# Payment Return Initiation

Payment returns can be initiated using a [pain.001.001.09](/home/connect/services/payments/pain.001.001.09-format.md) message. Currently, returns are supported for the following payment types: 

* Faster Payments
* SEPA Credit Transfers and SEPA Instant Credit Transfers (incl. TIPS)
* Group payments (LHV UK - LHV EE)
* Bacs Credit Payments (returns will be accepted up until 16:45 UK local time on the day of settlement)

The Instruction for Debtor Agent tag (`CdtTrfTxInf.InstrForDbtrAgt`) is used to provide the Account Servicer Reference and the return reason code for the payment being returned.

See **allowed return codes** in [Payment Return Codes](/home/connect/overview/code-reference-tables/payment-return-codes.md).

To ensure proper processing, payment returns must meet the following validation criteria:

* Correct format → The Instruction for Debtor Agent tag must follow the format RTRN:ReturnCode:AccountServicerReference
* Valid return code → The return code must match the [allowed scheme codes](/home/connect/overview/code-reference-tables/payment-return-codes.md). If an invalid code is used, the return is rejected with “Return reason invalid.”.
* Return code length → Must be 8 characters or fewer. If exceeded, the return is rejected with “Invalid payment return data”.
* Account Servicer Reference length → The reference must be exactly 32 characters. If incorrect, the return is rejected with “Invalid payment return data”.
* Missing original payment → If the referenced payment cannot be found, the return is rejected with “Original payment not received”.

LHV does not match return payment data to the original payment, so clients must ensure accuracy when providing return details.

#### **Return payment as a Positive Response to Cancellation Request in SEPA Credit Transfer and SEPA Instant Credit Transfer schemes**

SEPA Instant Credit Transfers

* If the counterparty financial institution requests a cancellation, the subsequent return must use return code **FOCR** (Following Cancellation Request).
* If an instant payment return is sent without a prior cancellation request, it is treated as a standard instant payment, not a return.

SEPA Credit Transfers

* When using return as a positive response to a payment cancellation request, code **FOCR** must be used. If any other code from allowed SEPA Instant Credit Transfers codes is used, LHV replaces it with **FOCR**.
* Returns that include the correct scheme code and have no existing cancellation request are forwarded unchanged. 


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