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When a Return Comes Back Too Late
ACH transactions have strict timing rules that both Originating and Receiving Depository Financial Institutions (ODFIs and RDFIs) must follow. These deadlines help keep the system moving smoothly and ensure that errors are caught and corrected quickly.
If a return entry is submitted after the allowed timeframe, the system will flag it with ACH Return Code R68.
Let’s take a closer look at what R68 – Untimely Return means, why it happens, and what you should do if you encounter it.
What Does ACH Return Code R68 Mean?
ACH Return Code R68 stands for:
“Untimely Return.”
Here’s NACHA’s official definition:
R68 – Untimely Return: The return entry was not sent within the time limits established by the ACH rules.
In simple terms: the return was submitted too late to be valid, and it was rejected because the deadline to return the original entry had passed.
How Much Time Do Banks Have to Return an ACH Entry?
Timing rules vary based on the type of return:
For most consumer unauthorized returns (like R10 or R11), the RDFI generally has 60 calendar days from the settlement date.
For administrative or routine returns (like insufficient funds or account closed), the RDFI typically must return the entry within 2 banking days after learning of the problem.
If a return is sent outside these windows, the ODFI (the bank that originated the transaction) can reject it using R68.
Why Would an R68 Return Happen?
Here are some common reasons why an R68 return might occur:
Bank processing delays that caused the return to miss the deadline
Manual error—the return was initiated but not submitted in time
System or technical failures delaying the transmission of the return file
Late discovery of the issue after the allowed return timeframe had passed
Regardless of the cause, if the return comes in too late, the ODFI is not obligated to accept it.
How to Handle ACH Return Code R68
If you encounter an R68 return, here’s what to do:
1. Review the Dates
Check the original settlement date of the transaction and the date the return was submitted. This will tell you if the return was genuinely untimely.
2. Work With Your ACH Processor or Bank
If the return was untimely, your ACH provider or bank can confirm whether any exceptions apply or if additional steps need to be taken.
3. Contact the Customer (If Needed)
If a payment dispute or unauthorized debit is still unresolved and the return window has passed, you may need to work directly with your customer to arrange refunds or other resolutions outside of the ACH system.
How to Avoid R68 ACH Returns in the Future
To stay ahead of untimely returns:
Monitor incoming ACH transactions daily to catch any issues early
Submit returns as soon as possible after discovering a problem
Use ACH software that alerts you to approaching return deadlines
Train your team on the importance of ACH timing rules
Set up automated return workflows when possible to speed up processing
Speed and organization are your best tools for avoiding late returns.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R68—“Untimely Return”—means a return entry was submitted after the window allowed by ACH rules. While mistakes can happen, it’s important to stay on top of processing deadlines to protect your payment operations and avoid additional complications.
At Durango Merchant Services, we help businesses not just process ACH transactions, but also manage timing requirements, returns, and exceptions to keep payments flowing without unnecessary setbacks.
