Endorsing your check means signing the back so the bank will cash it
When you receive a tax refund check in the mail, you cannot cash it or deposit it into your bank account until you sign the back. This signature is called an endorsement, and it tells the bank that you are the person named on the front and that you authorize them to process the check.
The process takes less than a minute. You flip the check over to the back, find the blank line near the top (usually marked "Endorse here" or with a similar label), and sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. That signature is all most people need to do.
If someone else will be depositing the check for you, or if you are depositing it into a joint account, the process has a few more steps — but the basic rule stays the same: your signature goes on that back line, and it must match the name printed on the front.
Key Takeaways
- Sign the back of the check on the line marked "Endorse here," using the exact name printed on the front of the check.
- Your signature must match the name on the front — if your name is printed as "John Michael Smith," sign it that way, not as "J.M. Smith" or "John Smith."
- If the check is made out to two people, both people must sign the back unless the check says "or" between the names instead of "and."
- If someone else is depositing the check for you, you sign first, then they add their signature and write "for deposit only" below yours.
- Do not sign the back until you are ready to deposit or cash the check — an unsigned check is safer if it gets lost.
Where to sign and what your signature should look like
Turn the check over. The back has a section at the top with a line or box labeled "Endorse here" or "Signature." This is where your signature goes. The line is usually about two inches long and sits in the top third of the back.
Sign your name the way it appears on the front of the check. If the IRS printed your name as "Sarah Elizabeth Johnson," sign it as "Sarah Elizabeth Johnson." If it says "S.E. Johnson," match that. The bank compares your endorsement to the name on the front, and a mismatch can cause the check to be rejected or delayed.
Use pen, not pencil. Sign in a normal size — large enough to read, but not so large that it goes outside the line. You do not need to print your name or add a date. Your signature alone is sufficient.
When two names are on the check
Some refund checks are made out to two people — for example, "John Smith and Mary Smith" or "John Smith or Mary Smith." The word between the names matters.
If the check says "and" between the names, both people must sign the back. Each person signs on the endorsement line, one after the other. The bank will not cash or deposit the check unless both signatures are present.
If the check says "or" between the names, only one person needs to sign. Either person can sign alone, and the bank will process it. This is less common on tax refunds, but it does happen.
If you are unsure which word appears on your check, look at the front carefully. The word is usually small but clear. If you cannot read it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and they can tell you what the check says.
Having someone else deposit the check for you
If you cannot get to the bank yourself, someone else can deposit the check on your behalf. You still sign the back first, on the endorsement line, using your name exactly as printed on the front.
Below your signature, the other person writes "for deposit only" and then adds their own signature. Some banks also ask for the depositing person's account number or the account number where the money is going. Ask your bank what they need before the other person goes in.
The person depositing the check does not need to be a signer on your account. They can be a family member, friend, or someone else you trust. However, they will need to show a photo ID to the bank teller.
What not to do when endorsing
Do not sign the back of the check until you are ready to deposit or cash it. An unsigned check is safer — if it gets lost or stolen, no one else can cash it. Once you sign it, anyone with the check can potentially deposit it.
Do not add extra information on the endorsement line, such as your account number, phone number, or driver's license number. Banks do not need these, and they can create confusion or delays. Write only your signature and, if someone else is depositing it, "for deposit only."
Do not sign the front of the check. The front is for the IRS and the bank's processing — your signature goes only on the back.
Do not use a different name or nickname. If the check is made out to "Robert Johnson" and you go by "Bob," sign it as "Robert Johnson" anyway. The bank needs the signature to match the printed name.
Depositing the check after you sign it
Once you have signed the back, you can deposit the check at your bank or credit union. You can do this in person at a branch, at an ATM if your bank has mobile deposit, or through your bank's app if they offer remote check deposit.
If you are depositing in person, bring your ID and the signed check. The teller will scan or photograph it and the money will usually appear in your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
If you are using your phone to deposit the check, open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check feature, and follow the prompts. You will photograph the front and back of the signed check. The app will tell you when the deposit has been received and when you can expect the money.
If you made a mistake signing the check
If you signed the back incorrectly — for example, you signed a different name by accident, or you signed it before you were ready — do not try to fix it with a pen or correction tape. Contact your bank and ask what to do. Some banks will accept a check with a corrected signature if you initial the correction. Others will ask you to request a replacement check from the IRS.
If the check was rejected by the bank because of a signature problem, the bank will return it to you. You can then contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the issue. They can reissue the check or, in some cases, deposit the refund directly into your bank account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my signature on the back have to match my signature on other documents?
No. Your bank compares your endorsement to the name printed on the front of the check, not to your signature on your driver's license or other documents. As long as you sign the back with the same name that appears on the front, you are fine.
What if I already cashed the check and now I need a record that I did?
The bank keeps a record of the deposit or cash-out. If you deposited it, your bank statement will show the deposit date and amount. If you cashed it, ask the bank for a receipt or a copy of the transaction. The IRS also has a record that the check was issued to you.
Can I deposit a check that someone else signed for me?
No. You must sign the check yourself before anyone else can deposit it. If the check is made out to you and you want someone else to handle the deposit, you sign first, they write "for deposit only" below your signature, and then they deposit it.
What if the check is torn or damaged after I sign it?
If the damage is minor — a small tear or crease — most banks will still accept it. If the damage is severe, or if any part of the amount or the IRS's routing information is illegible, the bank may reject it. Contact your bank first to ask if they can process it, or call the IRS to request a replacement.
Do I need to write anything else on the back besides my signature?
Only if someone else is depositing it for you — then they write "for deposit only" below your signature. Otherwise, your signature alone is all you need. Some people write their account number on the back, but banks do not require it and it is not necessary.