Endorse your tax refund check on the back, in the white space above the line that says "Endorse here"
The back of a check has a designated endorsement area — usually a white box or section near the top. This is where you sign your name, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. The IRS prints tax refund checks with your name as it was listed on your tax return, so match that spelling and format precisely, even if you normally write your name differently.
Do not write anything else in the endorsement area. No dates, no account numbers, no instructions. Just your signature. If the check is made out to two people (you and a spouse, for example), both people must sign in the endorsement area, and both signatures should appear on the same line or very close together.
Sign the check only when you are ready to deposit or cash it. A signed check with no deposit date is a negotiable instrument — anyone who holds it can potentially cash it. Keep unsigned checks in a safe place until you need them.
Key Takeaways
- Sign your tax refund check on the back in the white endorsement area, matching your name exactly as it appears on the front.
- If the check is issued to two people, both must sign in the endorsement area before deposit or cashing.
- Do not add dates, account numbers, or other information to the endorsement area — your signature only.
- Sign the check only when you are ready to deposit or cash it, not before.
- Most banks and credit unions accept endorsed tax refund checks by mobile deposit, mail, or in-person deposit.
Depositing an endorsed check by mobile app
If your bank or credit union offers mobile deposit, you can photograph the front and back of your endorsed check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. The endorsement on the back must be visible in the photograph — make sure the lighting is clear and the signature is legible.
Mobile deposit usually posts the funds within one to two business days, though some banks hold funds longer on checks over a certain amount. Check your bank's policy before you deposit. After you submit the check through the app, write the check number and amount in your records, then store the physical check in a safe place for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it.
Depositing an endorsed check in person at a branch
Bring your endorsed check and a valid ID to any branch of your bank or credit union during business hours. Hand the check and your ID to a teller, who will verify your endorsement and deposit the funds into your account. This method is the fastest — funds typically post the same day or the next business day.
If you do not have an account at the bank that issued the check, you can still cash it at most banks and credit unions, though some charge a fee for non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they will cash a check without an account.
Mailing an endorsed check to your bank
If you cannot visit a branch or use mobile deposit, you can mail your endorsed check to your bank's deposit address. Write your account number on the back of the check, below your endorsement, so the bank can route it to the correct account. Include a deposit slip if your bank provided one, or write a note with your account number and the check amount.
Mail the check using a tracked method — certified mail or a service that provides tracking — so you have proof of delivery. Processing time for mailed checks is typically five to seven business days from the date the bank receives it, though some banks take longer. Do not mail cash or unsigned checks.
Cashing an endorsed check at a check-cashing service
If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one, you can cash your endorsed tax refund check at a check-cashing service, grocery store customer service desk, or Walmart Money Center. These services charge a fee — typically between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount — and they verify your ID before handing over cash.
Check-cashing services usually process checks the same day, though some hold checks overnight. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they accept government checks. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Some services also require a second form of ID.
What to do if you made a mistake endorsing the check
If you signed the check incorrectly — misspelled your name, signed it upside down, or added extra information — do not try to fix it. Cross out the incorrect endorsement with a single line, then sign your name correctly below it. The bank may still accept it, but some banks reject checks with corrections in the endorsement area.
If the bank refuses the check, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement check. Explain that the original check was endorsed incorrectly and cannot be deposited. The IRS will issue a new check to the same address, which typically arrives within two to three weeks. Keep the rejected check in case the IRS asks you to return it.
Endorsing a check made out to a business or estate
If your tax refund check is made out to your business name, endorse it with your business name and your signature. If the check is made out to an estate or trust, the person authorized to manage that estate or trust must endorse it — this is usually the executor or trustee. That person should sign their own name, not the name of the estate or trust.
Some banks require additional documentation for business, estate, or trust checks — such as a business license, articles of incorporation, or a copy of the trust document. Call your bank before you attempt to deposit to confirm what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else endorse my tax refund check for me?
No. You must endorse the check yourself because it is made out to you. If you are unable to sign your name due to illness or disability, contact your bank to ask about power of attorney or other options. Do not ask someone else to forge your signature.
What if my name on the check does not match my current ID?
Bring both your old ID (the one matching the check) and your new ID to the bank. Explain that you changed your name. Most banks will accept the check if you can show both documents. If the bank refuses, contact the IRS to request a reissued check in your current legal name.
Do I have to endorse the check if I use mobile deposit?
Yes. Mobile deposit requires your signature on the back of the check, just like in-person deposit. The bank's app will ask you to photograph both the front and back, so your endorsement must be visible in the back photo.
Can I deposit a tax refund check made out to two people if only one person signs it?
No. If the check is made out to two people, both must sign it. The bank will reject it if only one signature appears. If one person cannot sign, contact the IRS to request a new check made out to one person only.
How long can I wait before endorsing and depositing my check?
There is no legal time limit, but checks can expire. Most banks will not cash a check that is more than six months old. Endorse and deposit your tax refund check within a few weeks of receiving it to avoid any issues.