View source for Utility Bills

[[Utility Bills]] are a recurring expense in [[inZOI]] that [[Zois]] must manage to avoid penalties. Similar to real life, these bills cover essential services and property taxes.

==Overview==
*Bills cover costs such as [[electricity]], [[water]], and [[#Consequences of Non-Payment|property tax]].
*They are issued weekly, on Friday.
*Payment is crucial to maintain household services and avoid [[negative consequences for Zois.

==Responsibility for Payment==
*For [[child]] and young Zois, their [[parents]] are responsible for paying the household bills.
*[[Adult]] [[Zois]], especially those living alone, are responsible for paying their own bills.
*Sufficient [[Meow]] (income, typically from a [[job]]) is required to cover the bill amount.

==Receiving and Viewing Bills==
*Zois receive a notification on their [[Smartphone]] on Friday from the [[Tax Department]] ([[Dowon Tax Department]], [[Bliss Bay Tax Department]].
*This notification can be found in the [[Messages]] app on the Smartphone.
*The message details:
**The cost breakdown for utilities ([[electricity]], [[water]]).
**[[Property tax]] amount.
**The '''total amount due'''.
**The '''payment deadline''' (typically 2 days).
**Potential '''penalties''' for non-payment.
*Bill information can also be viewed via the [[Utility Bills]] tab located in the top right section of the main [[Smartphone]] interface.

==How to Pay Bills==
#Open the [[Smartphone]].
#Navigate to the '''Messages''' app.
#Select the conversation thread from the '''Tax Department'''.
#If sufficient funds ([[Meow]]) are available, click the ''''Submit Payment' button''' within the message.
#The required amount will be automatically deducted from the Zoi's balance.

==Consequences of Non-Payment==
* '''Reminders and Warnings:''' The game provides initial notifications and reminders about the due bill.
* '''Overdue Notice:''' If the bill is not paid by the deadline (usually 2 days), a second text message arrives informing the player that the bill is overdue and penalties will apply.
* '''Service Restriction:''' Failure to pay results in the [[electricity]] and [[water]] being shut off in the [[Zoi]]'s [[home]].
* '''Negative Moodlets:''' Zois living in a home without [[power]] or water will receive [[Unpleasant]] and [[Uncomfortable]] [[moodlets]], negatively affecting their well-being.
* '''Service Restoration:''' Electricity and water services remain restricted until the overdue bill is paid.
* '''No Eviction:''' Zois are not kicked out of their house for unpaid bills, but the lack of utilities persists.

*'''Note:''' If struggling to afford bills, players can use [[Cheats]] available via the [[Psycat's Guide]] menu as a last resort.



[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]] [[Category:Household Management]]