State Payment Portal (SPP) is created on the basis of the Centralized Information System on Mass Payments (CISMP).
“Creation of the State Payment Portal” project is implemented by CMA Small System and SINAM on request of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. The project, implemented since January 2012, will be completed shortly.
The main purpose in creation of SPP is increase of application of non-cash payments in the national economy, simplification of the budget payments process, and integration of the projects, realized within the framework of “e-government”, with the national payment system infrastructure. It’s planned to update the technical platform of existing APUS system, and create new features within the framework of ongoing “e-government” concept.
Currently, SINAM specialists completed the introduction of web-service functional within the project. Web-service functional allows connected organizations to update the database online. Before the introduction of web-service technology the information on payments is often late. After the introduction of the mentioned technology, the information will be updated online. Payments concerning the Ministry of Internal Affairs are already being implemented through web-service technology. At present, the works on connection of other state institutions to the system via this technology are underway.
It should be noted that APUS system successfully operates since 2008, and currently provides services on collection of utility payments (electricity, gas, water), penalties for violation of traffic regulations, social insurance and tax payments. Once the State Payment Portal is fully implemented the connection process of other organizations to the system will be completed as well.
Due to integration with Central Bank’s clearing system the payments are made online. Payments are accepted in all branches of banks which are connected to system and "Azerpocht" offices as well as through ATMs. In addition, it is possible to pay through Internet on apus.az website.
The system proposes the opportunity of examination of the payments’ archive and print payments’ receipts. It also has a function of sending payment checks to taxpayer’s e-mail.
According to Apus.az website, presently 59 institutions are connected to APUS system; of them 46 are financial organizations. About 700 payment points provide subscribers with information on their debts and accept payments. Currently, the number of documents daily processed is between 35000-50000. It should be also noted that country’s processing centers “MilliKart” and “AzəriCard” are integrated into the system. Bank customers served by these centers can benefit from an ATM network and Internet services of APUS (www.apus.az), and obtain information about the debts, pay with payment cards. According to statistics, in 2012 the system carried out 481.2 million manat amount payment transactions. The average daily payments volume amounted to 1.5 million manat.