This ACH return code indicates that either the account holder or beneficiary has died, making the account inaccessible for transactions. Unlike R14 (where a representative payee dies but the beneficiary lives), R15 means the actual person entitled to the funds has passed away, requiring estate or probate processes to resolve.
Error message: "(1) The beneficiary is deceased. The beneficiary may or may not be the account holder; or (2) The account holder (acting in a non-representative payee capacity) is an owner of the account and is deceased."
What Causes ACH Return Code R15?
The R15 ACH return code means "Beneficiary or Account Holder Deceased" and indicates that the person entitled to receive or manage the funds has died. This can occur in two scenarios: either the designated beneficiary of an account has passed away, or the actual account owner (not acting as a representative payee) has died.
This return code serves as a critical safeguard in the ACH system to prevent unauthorized transactions on accounts where the rightful owner or beneficiary is no longer living. Banks typically freeze these accounts upon receiving notification of death to protect the deceased's assets until proper estate procedures are completed.
Can You Retry R15 Payments?
You cannot retry R15 payments until the estate is properly settled and new account arrangements are established. This typically involves probate court proceedings, estate administration, or beneficiary designation processes. Any future payments will require working with the deceased person's estate representatives or newly designated beneficiaries.
How to Respond to an R15 Code
An R15 return indicates a death has occurred, requiring sensitivity and coordination with estate representatives or legal authorities to resolve account access and future payment arrangements.
When Your Customer's Payment Fails
- Express Condolences and Halt Payments
Suspend all payment activity immediately and respond with appropriate sympathy for the loss. - Contact Estate Representatives
Reach out to family members, executors, or legal representatives handling the deceased's affairs. - Determine Estate Status
Understand whether probate proceedings are in progress and who has authority over financial matters. - Await Legal Resolution
Wait for proper estate administration before attempting any new payment arrangements.
Subject: Payment Account Status - Our Condolences
Dear [Family/Estate Representative],
We have received notification that [Deceased Name] has passed away, and we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
We have suspended all payment activity on the account and understand that estate proceedings may be necessary before any financial matters can be resolved.
When you are ready and the appropriate legal processes are in place, please contact us to discuss how to handle any outstanding payment arrangements. We are here to assist you through this process with sensitivity and care.
Our thoughts are with you,
[Your Company Name]
When Your Payment to Vendors Fails
An R15 return on vendor payments indicates that the vendor contact or business owner has died. This may require establishing new relationships with successors, estate representatives, or new business ownership to continue vendor relationships.
- Express condolences and suspend all payment activity immediately
- Contact the vendor's business partners, family, or estate representatives
- Determine if the business will continue under new ownership or management
- Establish new payment arrangements with authorized representatives when appropriate
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