diff --git a/ach/builder.py b/ach/builder.py
index 1a3c70f..c572828 100644
--- a/ach/builder.py
+++ b/ach/builder.py
@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ def add_batch(self, std_ent_cls_code, batch_entries=None,
         if not eff_ent_date:
             eff_ent_date = datetime.today() + timedelta(days=1)
 
+        desc_date = self.get_desc_date(eff_ent_date)
+
         if credits and debits:
             serv_cls_code = '200'
         elif credits:
@@ -66,7 +68,7 @@ def add_batch(self, std_ent_cls_code, batch_entries=None,
             company_id=company_id or self.settings['company_id'],
             std_ent_cls_code=std_ent_cls_code,
             entry_desc=entry_desc,
-            desc_date='',
+            desc_date=desc_date,
             eff_ent_date=eff_ent_date.strftime('%y%m%d'),  # YYMMDD
             orig_stat_code='1',
             orig_dfi_id=self.settings['immediate_dest'][:8],
@@ -192,6 +194,9 @@ def get_entry_desc(self, std_ent_cls_code):
 
         return entry_desc
 
+    def get_desc_date(self, eff_ent_date):
+        return ''
+
     def render_to_string(self, force_crlf=False):
         """
         Renders a nacha file as a string