ACH Return Code R06 Meaning – Quick Diagnosis, Timeline & What Happens Next
ACH return code R06 means payroll was returned at the employer or payroll provider’s request. See why it happens, timelines, and what to do next.
Taylor Reed
2/13/20261 min read
ACH Return Code R06 means the payroll or direct deposit was returned because the employer or payroll provider asked the bank to pull it back.
This is an employer-initiated return, not a bank error and not an employee issue.
Why Would an Employer Trigger ACH R06?
R06 is usually used to prevent a bigger payroll problem.
Common triggers:
Payroll run submitted with errors
Duplicate payroll detected
Incorrect pay amounts
Wrong pay date or pay cycle
Payroll sent to wrong employee group
Compliance or audit review
Employer requested reversal before settlement
This is not a random failure.
Is R06 a Bad Sign?
Not necessarily.
R06 usually means:
Employer caught an error early
Payroll is being corrected
A new payment will be issued
However, delays happen if payroll does not reissue promptly.
What Happens After R06? (Timeline View)
Day 0
Employer requests return
Bank flags ACH as R06
Day 1
Funds are pulled back or stopped
Payroll marked as failed or reversed
Day 1–3
Employer corrects payroll
New payroll approval required
Day 2–5
Payroll is reissued (normal or off-cycle)
Timelines depend entirely on employer action speed.
Will the Money Ever Hit My Account?
Usually no.
In most R06 cases:
Funds are stopped before posting
You never see a temporary deposit
A corrected payment is issued later
If funds did post briefly, they are typically reversed the same day.
Do I Need to Fix My Bank Details?
No.
ACH R06 has nothing to do with your bank account.
It is not caused by:
Wrong account number
Closed account
Name mismatch
Bank holds
Do not change your bank details unless HR tells you to.
What Should Employees Do? (Minimal Action Checklist)
Contact payroll or HR
Ask why payroll was returned
Ask when corrected payment will be issued
Ask if it will be off-cycle payroll
Get the new pay date in writing
That’s it. No bank calls needed.
Can R06 Happen More Than Once?
Yes, if:
Corrections are still wrong
Payroll keeps failing validation
Employer resubmits incorrect data
Multiple R06 returns usually indicate internal payroll problems.
R06 Compared to Similar ACH Codes
R01 – Insufficient funds (employer bank balance)
R02 – Account closed
R03 – No account found
R04 – Invalid account number
R06 – Returned at employer request
R06 is the only one intentionally triggered by the employer.
Read More: