Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area

The back of your check has a white space near the top edge — that is where you sign. This space is called the endorsement area, and it is usually marked with a line or the words "Endorse here." Your signature goes on that line, written in the same way you signed your tax return.

Sign in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil, and do not sign the front of the check. The front is for the person or business the check is made out to — in this case, you or you and your spouse if it is a joint return.

If the check is made out to two people (you and your spouse, or you and another person), both of you must sign the back. Each person signs on the endorsement line, one after the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign the back of the check on the endorsement line, which is usually near the top edge and marked with a line or text.
  • Use the same signature style you used on your tax return, in black or blue ink only.
  • If the check is made out to two people, both must sign the back before you can deposit or cash it.
  • Once you sign, you can deposit the check into your bank account or cash it at a bank or check-cashing location.
  • Do not sign the front of the check — that space is for the payee information only.

What happens after you sign

Once you have signed the back, the check is ready to deposit or cash. You can take it to your bank and deposit it into your checking or savings account, or you can cash it at a bank or check-cashing service. Most banks let you deposit a check by taking a photo with your phone and using their mobile app — you do not have to go to a branch.

If you are depositing by photo, make sure the signature on the back is clear and fully visible in the image. The bank's system will read it to confirm the check is endorsed.

If you make a mistake signing

If you sign in the wrong spot, sign upside down, or make another error, do not panic. You can cross out the mistake with a single line, initial the correction, and sign again in the correct place. Banks see this often and will accept it.

If the signature is so messy or damaged that it is hard to read, or if you signed the front by accident, contact the IRS. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. They can issue you a replacement check, though it may take a few weeks.

Checks made out to a business or representative

If your tax refund check is made out to your tax preparer, accountant, or attorney — because they are holding a lien for unpaid fees — you will not sign it yourself. The person or business named on the check will sign the back and deposit it into their account. You should receive documentation showing how much of the refund went to pay their fees and how much was sent to you.

If you did not authorize this arrangement and the check is made out to someone else, contact the IRS right away. This can happen if someone filed a fraudulent return in your name or if there is an error in the IRS records.

Checks with a printed name or stamp

Some people use a printed name stamp or a signature stamp on the back of checks instead of signing by hand. The IRS and banks accept this, but only if the stamp is a consistent reproduction of your actual signature. A stamp that just says your name without matching your signature style may be rejected.

If you use a stamp, make sure it is clear and fully legible in the endorsement area. If a bank rejects it, you can sign by hand on top of or next to the stamp to confirm the endorsement.

Depositing without signing in person

If you cannot sign the check yourself — because you are out of the country, in the hospital, or for another reason — you can authorize someone else to sign on your behalf. That person writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above the endorsement line, then signs their own name below it. This is called a third-party endorsement.

However, many banks no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud concerns. Before you ask someone to sign on your behalf, contact your bank and ask whether they will deposit it. If they will not, you will need to wait until you can sign it yourself, or contact the IRS for a replacement check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit the check without signing it?

No. A check without a signature on the back cannot be deposited or cashed. The signature proves you are the person named on the check and that you authorize the bank to process it. Without it, the bank will reject the deposit.

What if I sign the check but then lose it before depositing?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the check as lost or stolen. Provide the check number if you have it. The IRS can place a stop on that check and issue you a replacement. This process usually takes two to three weeks.

Do I need to write anything else on the back of the check?

No. Your signature alone is enough. Some people write their account number on the back for their own records, but it is not required. The bank does not need any other information to process the deposit.

What if the check is made out to a name I no longer use?

Sign the back with the name printed on the front of the check, even if it is a former name. If the bank questions it, bring a government ID that shows both your old and current name, or a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change. The bank may ask you to sign your current name as well.

Can I sign the check in pencil?

No. Banks require black or blue ink only. Pencil can be erased, which creates a security risk. If you sign in pencil by mistake, cross it out with a single line, initial the correction, and sign again in ink.