Derived Returns and Notifications of Change Frequently Asked Questions

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1. I have a certificate to access the FedACH Services via FedLine Web application but I am not able to Derive Returns or NOCs. How do I get authority to process Returns and NOCs for my institution?

   To gain access to Derive Returns and NOCs screens, you must modify your existing Subscriber Certificate by selecting "Add" in the section "Derive Returns and NOCs." Once your request is approved by your End User Authorization Contact (EUAC), the Federal Reserve Certificate Authority will add the new service to your Subscriber Certificate. You can then begin processing Returns and NOCs for your financial institution.

2. My institution uses a third party to process my ACH payment files. Can the third party process Returns and NOCs on my behalf?

   To ensure the privacy and integrity of the information required to process a Return or NOC, only receiving depository financial institutions (RDFIs) are permitted to process these items. To learn more about the FedACH Services via FedLine Web application and to get information on how to request certificates, contact FedACH and Check Services Customer Support or your Account Executive.

3. Can a FedACH subscriber use the "Derive Returns and NOCs" function to create returns the same day a forward item settles?

   The derived returns function within the FedLine Web Solution cannot currently be used to derive returns for Same Day ACH forward entries on the same day the forward entry settled. Current functionality does not make item-level information available until the next processing day. If an RDFI wishes to return a Same Day ACH forward entry for settlement on the same day it is received, a return file will need to be created and submitted to FedACH Services by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. Paper returns processed by the 2:45 p.m. ET deadline will settle on the same day as well.

4. How can I get the reference number of my Derived Return or NOC item after I leave the screen?

   You can review your Derived Return or NOC items at any time and get the reference number by going to the Derive a Return or NOC function on the left navigation menu. Enter the information from the original forward item that you used to derive your Return or NOC. The original forward item will be displayed on the item list. An asterisk will be displayed next to the item to indicate that the item has already been derived. Select the item and the Return (NOC) Item Processed report will be displayed. The reference number is on this report.

   The reference number for a Derived Return or NOC item can also be obtained through the List Derived Returns or NOCs function that is accessible through the left navigation menu.

5. Can I get a list of all of the Returns and NOCs that I have derived?

   You can list returns and NOCs derived through FedACH Services via FedLine Web at any time by selecting this option from the left navigation menu. By choosing either Return or NOC and specifying the date or date range for which you want to obtain a list, you can view the list as well as print and/or download the list. The list provides a link to the items that can be dishonored or contested.

6. How can I tell if the derived return item was processed?

   When the derived return or NOC screen returns a reference number, the item is marked in the FedACH database. The reference number indicates that FedACH has accepted the item. Processing of the items occurs twice per day. Once the file is processed, the items will appear on the customer's settlement statements. The Sending Point of the file will be 6910-0013-4. Derived returns and NOCs that have been processed will be shown with a '#' sign on the List of Derived Returns and NOCs. The derived return or NOC item can also be viewed through the Search for Item function (the next day).

7. I can't see my derived return or NOC items on the Transmission Summary or Search for File screens. Why?

   The Derive a Return or NOC function does not create a file for each of the return or NOC items that you derive; therefore, you will not have a file that can be traced on Transmission Summary or Search for File. The function creates a batch that contains your items. The FedACH application then creates a file with batches from all of the customers that derived a return or NOC. The files are processed at the immediate and end of day processing cycles. The Sending Point on the derived return and NOC item files is the FedACH ABA number 6910-0013-4.

8. Can I create a file of derived returns or NOCs or can I batch the derived returns or NOCs that I create from the Derive a Return or NOC function?

   No, the service was designed to create one return or NOC at a time. It is targeted for customers that use a processor and therefore do not have the capability to create a file of returns or NOCs.

9. Can I create a dishonored or contested dishonored return item through the Derive a Return or NOC function?

   Yes, both dishonored and contested dishonored return items can be derived by selecting this option from the left navigation menu and selecting either Dishonored or Contested and entering a date range as well as a trace number and/or dollar amount. After selecting the appropriate Return Reason Code from the drop-down list, the dishonored or contested dishonored return item can be submitted for processing.

10. Can I refuse an NOC using FedACH Services via FedLine Web?

    Yes, a Refused NOC can be derived by selecting the Derive an NOC Item option from the left navigation menu, selecting Refused NOC and entering date range along with a trace number and/or dollar amount. After selecting the appropriate Change Code from the drop-down list, the refused NOC can be submitted for processing.

11. Does the Derive a Return or NOC function prevent a customer from returning an item more than once.

    The answer depends. If the forward item was returned through the FedACH FedLine Web Derive a Return or NOC function during the current day or in the last 10 business days, the item will be marked and the system will prevent you from returning the item again. If the forward item was returned through a customer initiated input file, the system does not know this and will allow the item to be derived.

12. Can multiple NOCs be derived for the same forward item?

    Yes, multiple NOCs can be derived for the same forward item. Sometimes different change codes need to be submitted on an item. The Derive a Return or NOC function will allow you to enter multiple change requests and will display all of the previous changes made to the same forward item (based on trace number and dollar amount).

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