Riverside County residents are being reminded to take care when submitting property tax payments as the second installment deadline approaches, particularly when choosing how to pay.
According to the Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector, the second installment of property taxes is due February 1, with payments accepted without penalty through April 10. Payments received after 5:00 p.m., on April 10, are subject to penalties and additional costs.
While no local incidents have been publicly confirmed in Riverside County, recent California news coverage has highlighted cases in other counties, where mailed property tax checks were stolen, altered, and fraudulently cashed. In those situations, homeowners remained responsible for their tax bills because the original payments were never credited.
Those reports have prompted officials statewide to encourage taxpayers to think carefully about payment methods. Mailing checks—especially from unsecured mailboxes or public collection boxes—can carry risks, including theft, loss, or delivery delays. Once a check is altered or fraudulently cashed, recovering the funds can be difficult.
The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office continues to offer online payment options, which provide immediate confirmation and eliminate the risk of mail delays or theft. Online payments can be made securely at https://countytreasurer.org, where residents can also find payment instructions, due dates, and frequently asked questions.
For those planning ahead, online payments offer several advantages:
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Free payments when made directly from a bank account
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Secure, encrypted processing
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Instant confirmation and receipts
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No exposure to mail theft or delivery delays
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24/7 access from a computer or mobile device
Residents are encouraged to choose the payment option that best fits their needs and comfort level. With deadlines approaching, officials hope taxpayers experience a smooth, secure, and stress-free payment process.