Create a BACS File for Direct Debits

Once you have generated a payment schedule you can create a file for processing direct debits by BACS.

Download the file produced and use your preferred finance software to process BACS payments.

• Once you have created the BACS file it is not possible to change the direct debit payment schedule.
• This method cannot be used for variable direct debit plans when integrating with Sage 200.

To create a BACS file, follow the steps below:

1. Select the Direct Debits tab in Fees Billing and open the Navigation tab displayed on the right of the screen.
2. Select Generate File from the Navigation tab to display the Generate Direct Debit File.
3. Select a billing cycle from the drop down list in the top right of the screen:
   
   A message is displayed to confirm, either:
   
   • All payment plans have scheduled payments. You can carry on creating the BACS file.
     or
   • Scheduled payments still need to be generated. You need to Generate a Direct Debit Payment Schedule.
4. Choose BACS in the File Format drop down list.
5. Click  and select a Processing Date. Direct debits will be processed on this date; payments will clear on the next working day. BACS payment files can only be submitted to your accounting software up to 31 days in advance.
6. Click Preview File. A file report is displayed:
   
7. Go back and make amendments to schedules if necessary.
8. Click Create File once you are happy that payments are correct.
9. Open the File History option to download the BACS file:
   
   All the payment files are listed here.
10. Two download options are available:
    
    • Click  to download and save the file. Import this file into your finance software.
    • Click  to download a Word report. This is useful if you want to keep a hard copy of the scheduled payments.