[Archived] Alexandria Offers Automatic Bank Debit for Payment of Real Estate Taxes and Refuse Fees

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	January 13, 2006 PIO# 015-06/sjm	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Offers Automatic Bank Debit for Payment of
Real Estate Taxes and Refuse Fees

Continuing the trend of making tax payments more convenient for City residents, Alexandria is offering an Automatic Bank Debit Program. Residents, who do not already pay their real estate taxes through a mortgage escrow account, can opt for their real estate taxes and refuse fees to be paid automatically from their checking or savings account in monthly installments or in a lump-sum payment on each of the tax due dates. Like the City's eChecks program implemented last year, there is no additional charge for using this service.

If the monthly installment option is selected, the City will debit a property owner's bank account on the 5th of each month, according to the schedule below. Note that payments will not be deducted during June and November, when taxes are due. Instead, the City will mail a tax bill directly to the property owner at least 30 days before the tax due date for any remaining balance. Enrollment in the Automatic Bank Debit Program does not provide an extension for payment of taxes and refuse fees. Payment of the remaining balance must be received by the City or postmarked by the June 15 and November 15 tax due dates to avoid any late payment penalty. Any overpayment will be applied automatically towards the next billing period, unless a refund is requested.

Monthly Debit Schedule
First Half Real Estate Tax: December through May
Second Half Real Estate Tax: July through October

If the lump-sum payment option is selected, the City will debit a property owner's bank account on the June 15 and November 15 tax due dates for the current real estate tax and refuse fee due on the designated account.

In order for funds to be debited from a property owner's bank account, the City must receive a completed Authorization Agreement for Electronic Funds Transfer at least 21 days before the desired debits are to take effect. For more information about the Automated Bank Debit Program and to obtain an Authorization Agreement, please visit the City's website or call the City's Treasury Division at 703.838.4777.

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