We have just received back a substitute check returned NSF to one of our customers. They are wanting to redeposit the substitute check. On the MICR line in position 44, do we put a 4 or a 5?

Usually, a return substiture check will contain two MICR lines when you receive it during the return process. The bottom MICR line will have a 5 in position 44 which is telling you (or your check processor) that this is a returned substitute check. All you need to do to redeposit this item is to remove the BOTTOM MICR line which contains the 5 in position 44. After the bottom line is removed (they ususally have a perfed edge) the substitute check will now have the correct MICR line containing a 4 in position 44 which you can redeposit to your customer's account.

Thank you so much for your help. Unfortunately, the returned substitute check that we received did not have the second MICR line or even any number in position 44. We were a little leary of the check, but the customer is a long time customer and had ample funds to cover the check if it is returned again. We feel that maybe the substitute check came back to the customer in a sleeve and the customer removed it. Again, thanks so much for your reply!!