Maiden name on a cheque

Rambosmum

I don't know if this is best here or elsewhere, but hey ho:

I've just got a tax rebate (yay) only problem is it is in my maiden name. I got married in December and have completed the HMRC form to notify them of a change of name (did it in March) but clearly it hasn't been processed yet. I have however changed the name on my bank, and did this the weekend after the wedding.

My passport is still in my maiden name. As is my professional registration as I haven't got round to changing everything yet.

Is there any way that my bank (NatWest) will accept this cheque, and if not, will HMRC issue another in the correct name?

Failing that, can I open a bank account in my maiden name even if I'm married - it isn't an insignificant amount of money!

BWZN93

Im sure theres a rule about maiden named cheques, something like up to 6 months after the wedding or name change date at the bank you can submit maiden name cheques. Would be worth a phone call to your bank to be honest! But as for opening an account; that would be classed as fraud I think as you are trying to use a name you don't use for banking services any more - it would flag up on a credit report for instance.

FBaby

I still receive cheques in my maiden name, as a matter of fact, my own cheque book is still in my maiden name, despite account now married name. I never had a problem paying or cashing cheques with my maiden name.

BarryBlue

Go and see your bank. They know what your previous name was so I would guess that they will accept the cheque into your account. If there is a 'jobsworth' on the counter, just ask for the manager.

My wife didn't change her name when we got married as there were still 5 years left on her passport and, like you, she wishes to continue using her maiden name professionally. Not really a big deal for either of us.

jem16

Rambosmum wrote: »

Is there any way that my bank (NatWest) will accept this cheque,

BOS wouldn't do this for my daughter-in-law.

and if not, will HMRC issue another in the correct name?

They will as they did for my daughter-in-law. Basically she had to phone to update her details with HMRC who asked her to return the cheque in her maiden name. They did issue a new cheque but it can take up to six/eight weeks.

glentoran99

Nationwide were fine for my wife as the maiden name showed in the account history

bouicca21

I had the same problem the opposite way round (also with Natwest) - I didn't change my name on marriage but someone with more traditional ideas insisted on making a cheque out in my married name. Bank wouldn't let me endorse it over to myself. I had to take my marriage certificate into the bank and get them to note on the system that I had two names ... and then they happily accepted it.

clw1

I paid cheques in to my bank with my old name on it for about a year after I got married - they never noticed as I used a paying in book with my old name on it.

In your case I would just take the cheque to the bank and pay it in and take along your marriage certificate as proof of your old name.

honeypop

Ask HMRC to issue it in your new name. I asked them last year to amend the name on a rebate cheque and they sent the cheque again in the correct name straightaway.


And check that they are processing the request to amend your name, in case it never arrived with them, since it's been a few months.

Rambosmum

Thanks guys. I work next to the bank so I'll bib in tomorrow and see if they take it. If not I'll give HMRC a call and ask them to reissue it. I'll call them anyway to update my details but would prefer not to wait for another cheque if it can be helped.

19lottie82

jem16 wrote: »

BOS wouldn't do this for my daughter-in-law.

I'm with BOS, have been married over a year and they still let me pay in cheques in my maiden name. I just need to print and sign both names on the back.