Which one of the following choices is a common reason why checks are returned?

A common reason checks are returned is due to "missing date." When a check lacks a date, the financial institution cannot determine when the check is valid or when it should be processed. This can create confusion and potentially lead to issues with timing for both the payer and the payee. Without a date, the bank may reject the check, as it's a requirement for processing and ensuring the transaction is logged accurately in the account records.

In the context of the other options, while factors like "no ABA" (which refers to the bank routing number) can also cause checks to be returned, it is less common in everyday transactions as checks are typically printed with that information. An "unreadable MICR" (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) could certainly lead to problems, but this is more dependent on printing quality rather than a lack of necessary information. A "stamped endorsement" on a check is often not a reason for a check to be returned; rather, it indicates that the payee has acknowledged the receipt of the funds. Thus, the most frequent issue leading to returned checks among these options is indeed a "missing date."