Yes, you can pay RITA over the phone using your checking account

The Revenue and Internet Tax Administration (RITA) accepts phone payments from checking accounts through their automated phone system. You call RITA's payment line, provide your account and routing numbers, and the payment is processed when ready. The transaction posts to your account the same day you call, though the funds may take one to two business days to reach RITA's bank depending on your bank's processing schedule.

This method works for most Ohio municipalities that use RITA to collect income tax. The payment goes directly from your checking account to RITA, so there is no third-party processor taking a cut or adding fees on top of what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • RITA's phone payment system accepts checking account information and processes the payment the same day you call.
  • You need your checking account number, routing number, and the amount you want to pay before you dial.
  • Payments made by phone are not reversible once submitted, so confirm the amount and account details before you hang up.
  • If you are unsure whether your municipality uses RITA, check your tax bill or call your city or village tax department first.

What information you need to have ready

Before you call RITA's payment line, gather your checking account number and routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; it appears on the left side of the bottom of your checks. Your account number is the longer number to the right of the routing number. You will also need to know the exact amount you are paying.

Have your tax bill or notice in front of you so you can confirm which municipality the payment is for and whether you are paying current-year tax, back tax, or a penalty. RITA's system will ask you to confirm these details before the payment is authorized.

How the phone payment process works

Call RITA's automated payment line at the number listed on your tax bill or notice. The system will prompt you to enter your account information using your phone keypad. You will be asked to confirm the amount, the tax year, and the municipality code. Once you confirm, the system generates a confirmation number and the payment is submitted.

Write down the confirmation number when ready. This is your proof that the payment was processed. RITA will send you a receipt by mail within one to two weeks, but the confirmation number is what you need if there is ever a question about whether the payment went through.

The payment is deducted from your checking account the same day. Depending on your bank's processing schedule, it may show as pending for one business day before it clears.

When phone payments cannot be reversed

Once you submit a payment over the phone, you cannot cancel it or ask for it back. The money leaves your account and goes to RITA. If you made a mistake—entered the wrong amount, the wrong account number, or the wrong municipality—you cannot undo it through the phone system.

If you realize you made an error after the payment is submitted, contact RITA directly using the phone number on your tax bill. Explain what happened and provide your confirmation number. RITA can investigate whether the payment posted correctly and may be able to issue a refund or credit if the error was on their end. If the error was yours—you entered the wrong amount or account—the process is slower and may require a written request.

Alternatives if you cannot use the phone system

If you do not want to pay by phone, RITA accepts payments by mail, online through their website, or in person at your municipal tax office. Mail payments take longer to post because of processing time, but they give you a paper trail. Online payments through RITA's website work the same way as phone payments but let you review everything on screen before you submit.

Some municipalities also allow you to set up automatic monthly payments from your checking account, which deducts a fixed amount on a date you choose. Ask your tax department whether this option is available for your account.

What to do if the payment does not post

Check your bank statement after three to five business days. The payment should appear as a debit to your account. If it does not, contact your bank first to confirm the transaction was processed on their end. Your bank can tell you whether the payment cleared and when.

If your bank confirms the payment went through but RITA's records do not show it, contact RITA with your confirmation number and the date you paid. Provide your bank statement as proof. RITA will trace the payment and either confirm it posted or work with you to locate it. This process can take two to four weeks, so follow up in writing if RITA does not respond within a week of your call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying RITA by phone with a checking account?

RITA does not charge a fee for phone payments from checking accounts. Your bank may charge a fee if you have exceeded your monthly transaction limit or if your account type restricts certain types of transfers, but this is rare. Check your account agreement or call your bank if you are unsure.

Can I pay someone else's RITA bill with my checking account?

You can pay another person's bill if you have their account information and permission. However, RITA's system is set up for the account holder to call and authorize the payment. If you are paying on behalf of someone else, have them call and authorize it, or contact RITA directly to ask about paying a third party's bill.

What if my bank does not allow ACH transfers or electronic payments?

Most checking accounts allow ACH transfers, which is how phone payments work. If your bank restricts this, they will tell you when you try to set up the payment. In that case, pay by mail, in person, or ask your bank whether they offer a bill-pay service that can send a check to RITA on your behalf.

How long does it take for RITA to receive the payment after I hang up?

The payment is submitted to RITA's bank the same day you call. It typically posts to RITA's account within one to two business days, depending on the banks involved. RITA will update your account balance once they receive and process the payment, which usually happens within three to five business days of your call.

Can I make a partial payment if I cannot pay the full amount?

Yes. Enter the amount you can pay when the system asks. RITA will accept partial payments. You will still owe the remaining balance plus any interest or penalties that accrue, but paying part of what you owe stops the balance from growing as quickly. Contact RITA if you need to set up a payment plan for the rest.