Cranston, Rhode Island Reports 170% Increase in Online Tax Payments Since Launching New System

CRANSTON, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since investing in a new electronic bill presentment and payment solution in June 2017, the City of Cranston has seen a 170% increase in online payments and an average annual increase of 856% in paperless billing registrations, including a significant surge in adoption since the start of the COVID pandemic. Over the last four and half years since adoption, Cranston has collected over $58 million in city tax revenue via electronic payments.

The City of Cranston partners with Invoice Cloud, an EngageSmart solution and provider of trusted, secure e-payments, to allow more than 80,000 residents to safely view and pay their tax bills online, by phone, or by text. Taxpayers have convenient access to bills, email payment reminders and confirmations, as well as automated payments. In addition, online payments reduce paper clutter and waste.

“We’re glad we were able to provide our residents with the ability to easily and securely pay their tax bills online, from their own homes, especially this past year,” said City Treasurer and Senior Revenue Agent David Capuano. “Since adopting Invoice Cloud, our tax collection employees have done an excellent job converting to the new system, so it’s really been a seamless transition. With our offices being closed to the public, Finance Director, Robert Strom and I have seen a steady increase in taxpayers who take advantage of the online payment services we offer.”

Given the pandemic the public has limited physical access to the City of Cranston’s tax collections office.

Through Invoice Cloud, online credit card payments or e-check/bank draft payments to the City of Cranston can be scheduled or automatically made on the invoice due date. Taxpayers have the option to go paperless, Pay by Text or phone, and/or sign up for AutoPay. In addition, taxpayers can view payment history which is a convenience when filing taxes.

“Forward-thinking municipalities, like the City of Cranston, are implementing modern online payment solutions to meet the needs of their taxpayers who are looking for digital transformation,” said Tom Griffin, President of Invoice Cloud. “With COVID-19 -related social distancing guidelines affecting how we conduct everyday transactions, consumers are finding added convenience and safety through e-payments.”

Taxpayers can enroll in paperless billing, register to pay online, and enroll in AutoPay at www.invoicecloud.com/cranstonri and can pay by phone by calling [phone].