How to Complete Business Checks

Keep good records when writing business checks to avoid errors.

Writing a business check is not different from writing a personal check, though sometimes more information is entered on a business check, mostly on the check stub. Business checks are also available in duplicate and triplicate form. That way, check copies can be kept for future reference. Sometimes business checks may require more than one signature. You can also complete a business check with the traditional pen and check method. The following is a set system to write your business checks that will make the whole process efficient and prevent you from making errors.

Instructions

1. Have sufficient funds in your business checking account to cover the amount of the checks you intend to write.

2. Gather all the information that you'll need to write your business checks. You will need the full name of all payees, the complete address of all payees, the numbers and exact amounts of all accounts or invoices to be paid and the total amount of the checks.

3. Write the current date in the "Date" space at the top of the check. Write the payee's name, that is, the person or business that the check is payable to. Write it after the word "To" or "Pay to the order of" on the check.

4. Fill in the amount you wish to pay the recipient. Write the amount in numbers in the appropriate blank (usually preceded by a dollar sign), and then write it in words on the appropriate line (usually followed by the word "Dollars"). For example, you could write a check as "$78.63" in the "Numbers" blank and write "Seventy-eight dollars and sixty-three cents" in the "Words" blank.

5. Sign the check at the signature line, usually found at the bottom right-hand corner of a check. Sign the way you've always signed your signature. Some business checks are required to be signed by more than one person. If that is the case, have the check signed by the persons authorized to sign checks.

6. Record your business checks in your check register. Write down the check date, name of the payee ---the person or business to whom the check is made payable, invoice number paid, the exact amount paid to each invoice and the total amount of the check.

7. Give the check to the payee or mail it, if it is for a mail order purchase or an invoice.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid leaving blank space on a check. When you write the amount in words and if the amount you write on the line does not take up the entire space, you should draw a line after your entry to fill out the remainder of the line.

• Do not post-date checks. A lot of people and even many businesses won't accept checks that are post-dated.

References

• Check Advantage: How To Write A Check