Automatic Clearing House (ACH) identifiers (IDs) are unique identifiers for an association's operating bank account that allows it to receive funds via an ACH or electronic transfer.

It is a system set up to allow transfers and transactions between different banking systems electronically from different companies. As a part of the ACH system, an ACH ID is used similar to a mailing address, allowing any ACH debit activity to be routed directly to the right location so that it may be delivered to the right accounts. 

Each company has its own ACH ID for its accounts so that it can electronically transfer funds. An automatic payment from a homeowner's bank account is also similar to the ACH process, however, the main difference between a direct deposit and ACH is one deals with the homeowner while the other deals with a company. 

The prefix for the ACH ID is provided to Vantaca by the bank and  is typically "1" for all operating accounts. The default format of an ACH ID is the number one followed by the association's nine-digit tax ID.

When you create a new association, adding the Tax ID creates a default ACH ID for that association's bank account. In most cases, it is not necessary to enter a specific ACH ID, as Vantaca will do that for you.

Example:

1 and then the Association's 9-digit Tax ID 

When to Create a New ACH ID

Shared TaxID

If you are unsure of your prefix or ACH ID, contact your bank representative. Sometimes, the ACH ID set up at the bank does not follow the typical format (1+association tax ID) for the operating account. In this case, you must enter the ACH ID on the Association > Bank Account screen.

Note: The most likely cause for having a different ACH ID is if two associations have the same Tax ID.

Two (or more) associations can share the same Tax ID in a Master/Sub relationship, but each needs a unique ACH ID so the bank knows each association's transactions in the ACH file. 

Reserve Accounts

For reserve accounts, you must enter ACH IDs on the bank account. The bank usually sets these up in the following format: 2+assoc Tax ID, 3+assoc Tax ID, etc. If you are unsure of the ACH ID for an account, confirm with the bank to avoid transfers initiated for the wrong account. 

These are required if you ever plan to make transfers that do not include the operating account (ie. reserve to reserve). The bank also must set up the ability to process ACH transfers for reserve accounts.

Create a New ACH ID

To override the default ACH ID for a bank account:

1. Navigate to Association > Bank Accounts.
2. Click Edit next to account for the association for which you want to change the ACH ID. 
   Important: If the ACH ID field is blank, then this association is using the default (1+association tax ID) as described previously.
3. Enter the ACH ID (1) provided by the bank.
   
   
    
4. Click Update.

ACH Validation Errors

When ACH transactions fail validation during file generation, Vantaca automatically voids the failed item and creates an alert action item. Common failures include invalid routing numbers, account numbers, or ACH ID formats. For more information, see the "What causes the Error Processing Payment message on a voided payment on an owners account?" article.

Invoice Processing

When making Invoice Payments out of Reserve bank accounts, the ACH ID must be configured on the bank account in Association > Bank Accounts. If the ACH ID is missing, this could cause the Invoice to be paid out of the Operating bank account.