<?xml version="1.0"?>
<notificationOfRemoval>

    <schemaVersion>X0203</schemaVersion>

    <exchange>
        <cik>0000876661</cik>
        <entityName>NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE LLC</entityName>
    </exchange>

    <issuer>
        <cik>1310445</cik>
        <entityName>Virtus Total Return Fund</entityName>
        <fileNumber>001-32429</fileNumber>
        <address>
            <street1>100 Pearl Street</street1>
            <street2></street2>
            <city>Hartford</city>
            <stateOrCountryCode>CT</stateOrCountryCode>
            <stateOrCountry>CONNECTICUT</stateOrCountry>
            <zipCode>06103</zipCode>
        </address>
        <telephoneNumber>(860) 263-4791</telephoneNumber>
    </issuer>

    <descriptionClassSecurity>Common Shares</descriptionClassSecurity>

    <ruleProvision>17 CFR 240.12d2-2(a)(3)</ruleProvision>

    <signatureData>
        <signatureName>Benjamin Sawyer</signatureName>
        <signatureTitle>Manager</signatureTitle>
        <signatureDate>2017-04-03</signatureDate>
    </signatureData>
</notificationOfRemoval>