How To Endorse A Check To Someone Else

Endorsing a check is easy, but it can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. If you endorse the wrong person or for the wrong amount, your signature could cause problems.

You may want to give someone else money and not have them pay you back. You might need to write a check to cover some expenses. Or maybe you just want to make sure that the right person gets paid. Whatever the case, there are several things that you should consider before endorsing a check.

In this article, we shall discuss the ins and outs of endorsing a check.

Also read: How To Write A Check - The Full Guide

Things to Consider

Before you endorse a check, here are a few things to consider first:

How Much Do I Owe?

You must determine how much you owe before you sign any checks. The easiest way to find out is by using an online banking tool such as Quicken or Mint.com.

These tools will show all of your transactions in one place. This makes it very easy to see how much you owe on any given day.

Who is My Account Holder?

If you are paying someone else’s bills, you need to know who they are so you can properly endorse their name. It is also important to know which bank account holds the funds.

Many banks require that you sign the check with the correct account number. Also, many companies ask that you include the correct address when writing a check.

What is the Purpose of This Check?

Before signing a check, you should always think about why you are giving the check to another person. For example, you may want to give a friend a gift card from Amazon.com. In this case, you would use the Amazon.com logo on the front of the check.

On the other hand, you may want to send a cashier’s check to help pay off a debt. In this case, the check would say “Payment on Account XXXXXX”.

Is the Check Payable to Me?

When you write a check, you usually put your own name at the top of the check. However, you may want to change the name on the check.

When you do this, you will need to add the new owner’s name after yours. For example, if you are paying off a loan, you would write the following: John Doe / Payee / Account 123456789.

Do I Need to Sign the Back of the Check?

Some people like to sign the back of every check they write. Others prefer to only sign the back of checks that they are going to deposit into their checking account.

If you are depositing the check into your checking account, then you don’t really need to sign the back. However, most financial institutions require that you sign the back of checks.

Can I Get Reimbursed for This Transaction?

It is possible that you will receive reimbursement for this transaction. If you are sending a check to someone else, you may want to make sure that you are covered under their insurance policy.

If you are writing a check to pay off a debt, you may want to look into getting a credit card payment plan.

Will I Get Taxed On This Transaction?

If you are receiving a check from someone else, you may be subject to income tax on the amount of the check. You will also be required to file a 1099-MISC form with the IRS.

Also read: 9 Tips To Being Financially Stable In 2020

What Type of Endorsements Are There?

The first step in endorsing a check is to decide what type of endorsement you want. There are two types of endorsements available:

• A blank endorsement allows you to write anything you want on the bottom of the check.

• An official endorsement requires you to write down the full legal name and social security number of the individual named on the check.

Once you have decided what kind of endorsement you want, you will need to fill in the information correctly. 

Also read: How To File Taxes For Freelancers

How to Endorse Someone Else's Check

If you want to endorse someone else’s check, here’s how:

Step 1: Get an Official Stamping Device

You will need an official stamping device to endorse someone else’s check. The best way to get one is to go to your local bank branch and ask them to provide you with one. They should charge you $5-$15 for the service.

Step 2: Fill Out the Back of the Check

Once you have received your official stamping device, you will need to sign and date the back of your check. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Place your check face down on a flat surface.

2. Hold your stamping device over the check and press firmly.

3. Remove your stamping device and place it on top of the check.

4. Turn the check over and sign and date the back.

5. Write “endorsement in blank by” at the top of the check. (This is where you will write your own name.)

6. Put your name at least three inches below the line where you signed.

7. Print your name on both sides of the check so that nobody can mistakenly sign it.

Step 3: Fold Together

Fold the check in half and staple the fold together.

Step 4: Finished

Now you are ready to endorse someone else's check.

Also read:5 New Divorce Tax Rules That Could Leave You With A Huge Financial Disadvantage

Why Endorse Somebody Else's Check?

There are several reasons why you might want to endorse somebody else’s check. Here are some examples:

• You are paying off a debt or making a large purchase.

• You are giving money to charity.

• You are buying something for yourself.

• Your friend wants to give you a gift.

• You are purchasing property.

• You are selling a business.

• You are donating a car.

• You are moving out of state.

Also read: Where Does The Money Go? Understanding Fica, Social Security, And Medicare

Final Thoughts

Endorsing checks is not as difficult as it seems. Once you understand the process, you can easily endorse checks for others.

It is important to remember that if you receive a check from someone else without their permission, you could potentially be liable for any taxes due on the transaction.

It is also illegal to forge another person’s signature on a check.

As well as checks being a financial necessity at times it is also worth noting that check stubs are also.

Thanks for reading.