Riverside County, CA Hotels & Lodging: Transient Occupancy Tax (2026)
Key Facts
- Tax rate
- 10% of rent charged
- Applies to stays
- 30 consecutive days or less
- Governing chapter
- Riverside County Code Ch. 4.16
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
- Non-remittance penalty
- Felony under Penal Code § 424
Summary
Riverside County charges a 10 percent transient occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays under 30 days in the unincorporated county, collected by operators and remitted to the tax collector.
For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of "ten (10) percent" of the rent charged by the operator. The tax constitutes a debt owned by the transient to the county which is extinguished only by payment to the operator or to the county.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Riverside County Code Chapter 4.16 imposes a 10 percent tax on rent paid by transients, anyone occupying a hotel, motel, mobilehome, or similar lodging for 30 consecutive days or less, in the unincorporated county only. Operators must register with the tax collector, collect the tax when rent is paid, and file quarterly returns. The definition of "hotel" is broad enough to cover short-term rentals. This chapter has no force inside Riverside County's 28 incorporated cities, including Palm Springs, Temecula, and Indio, which set their own transient occupancy tax rates under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remit collected tax is a felony under Penal Code § 424; failure to register or filing a false return is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and six months in jail, plus 10-25% penalties and interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Riverside County's hotel tax apply inside Palm Springs or Temecula?
Do short-term rentals owe this tax?
Who collects the tax from guests?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California hotels & lodging overview
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