How to pay
Issues with making payments via BPAY have been resolved for invoices dated after 3 August 2018.
If you received an invoice issued from 2 July 2018 to 2 August 2018, you will still need to pay via credit card through the department’s online payment portal, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or cheque, as outlined on the invoice.
If you have any questions or require further assistance please contact the Accounts Receivable Team on 1800 647 531 or via the Accounts Receivable helpdesk.
The department is changing the way it accepts payments.
From 2 July 2018, you will no longer be able to make payments in person at regional offices. Available payment options include online card payment using the department’s secure online payment service EFT, mail or credit card payments over the phone by calling 1800 647 531.
Payment arrangements will continue without change for: airport payment processing; non-commercial vessel payment processing; international mail payment processing; or detained goods payment processing.
Learn more about our payment options.
Depending on your payment arrangement with the Department of Agriculture there are different payment options available:
- Pre-pay. If you have not been issued an account number by the department you will be required to pay before having a service provided to you.
- Post-pay. If you have an account number with the department then you will be able to pay after a service has been provided to you.
Transactions that are made on a weekend, national public holiday or after 6:00 pm (AEST) will be processed on the next business day. You will be issued with a receipt upon request, noting your financial institution will issue you with a receipt if you pay using BPAY® or electronic funds transfer.
Please note: If you reside outside of Australia you should consider international time zones and payment processing times to avoid making a late payment. The Department of Agriculture is not responsible for fluctuations caused by exchange rates.
1. Pre-pay
Unless you have been issued an account number by the department you will be required to pre-pay before having a service provided to you. Unless you make a high volume of payments to the department, you do not need an account.
If you are accessing a service online you will be instructed to make any applicable online payments during the service request process. This will be handled using the department’s secure online payment service, which will require you to make credit card payments.
Note: In limited circumstances when no invoice is provided (eg individuals exporting companion animals, carnet clearances) you may make a payment over the phone using your credit card by calling 1800 647 531.
2. Post-pay
If you have an account number with the department you will be expected to post-pay after a service has been provided to you.
When requesting or using a service you will need to quote your account number. After the service has been provided you will receive a Tax Invoice from the department via post or email that lists the charges associated with the service/s provided. If you are unsure whether you have paid a Tax Invoice you can check online using the department’s secure online payment service by quoting your Invoice Number.
You will have 28 calendar days from the invoice date to pay your Tax Invoice using one of the following payment methods:
- BPAY® – you can make a BPAY® payment using your financial institution. Credit facilities will not be accepted.
- Card payment – you can make a card payment online using the department’s secure online payment service by quoting your Invoice No. Note: you cannot use the secure online payment service to pay by credit card if your invoice number is alpha numeric e.g. ELS012345678901.
- Electronic funds transfer – you can make an electronic funds transfer using your financial institution’s banking service.
- Mail – you can mail your cheque along with your payment slip to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Please note: If you do not pay an Individual Tax Invoice within 28 calendar days you will incur late payment penalties. Consider your financial institution’s processing times to ensure payment is received in time.
Payment methods (post-pay)
3. BPAY®
You can make a BPAY® payment directly from your cheque or savings account using your financial institution’s internet or phone banking service. You will need the Biller Code and Ref number listed on your Tax Invoice or Overdue Notice.
4. Card payment
You can pay online using the department’s secure online payment service for payments between $0.01 and $250,000. Please have your card with you as you will be prompted for your cardholder number, cardholder name, card expiry date and card security code (CSC).
The card security code (CSC) is a unique 3- or 4-digit number printed on your card. With a MasterCard or Visa card, the 3-digit number is located in the signature panel on the back of the card. The 4-digit American Express card security code is located on the front of the card, above the card number on the right hand side.
The payment will be listed on your card statement as “Dept of Agriculture”.
Overseas payers: Please note that you might need to notify your financial institution of a card charge from a foreign country before making a payment.
5. Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
You can make a payment using your financial institution’s internet banking service. The payment will be automatically allocated against your Department of Agriculture account number.
You will require the Department of Agriculture bank details listed on your Tax Invoice or Overdue Notice.
Please note: You will need to include the appropriate reference your invoice number in the description field when making an EFT payment.
Overseas payers: Please note that you should use the Bank Identifier RSBKAU2S when making an EFT payment.
6. Mail your cheque
Cheques should be for an amount in Australian dollars and payable to 'Collector of Money'. Cheques should be crossed 'Not Negotiable' and must not be post dated. Cheques from banks outside of Australia will not be accepted.
You must also detach and include the payment slip found at the bottom of the last page on your Tax Invoice or Overdue Notice.
Please mail your payment to:
Collector of Money
Department of Agriculture
Locked Bag 34, Kingston ACT 2604
Please note: Do not send cash through the mail.