How to Cash a Third Party Tax Return Check
- 1). Have the payee on the check sign the check over to the third party. This is done by having the payee sign (exactly as the name is stated on the check) on the back end of the check in the endorsement area. Under the signature, the payee should write "Pay to the order of ___." The third party should endorse under that line. This is the most important step. If the payee does not sign the check over to the third party, it is against the law for the third party to cash the check. After endorsement, the third party is responsible for the check and its worth.
- 2). Bring the original payee with valid photo identification to the third party's bank. Most bank policies will state that in order to cash a third party check, both individuals must be present for cashing purposes with photo identification. This reduces the potential for fraud.
- 3). Make sure to have at least an amount of money in your account that is equal to the amount written on the check. If the bank account does not have enough cash to cover the check, some bank tellers will not cash the full amount. Instead, they will deposit the rest of the check.
- 4). Keep a level head during this process. At times, third party check cashing (especially with government checks) is an irritating process because of the many bank rules. Be calm and keep a smile on your face.
Source...