09 Oct Clearline CPA Payment Process Update: October 2025

Payment Process Update – Effective October 1, 2025

At Clearline, we are investing heavily in secure, modern systems to keep pace with the rapid changes in the accounting profession. By moving to the most reliable and trusted systems, we are ensuring that we can continue to deliver our services with accuracy, efficiency, and security, while simplifying your experience as our client.

What’s Changing?

As of October 1, 2025, all payments will be processed through our proposal and invoicing system, unless we have otherwise agreed with you.

• Credit card payments – Payments made by credit card will include a 2.4% processing fee. These fees reflect the costs charged by credit card companies and ensure we can continue to deliver services sustainably.
• Direct Debit (PAD) – Payments made by pre-authorized debit directly from your bank account are completely fee-free. PAD is the most cost-effective, secure, and convenient option. Once set up, PAD will automatically become your preferred method for all future invoices.

When we issue an invoice, your preferred payment method on file will be charged automatically 10 days after the invoice is sent. Once your payment information is updated, there is nothing further you need to do.

There is no action required from you until you receive your next proposal from us. At that time, you will be asked to confirm or update your preferred payment method before accepting the terms of engagement. If you have made alternate payment arrangements with us, those will be reflected directly in your invoice.

Need Help Setting Up PAD?

Setting up Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) is simple, secure, and ensures your payments are processed without any fees. Using a payment link sent to you from Clearline CPA you will follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1: Gather your personal details
Have your full name and email address ready so we can match your banking information to your Clearline account.

Step 2: Select your PAD type
Choose whether the PAD will be linked to a business account or a personal account.

Step 3: Save PAD as your preferred payment method
Once you’ve entered your information, select PAD as your default payment method and select next.

Step 4: Provide your banking information
Next you will need three pieces of information from your bank account:

• Institution number (3 digits, e.g., 010)
• Transit number (5 digits, e.g., 11000)
• Account number (7–12 digits, e.g., 123456789)

• On the bottom of one of your cheques (Institution, Transit, and Account numbers are printed along the bottom).
• Through your online banking portal (usually under “Direct Deposit” or “Pre-Authorized Debit” settings). We have provided you with a number of links to various financial institutions and the related instructions to find your account information:
• CIBC – Direct Deposit / PAD Form (PDF)
• Coast Capital – Download a digital void cheque
• RBC – View a void cheque
• TD – PAD payment instructions
• RBC Find my account number online

Step 5: Submit your banking information
Going forward, all invoices will be processed through PAD unless you update your payment preferences.

Why This Matters

These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to:

• Keeping up with the pace of change in the accounting profession.
• Automating processes to improve accuracy, security, and efficiency.
• Giving you flexibility in how you pay, with PAD as the most cost-effective option.

Just as we are embracing these improvements at Clearline, we are also here to help you explore similar opportunities to streamline and automate processes in your own business.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued trust in Clearline.