Welcome to the online access portal! We are pleased to offer our visitors access to government services online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
Apply
Close
file_download
Download Forms

Click to Download

Business Tax Application .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Business Tax Application (Spanish) .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Vehicle for Hire Application .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Mobile Food Vendor Application .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Mobile Food Vendor Application (Spanish) .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Contractor Verification Form .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Business Tax Modification Form .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Business Resource Contacts .pdf   file_download

Click to Download

Printable Frequently Asked Questions .pdf   file_download
psychology_alt
Frequently Asked Questions

All persons or companies conducting business in the City of Riverside are required to pay a business tax. This includes, but is not limited to, retail outlets, wholesalers, manufacturers, service companies, professional businesses, independent contractors, home businesses, and commercial and residential landlords. If you conduct business in the City of Riverside from an office located outside of Riverside, you are required to pay a business tax.

Business Tax Certificates are not transferable or assignable to any other person or business.

You must register and pay the business tax prior to the commencement of business.

For a new business, the business tax is due and payable at the start of business. For business tax renewals for existing businesses, the business tax is due and payable at the expiration date of the previous certificate.

Business taxes are paid annually unless otherwise specified. All annual business taxes are due in advance on or before the expiration date of the then current certificate or on or before the first day of business for any new business. Business taxes for periods other than the annual period are payable in advance on or before the first day of business and thereafter on or before the first day of each applicable period.

A separate tax certificate is required for each type of business activity conducted at a single location and for each branch or location of a business. Business Tax Certificates shall be displayed for each business activity and at each branch or location.

Business tax rates are calculated based upon the type of business utilizing a minimum tax plus additional increments. The increments can include, but are not limited to, gross receipts, number of employees, number of machines, number of vehicles, etc. To view current rates, visit RiversideCA.gov/Finance.

Penalties for new businesses are 30% of the business tax 60 days after the business start date; 50% 90 days after the business start date and 75% 120 days after the business start date.

A Business Tax Certificate is required for any property owner engaged in the rental of residential or commercial real estate within the City of Riverside.