eCheck - Frequently asked Questions

The eCheck payment process is not available as a payment option for redemption of parcels sold at the Tax Certificate Sale. Credit card payments may still be processed online.

• What is an eCheck?
  
  An eCheck is an online payment service provided by the Tax Collector for payment of taxes. This service will allow you to make an electronic fund transfer directly from your designated personal or business bank account. A processing fee of fifty cents (50¢) is assessed for each use of this service.  The Office of the Tax Collector does not retain any of this user fee.
• Where can I locate my bank routing number?
  
  Your bank routing number is on the bottom of your check. Please look at the example on the Internet web page when making your payment.
• Are there a certain number of characters that are required for the Bank routing number?
  
  Yes. Your bank routing number contains nine digits. This number is verified by our service provider (Forte) when you enter it.  If a mistake is made after you enter the number, you will be prompted to correct the entry or get an error message asking you to re-enter it.
• Are there a certain number of characters that are required for the account number being debited?
  
  No, there is no specific number of characters for a bank account number. Each banking institution has a unique numbering system.
• Is there a maximum transaction amount for eChecks?
  
  Yes, the maximum individual transaction is $230,000.00.
• How long will it take for my payment to be posted to my account?
  
  Your payment will be posted to your account upon receipt of the computer payment file, which normally takes two to four business days.
• What happens if I don't have money in my account when the request goes through?
  
  eCheck is considered to be a checking service. Banking institutions view this as a returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF) item. The Tax Collector has an NSF check fee of $25.00. Since an eCheck is considered a payment by check, this fee will apply.  In addition, you will be charged a returned check service fee from your banking institution.  Based upon the date of the transaction, you may also lose a Florida statutory discount or incur fees for a late payment.
• I submitted a request to debit my account and would like to stop the transaction. What do I do?
  
  If you submitted the request today and it is before 4:30PM (weekdays) you may contact the Customer Service department of our service provider (Forte) at 800-337-3060 x 1. They will need the authorization number, the amount of the transaction, and the routing/bank account number used for the transaction. The promptness and timing of the notification to our service provider is critical; otherwise, unfortunately, it cannot be stopped.
• Can I use a business checking account to make my payment?
  
  Yes, provided your business account permits Electronic Funds Transfer debits.  Business checks have a format that is slightly different from consumer checks - usually the check number is placed before the routing number.  The special symbols around the routing number are always the same.
• Can I make a payment if the name on the bank account is not the same as the name on the tax statement?
  
  Yes, as long as you are the owner of the bank account.
• Do I automatically receive an email confirmation of my payment request?
  
  Yes. You must complete the e-mail address field to complete the transaction. A confirmation will be sent to that e-mail address.  If you do not receive the confirmation email, contact the office of the Seminole County Tax Collector to determine if the transaction was settled.
• Am I able to print a copy of the payment request?
  
  Yes, you may. Use your Internet Browser controls to print the page(s) as you fill them out.
• Will I get an email notification if there is a problem processing my payment?
  
  If there is an error in completing the payment on the web site, you will receive an ‘error’ message, alerting you to the fact that your transaction was not completed correctly.  If your eCheck transaction is returned due to non-sufficient funds (NSF check), you will receive notice from your banking institution and notification from the Tax Collector's Office that the transaction was not completed. If for some reason the office of the Seminole County Tax Collector has a problem with processing the payment, a customer service representative will contact you.
• What type of encryption is being used in transmitting the data?
  
  SSL Secured 128bit.
• Can I use my savings account?
  
  If your banking institution allows you to direct debit your savings account you may use it.
• Why do I have to re-enter personal and bank account information every time I want to make a payment? Can't this information be captured once and retained for future payments?
  
  Currently, only the one-time payment model is being offered for eCheck payments. This allows payments to be made.  However, for your security and safety, personal and bank account info will not be retained for future payments at this time.
• The FAQs did not include my question. Who should I contact for more information?
  
  If the question pertains to the tax bill, please contact the office of the Seminole County Tax Collector at (407) 665-7636.  If the question pertains to using eCheck, please email the service provider at customerservice@paymentsgateway.com.  

NOTE: If you prefer to use a credit card, the Tax Collector has partnered with Certified Payments to allow payment for current and delinquent personal property taxes, real estate taxes and business tax receipts (Certified Payments charges a processing fee of 2.45% of the transaction amount for this service.  The Office of the Tax Collector does not retain any of this fee). Credit cards accepted include American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.