EFT is a payment method that replaces sending a paper check. You simply transfer funds from your US financial institution to ours for payment of various City bills and serrvices. You can use either a checking or savings account.

How does Direct Pay work?

You simply create a User Profile on our web site by entering your bank account information (the routing and account number which are found on your checks and savings account) along with your name, address and contact information.  Payments are then automatically deducted from your bank account each quarter at no additional charge. To create a Profile, click here

You can also sign up for DIRECT PAY by printing and mailing in forms if you prefer. To sign up for Direct pay of Water Bills this way, click here , for Tax Bills, click here

Does it cost anything?

No, unlike paying with a credit card, all payments made with EFT contain no additional charges.

Who can participate?

Anyone with a checking or savings account can participate.

What if I make a mistake in entering my banking information?

For your convenience, the system assumes you have entered the correct banking information and accepts your payment immediately. If you entered the wrong information the transaction will be rejected and the City then cancels the payment record. The City will notify you if this happens using the contact information you provided in your profile.

Is the system safe and secure?

Yes, the process uses 128 bit SSL encryption. The HTTPS in the web address and lock icon at the lower right hand corner of your internet browser signifies the security feature. In addition, your critical information is also stored in an encrypted format.

Can I cancel a transaction once I've received a confirmation?

Once your transaction has been confirmed you will be unable to cancel it.

How late can I make a payment and have it applied to my account on the same day (cut-off time)?

The cut-off time is the latest time by which you must enter payment instructions to have the payment applied on the same day. All payments made on the Online Service Center prior to 12:00 a.m.( Eastern Standard Time) each day will be considered received on the same day.

What information do I have to provide in order to use Direct Pay and EFT?

We require your full name, address, and contact information including phone number and email address. Banking information required consists of your bank routing number, bank account number, type of bank account, and your name as it appears o your banking statement.

Are there any special computer requirements to participate?

Your PC internet browser needs to support 128 bit encryption. Nearly all web browsers support this security feature.

What is the timeframe for payments being processed electronically?

A transaction is recorded as paid at the time you submit the payment on our web site. Allow 1-5 business days for a payment to be deducted from your bank account. For example, if a tax bill is due July 31st and you pay online by EFT on July 31st at 11:55 p.m., the payment is recorded as having been made on the 31st, even though the actual funds transfer may not take place for 1-5 days. (If inaccurate bank account information is provided under these circumstance however, a late fee could be applied by the City.)

Online payments are not processed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor day, Columbus day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other day of closure for the Federal Reserve banking system.

How will the payment show up on my bank statement?

Your bank statement will reflect EFT payments with a listing the same as or similar to:

01/08/2007 Preauthorized Debit CITY OF ROCH, NY TAX PAYMNT

What if I don’t want to give out my banking information?

Every time you send a paper check, many people have access to your banking information. EFT transactions occur between financial institutions electronically so your banking and personal information is actually more secure when you use EFT.

What if I change financial institutions?

You can easily update your bank information online in your Profile. You can immediately make a payment after making your update.

What do I do if I forget my login or password?

When you create a profile we have you create a hint question and answer for this exact situation. As long as you know the email address you used when signing up and can answer your own question, you'll be able to re-access your Profile.

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