Which system is referenced for verifying a payer account before posting a payment?

• A. A credit card processor only.
• B. The county assessor's database.
• C. A payer account in CMS; verify with last four digits of account.
• D. The clerk's personal notes.

Answer: (C)

Verifying the payer's identity against an internal payer account in CMS before posting a payment ensures the payment is matched to the correct account in the system. This step is essential because it prevents misapplied funds and creates an auditable trail showing exactly which payer and account the payment belongs to. Using the last four digits of the account is a practical way to confirm the match without exposing full account numbers, adding a layer of security while still enabling accurate posting.

A credit card processor alone verifies card validity but doesn’t tie the payment to the specific payer account in CMS. The county assessor's database is unrelated to payer payments, and relying on the clerk's personal notes lacks formal verification and auditability.