FAQs

Since the City operates on a fiscal year of July to June, when is the best time to sign up for EZ pay?: You can sign up for Utility or Tax EZ pay at any time. However, the more months you are in the tax program, the better opportunity you have to spread your payments out.

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EZ Pay

1. What is the EZ Pay Program?: The EZ Pay program allows Poquoson residents the ease and convenience of preauthorized auto draft payments. Payments are automatically deducted on the due date for utilities and monthly for taxes. They are deducted from your account as noted on the authorization form. Never worry again about missing a due date.

2. How does it work?: Upon completion of the form, the City sets up your information with your financial institution. Your financial institution will withdraw the predetermined amount as you have directed and forward it to the City.

3. When will the account be debited?: Monthly tax payments are submitted to the bank to draft on the 5th of the month. If the 5th falls on a holiday or weekend, they will be drafted on the first business day following the weekend or holiday. Utility payments are typically drafted on the 1st day of the month following the due date (i.e. if the due date is January 31, they will be drafted on February 1). Again, allow an extra day or 2 if the due date falls on a holiday or weekend.

4. How long will it take to get started once the form is turned in?: The form needs to be turned in 1 week before the due date for the utility program and by the first of the month for the monthly tax program.

5. What if I move from the area and I need to stop the authorization?: Just let us know as soon as possible. If you let us know a week before our scheduled draft, that is usually sufficient.

6. Will I still receive a tax or utility bill?: Yes. You will receive a utility bill with a notation we will draft your account. You will also still receive a personal property bill if there is a balance due. And the bill will reflect the most recent payments with any balance due.

7. Must my monthly payments be estimated by the City of may I select a monthly payment figure?: The choice is yours. We can help you plan a monthly amount to cover your bills or you may select an amount that is comfortable for you to pay each month. Either way, you stand to benefit by budgeting your annual tax bill on a monthly basis.

8. If my monthly deductions do not pay my semi-annual tax bill in full, am I responsible for the difference?: Yes, you are still responsible for any amount owing on your tax bill. Penalties will apply if your monthly payments are not enough to pay the full bill.

9. How much does it cost to sign up?: There is no charge. In fact, you should save by not paying for checks and you will save the postage or gasoline cost if you currently mail or bring in your payments.

10. What if I do not have sufficient funds in my account to allow for a debit from my bank account?: The City will treat this as a check returned due to insufficient funds. A $20 return item fee will be charged in addition to any fees your bank may charge. After two returned debits, you will be removed from the EZ Pay program.

11. What if I move my account from one financial institution to another?: Contact the Treasurer's Office in writing or in person before the next draft to ensure we present the draft to the correct bank.

12. Since the City operates on a fiscal year of July to June, when is the best time to sign up for EZ pay?: You can sign up for Utility or Tax EZ pay at any time. However, the more months you are in the tax program, the better opportunity you have to spread your payments out.