Unclaimed Property Tax Refunds In RivCo: Are You Owed Money?

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Owners of residential or business property in Riverside County who have unclaimed property tax refunds may file to receive reimbursement beginning Monday, May 3.

“This is a reminder to all residents to check the Treasurer-Tax Collector website to see if they are due for a refund,” said Treasurer-Tax Collector Matthew Jennings. “Don’t be caught short by the deadline. Our team is available to help residents through the process.”

The time period to file runs through August 2.

Almost 600 refunds totaling more than $540,000 remain unclaimed. Most refunds stem from valuation reductions by the county assessor and are related to corrections or cancellations to the tax roll after taxes were already paid, according to the county.

Under California law, property tax refunds unclaimed for four years after the payment date — or one year after a requested claim form has been mailed back to a taxpayer by the county, whichever is later — may be transferred to the county general fund by order of the Board of Supervisors.

After Aug. 2, any unclaimed refunds transferred to the county's general fund can no longer be claimed, according to the county.

“Many of these residents may not even know they’ve overpaid their property taxes,” said Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel. “Take a moment to look, and if so, file for your reimbursement.”

Filing instructions and a list of all unclaimed property tax refunds from tax year 2016 and prior are available on the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at: http://www.countytreasurer.org/TaxCollector/UnclaimedMoney/PropertyTaxUnclaimedRefund.aspx

Completed claim forms and supporting documentation should be emailed to PropTaxUnclaimed@rivco.org or mailed to the following address.

Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Attn: Property Tax Unclaimed Refunds

P.O. Box 12005

Riverside, CA 92502-2205