City of Chemnitz switches to SEPA
Information for citizens on the introduction of the Single European Payment Scheme
The City of Chemnitz is switching the payment transactions of its public authorities and independent organisations to the new SEPA payment format. What is SEPA: SEPA means Single Euro Payments Area and stands for a standardised euro payments area. The previous account numbers and sort codes will be replaced by IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and BIC (Bank Identifier Code).
Many citizens and taxpayers have given Chemnitz City Council a direct debit authorisation. These direct debit authorisations will now be converted into a so-called SEPA mandate. From the beginning of October, the debtors will be contacted and informed about the continued existence of the direct debit authorisation. This letter will contain the nine-digit mandate reference and the creditor identification number of the City of Chemnitz as well as the new bank details with IBAN and BIC. If the bank details stated in the letter are correct, the debtors do not need to do anything. A corresponding form for changes is enclosed with the letter.
At the same time, the letter will also contain the necessary advance notification of direct debit collections. The plan is to carry out the first SEPA direct debit on 15 November 2013. This can be recognised on the account statement by the nine-digit mandate reference and the creditor identification number of the City of Chemnitz: The creditor identification number of the City of Chemnitz is: DE20ZZZ00000007078.