Bank won't deposit my Refund Check

[cseeman]

Bank won't deposit my Refund Check

I file taxes jointly with my wife, so the mailed refund check lists both our names.
We don't have joint bank accounts, though.
Our bank (we use the same bank with separate checking and savings accounts) says they won't accept a check with two names on it, even if both endorse the check, because all our accounts are in separate names. 

I don't know what to do short of going to a check-cashing place, which may take up to 10% of the refund.

Has anyone else run into this? How did you resolve? 

[xmasbaby0]

@cseeman 

When you file a joint tax return the refund always comes with both names on the check.  Is this your first time to file a joint return?

I don't know what to do short of going to a check-cashing place, which may take up to 10% of the refund.

Have you considered changing one of your account to a joint bank account so that the check could be deposited to a joint checking account?   Or...just opening a joint checking account with your spouse?

[xmasbaby0]

And....so you know---even if you choose direct deposit next time, a joint refund must go in to a joint account.  The bank will not let you do a direct deposit for a refund in both names if both your names are not on the account.

[cseeman]

Since I'm self-employed, I generally don't get a refund. Unusual circumstances led to my getting a refund check.  I can't see the point in opening a joint account for what would be a rare occurrence and for what is a very small refund. 

Given the amount, I'd settle for just cashing the check.

[xmasbaby0]

Good luck.  Hope you find someplace that will cash the check for the two of you.