Pre-Authorized Payments (PAP)

What is a “PAP” plan?

This plan authorizes the City of Barrie to automatically withdraw funds from the bank account you designate to make tax payments. There is not a surcharge for this method of payment.

The City has three plans:

1. MONTHLY - for properties that are NOT in arrears:
   • the interim bill (issued in January, and based on 50% of the previous year’s annualized taxes) is divided into 5 equal installments from January to May.
   • the final bill (issued in May) is divided into 5 equal installments from June to October - no interim tax bill will be issued; the final tax bill will indicate the amount of installments from June to October.
   • installments are withdrawn from your bank account on the last business day of each month
   • any additional tax bill during the year will be due on date(s) indicated and must be paid under separate cover.
2. DUE DATES - for properties that are NOT in arrears:
   • withdrawals will be made on the due dates indicated on the interim and final tax bills
3. ARREARS - for properties and businesses who have tax arrears:
   • must enter into acceptable payment schedule with Finance staff (705) 739-4230
   • agreed-upon monthly payments will be withdrawn on last working day of each month
   • both interim and final tax bills will be issued
   • penalty/interest will be added based on existing policy
   • once the tax account is paid-to-date, taxpayer will be able to choose either Monthly or Due Date options (see above)

What are the benefits?

1. No worry about missed due dates
2. In the event of postal disruption, illness or vacation, your payments will still be made
3. Monthly plan allows easier budgeting
4. Savings on postal charges
5. Once you have enrolled in a plan, you do not have to reapply for subsequent years

How do I join?

• Complete the Pre-Authorized Payment Form
• Attach a cheque from the account you wish used for withdrawal purposes.
• Ensure all signing officers for that account sign the form.
• Tear off the form and mail it to:

City of Barrie Tax Office
P.O. Box 400
Barrie, ON L4M 4T5

If you have more than one tax address, please complete another form.

May I join during anytime during the year?

YES - Enrolment is permitted throughout the year. If your cheque and application are received by the 15th of the month, your withdrawal can begin at the end of that month.

What if I sell the property?

Notify the Tax Office, in writing, as soon as possible, stating the closing date of the sale. We will insure that deductions stop at the appropriate time. We will require at least ten business days to do so. We do not receive such information from the Assessment Office until four to six months following the transaction.

Pre-Authorized Payment Cancellation Form

What if I change bank accounts?

Notify the Tax Office, in writing, as soon as possible and send in a cheque from the new account marked “VOID”. We will require at least ten business days notification to make the necessary adjustments.

What if I miss a payment?

If a transfer is in default due to unavailable funds, the taxpayer will be deleted from the plan and the NSF charge will be added to the tax account. If the payment is brought up to date (including any penalties/fees) by the end of the month, the payment plan will be reinstated.

Is it confidential and safe?

YES! The City’s bank handles all of the payment transactions. Access to your bank account is limited solely to the withdrawal of the tax payment funds as authorized. Account information of balances and other transactions is not available to the City.