Palm Desert Just Increased Its Sales Tax. What To Know

PALM DESERT, CA — The city of Palm Desert, along with 123 other cities statewide just saw sales taxes rise on April 1.

In Palm Desert, taxes went up as Measure G took effect on Tuesday, which voters approved in the November 2024 election.

The 1 percent tax increase will push the current sales tax up from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent. Officials expect the move to help generate an extra $25 million annually to support the Palm Desert's general fund.

Measure G was implemented to update Palm Desert’s emergency services and improve local infrastructure by building a new fire station, increasing police patrols, improving flood control, increasing library staffing and more.

The measure will also be used to accomplish the following:

• Maintain 911 emergency medical, police and fire response services
• Keep public areas safe and clean
• Maintain streets and roads
• Address homelessness
• Maintain libraries, parks and recreation programs

The measure was authored by Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik and councilmembers Kathleen Kelly, Gina Nestande and Evan Trubee.

Groceries, medicine and rent are all exempt from sales tax, but consumers will notice the change when purchasing other goods and services.

According to the city, up to 70 percent of sales tax dollars collected in Palm Desert come from tourists and visitors.

To find out more information about the tax increase, click here.