important date and penalty dates

Riverside County property taxes are due in two installments per fiscal year. The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10. If you pay after the delinquent date, the county adds a 10 percent penalty to the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues daily.

The dates are fixed by county law and do not change. Your bill will show both installment dates and the delinquent date for that particular bill. If you miss a important date, paying when ready after stops further interest from accruing, though the penalty remains.

Some property owners set up automatic payments through their bank or the county's online system to avoid missing a important date. This is optional but removes the risk of a mailed check arriving late.

Online payment through Riverside County

The Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk website has a property tax payment portal. You enter your parcel number and the amount due, then pay by debit card or credit card. The county charges a processing fee for card payments, typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid, though this varies by payment processor.

Online payment is recorded the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time. You receive a confirmation number when ready and can print or save the receipt. The county also sends a confirmation email if you provide one during payment.

If you do not know your parcel number, the county website has a property search tool where you enter your street address. The parcel number appears in the search results and is the same number on your bill.

Mail payment and address requirements

To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your tax bill. Do not send cash. Include your bill or a note with your parcel number so the county can match the payment to your property.

Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the county assessor's office. The county records the payment date as the date it arrives at the office, not the date you mailed it. If your payment arrives after the delinquent date, it is considered late even if you mailed it before the important date.

The mailing address on your bill is the official address for tax payments. Using a different address risks the payment being delayed or lost. If your bill does not show a mailing address, contact the county assessor's office for the current address before mailing.

In-person payment at the assessor's office

The Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk office is located at 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501. You can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card during posted business hours. In-person payment is recorded when ready, and you receive a receipt on the spot.

Business hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours may vary by season or for county holidays. Call the office at (951) 955-6300 to confirm hours before you visit. Bring your bill or parcel number and a valid form of identification.

Parking is available in the building lot. The office can be busy during peak times, especially near payment important date, so plan extra time if you visit in October or January.

Phone payment and third-party processors

You can pay property taxes by phone by calling the Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk office at (951) 955-6300. Phone payment requires your parcel number and a debit or credit card. The county charges a processing fee for card payments.

Some third-party payment processors also accept Riverside property tax payments and may charge their own fees in addition to the county's fee. These processors are convenient if you prefer not to use the county website directly, but always verify the processor is authorized by the county before providing payment information.

Phone and third-party payments are recorded within one to two business days. Ask for a confirmation number when you pay and keep it with your records.

What to do if you cannot pay by the important date

If you cannot pay the full amount by the delinquent date, contact the Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk office to discuss your options. The county does not offer payment plans or deferrals for current-year taxes, but paying any amount before the important date reduces the penalty and interest owed on the unpaid balance.

If your property tax debt remains unpaid for several years, the county may place a lien on your property or begin foreclosure proceedings. These actions are separate from the tax bill itself and have serious consequences for your ability to sell or refinance the property. Contacting the county early, even if you cannot pay in full, is better than waiting.

Some counties offer property tax relief programs for seniors, disabled persons, or those with very low income. Riverside County has a Homeowner's Property Tax Exemption program. Information about this program is available through the assessor's office or on the county website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay late?

A 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid amount, plus daily interest. The interest rate is set by the county and changes annually. Paying as soon as possible after the important date stops interest from accruing further, though the penalty remains.

Can I pay someone else's property taxes?

Yes. You can pay another person's taxes if you have their parcel number and bill. The county records the payment to that parcel regardless of who submits it. Bring the bill or parcel number with your payment.

Do I need to pay property taxes if I rent the property out?

Yes. The property owner is responsible for property taxes, not the tenant. If you own rental property in Riverside, you owe the taxes even if a tenant lives there. Tenants pay rent to you; you pay taxes to the county.

Where can I find my parcel number if I lost my bill?

Use the property search tool on the Riverside County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk website. Enter your street address and the parcel number appears in the results. You can also call the assessor's office at (951) 955-6300 and provide your address.

Can I set up automatic payments?

Yes. You can arrange automatic payments through your bank's bill-pay service or through the county's online payment portal. This removes the risk of missing a important date, though you remain responsible if the payment fails to process.