📅 2026 Update: Key Tax Changes for Riverside County Taxpayers

Since the original article was written, several important tax changes have taken effect that affect Riverside County taxpayers. These changes include new deductions, increases to the standard deduction, and shifts in how certain income is taxed. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on taxes in Riverside County.

🆕 Standard Deduction Increases

The standard deduction has been raised for the 2026 tax year. Single filers and married individuals filing separately can now claim $16,100, up from $15,000 in 2025. For married couples filing jointly, the deduction is now $32,200, an increase from $30,000.

Heads of household will benefit from a deduction of $24,150, up from $23,000.

🎗️ New Charitable Deduction

Starting with tax year 2025, taxpayers can now deduct up to $1,000 for cash charitable donations if they take the standard deduction. For married couples filing jointly, this limit is $2,000. This applies to donations made to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities and is effective until 2028.

👵 Senior Tax Deduction

Individuals aged 65 and older can claim an additional $6,000 deduction on their federal taxes beginning in 2025. This deduction is available to all eligible seniors, even if they do not itemize their deductions. It remains in effect through 2028.

💵 Deductions for Tips and Overtime

The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act introduced new deductions for qualified tips and overtime compensation in July 2025. Taxpayers can deduct up to $25,000 for tips and up to $12,500 for overtime pay. These deductions are available for tax years 2025 through 2028 and phase out based on income.

📌 Summary of Key Changes

  • 🆕 Increased standard deductions for 2026.
  • 🎗️ New charitable deduction for non-itemizers.
  • 👵 Additional $6,000 deduction for seniors.
  • 💵 New deductions for tips and overtime.

💡 Tips for Navigating Riverside County Taxes

Reviewing your tax situation with an attorney can help clarify your options.

📝 Understand Standard Deduction Changes

Taxpayers should consider how the increased standard deduction might affect their overall tax liability. This change could lead to a lower tax bill for many individuals and families.

💰 Explore Charitable Contributions

If you plan to make charitable donations, remember that the new deduction for cash contributions can benefit you if you take the standard deduction. Keep records of your donations to ensure you can claim them.

👵 Take Advantage of Senior Deductions

Seniors should ensure they claim the additional $6,000 deduction. This could significantly reduce their taxable income, especially if they are also eligible for the standard deduction.

💵 Utilize New Deductions for Tips

Workers who receive tips should track their earnings to take advantage of the new deduction for qualified tips. This could provide substantial tax savings if you qualify.

🚗 Keep Vehicle Interest in Mind

If you've taken out a loan for a vehicle, remember that you may be eligible to deduct the interest on that loan. This deduction applies to personal use vehicles and can help reduce your taxable income.

🏆 Tax Preparation Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

There are several tax preparation services available that can help Riverside County taxpayers file their returns. The following services are ranked based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Keep in mind that scores can change, and ratings reflect various user experiences.

Not all customers express their satisfaction equally, so consider individual feedback when evaluating these options.

🥇 1. 1040.com

1040.com has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. It is known for its user-friendly interface and flat-rate pricing, making it accessible for many taxpayers. However, some users have reported navigation challenges and occasional technical glitches, which can impact the filing experience.

🥈 2. efile4Biz

efile4Biz holds a Trustpilot score of 4.7. Users appreciate its easy online filing and affordable services. Some reviewers mention occasional navigation issues and limitations with customer support, which could be factors to consider before choosing this service.

🥉 3. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer has a Trustpilot score of 4.2. It is recognized for its online tax preparation and affordable pricing, making it a popular choice among users. However, there are reports of occasional technical issues and concerns regarding pricing, which may affect the decision-making process.

🆓 Free Tax Assistance Programs

The IRS offers several free resources for taxpayers. The Free File program provides free online tax preparation for those with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less. Additionally, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free help to individuals earning $60,000 or less, and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program caters to seniors aged 60 and older.

🔎 Comparisons to Consider

  • 📊 User ratings and reviews.
  • 💰 Pricing structures and fees.
  • 🛠️ User-friendly features and interface.
  • 📞 Availability and quality of customer support.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the deadline to file taxes for 2025?

The deadline to file individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is typically extended to the next business day.

❓ Who qualifies for the senior tax deduction?

Individuals aged 65 and older are eligible for an additional $6,000 federal tax deduction. This deduction is available regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes deductions.

❓ Can I claim the new charitable deduction if I itemize?

No, the new charitable deduction is only available to taxpayers who claim the standard deduction. Those who choose to itemize deductions cannot take advantage of this provision.

❓ What is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?

The AMT is designed to ensure that high-income taxpayers pay a minimum amount of tax. For noncorporate taxpayers, it applies rates of 26% on taxable excess up to $175,000 and 28% on amounts above that.

❓ What forms do I need for the AMT?

Taxpayers who might be subject to the AMT must complete Form 6251, "Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals," and attach it to their tax return. This form helps determine if the AMT applies and calculates the amount owed.

❓ How can I get help with my taxes for free?

The IRS offers several free programs, including the Free File program for those with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less, and the VITA program for individuals earning $60,000 or less. These programs provide valuable assistance for taxpayers in need.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Taxes

Recent court rulings can have important implications for tax laws and taxpayer rights. These rulings help shape the landscape of tax regulations and compliance practices for individuals and businesses.

For more recent rulings, check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The Riverside County Tax Collector was, of 2010, Don Kent, who also fulfills the function of Treasurer for this county government in the state of California. The Office of the Riverside County Tax Collector and Treasurer can be located online at the web address https://www.treasurer-tax.co.riverside.ca.us/. 

A number of the concerns and queries as may arise during tax preparation activities for residents of this county are provided for by Riverside County Tax Collector Don Kent. In this respect, some of the issues which are addressed by Riverside County Tax Collector Don Kent include such matters as Mobilehome Tax Clearance Certificates, How to Pay Your taxes, Property Tax Information, and Lists of Unclaimed Monies.

In this respect, the Riverside County Tax Collector position has been filled by the current office-holder Don Kent since June 2008, according to a decision which was made by the then-current membership of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. In this respect, Riverside County Tax Collector is expected to fulfill this position with the county government until the 2014 election period.

Riverside County Tax Collectors

The election of Riverside County Tax Collector Don Kent was based on this officeholder having previously gained experience relevant to this duties in the county during his tenure in the overall Riverside County Tax Collector office in the specific position reserved for the functions of the Assistant Investment Officer, an appointment which occurred in May 1997.  In the time after this initial appointment to the Riverside County Tax Collector office, Don Kent fulfilled other, higher-up positions such as Assistant Treasurer Tax Collector.

Introduction:

As residents of Riverside County, we all know that taxes are an inescapable part of life. They are the backbone of our government's revenue, enabling our county to provide public services like schools, roads, hospitals, and public safety. But do you know who is responsible for collecting these taxes and ensuring that they are used properly? That would be the Riverside County Tax Collector.

In this article, we will explore who the Riverside County Tax Collector is and what their responsibilities are. We will also discuss the history of the office, what types of taxes they collect, and how they go about collecting them. Lastly, we will look at how the Riverside County Tax Collector's office has adapted to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The History of the Riverside County Tax Collector's Office:

The Riverside County Tax Collector's office was established in 1893, just 10 years after the county was created. At that time, the office was held by the county treasurer, who was responsible for collecting all tax revenue and depositing it into the county's treasury. In those early days, the office was focused primarily on property taxes, which were the primary source of revenue for the county.

In 1989, the county treasurer and tax collector's offices were split into separate entities, giving rise to the modern-day Riverside County Tax Collector's office. This change was seen as a way to improve efficiency and accountability, as the tax collector would be solely responsible for the collection of taxes.

Today, the Riverside County Tax Collector's office is responsible for collecting more than $1 billion in tax revenue from over 600,000 taxpayers annually.

Responsibilities of the Riverside County Tax Collector:
The Riverside County Tax Collector's office is responsible for the collection of a wide variety of taxes, ranging from property taxes to transient occupancy taxes and everything in between. Some of their key responsibilities include:

Property Tax Collection: Property taxes are the largest source of revenue for the county, accounting for over 60% of the total. The Riverside County Tax Collector's office is responsible for the collection of these taxes, which are due on November 1st of each year and become delinquent on December 10th. The office is also responsible for the sale of tax-defaulted properties and the administration of tax relief programs.

Transient Occupancy Tax Collection: The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on the rental of hotel and motel rooms in the county. The Riverside County Tax Collector's office collects this tax, which is typically 10% of the room rate. This tax is a significant source of revenue for the county, with over $100 million collected annually.

Business Property Tax Collection: The Riverside County Tax Collector's office is also responsible for the collection of business personal property taxes. These taxes are assessed on equipment and fixtures owned by businesses and are due on April 1st of each year.

Delinquent Tax Collection: When taxes are not paid by the delinquency date, the Riverside County Tax Collector's office takes steps to collect them. This may involve issuing notices, placing liens on property, and even conducting auctions to sell tax-defaulted properties.

How the Riverside County Tax Collector's Office Collects Taxes:
The Riverside County Tax Collector's office uses a variety of methods to collect taxes from residents and businesses. Some of the most common methods include:

Direct Mail: Every year, the Riverside County Tax Collector's office sends out tax bills to all property owners in the county. These bills include instructions for how to pay, including options for paying online, by mail, or in person.

Online Payment: The Riverside County Tax Collector's office offers a convenient online payment system that allows taxpayers to pay their taxes from the comfort of their own home. This system accepts credit card and e-check payments and can be accessed through the county's website.

In-Person Payment: For those who prefer to pay in person, the Riverside County Tax Collector's office has a number of payment locations throughout the county. These locations accept cash, check, and credit card payments.

Payment Plans: The Riverside County Tax Collector's office understands that some taxpayers may struggle to pay their taxes all at once. For this reason, they offer payment plan options that allow taxpayers to spread their payments out over time.

Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic:

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for the Riverside County Tax Collector's office. With the closure of county buildings and the need for social distancing, many taxpayers have had to adapt to new ways of paying their taxes.

To address these challenges, the Riverside County Tax Collector's office has taken a number of steps to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their taxes safely and securely. These steps include:

Online Payment Options: The Riverside County Tax Collector's online payment system has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows taxpayers to pay their taxes from home without the need for in-person contact.

Contactless Payment: In-person payment options have been modified to allow for contactless payment methods, such as placing payments in drop boxes or utilizing self-service kiosks.

Extended Deadlines: The County has extended certain deadlines for payment of property taxes to help support residents during the pandemic.

Conclusion:

The Riverside County Tax Collector's office plays a vital role in supporting the county's financial health. From the collection of property taxes to the administration of tax relief programs, they provide an essential service to residents and businesses in the county. As we navigate the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reassuring to know that the Riverside County Tax Collector's office is working hard to make it easier and safer for taxpayers to pay their taxes.