I just got a paycheck and they put my stagename on it instead of my legal name. It took about 45 minutes
to get my bank to deposit it because it didn't have my actuall name on it and I didn't have any legal documents proving it's my name and not someone else's. Those of you who have to use stage names or use stage names how do you deposit your check if they happen to put the check in the wrong name?
The bank said i shuld buy a business license, but someone else said I shouldn't have to go through that much trouble.

Does Uncle Sam give out 2nd ss cards with your stage name on it?
The bank wouldn't accept a headshot/resume, doesn't consider it legal. I did fill out tax forms that has my real name on it.

Did you put your real name on your contract and accompanying I-9, W-4, etc. paperwork? If you did, I have no idea why the payroll company would make it out to your stage name. How would they even know what it is if all you put on the appropriate documents was your legal name?

Something doesn't make sense here.

I put my real name on my I-9, W-4 and contract. My checks are made out to my stage name by my agent. Although since my stage name is my first and middle names, it's not such a big deal. The first few times I deposited my bank wasn't thrilled, but after showing ID that had my first and middle names on it, they relented. They also added my middle name to my account info so it won't be a problem in the future. Now the tellers all know me, so they take them with no problem.

You may also be able to simply add a AKA onto your account info without getting a business account and license.

You sign the back using stage name, then sign again with legal name. Then deposit it. Unless you have a bank account with SAG.

I'd contact the production company and ask them to reissue the check with your correct legal name.

I filled out the tax work with the legal name on it. My bank won't accept both sigs on it because they're completely different. The bank needs actualy legal documents proving that I'm the same, they say that I
should buy a business license and that will be proof. I did contact the pm and he/she contacted the person and I was able to make a line through the stage name and put my legal name and the bank manager initialed it.
I might try calling my old bank branch and going there intead of my regular branch.

Also the bank won't accept a aka name, "they" say it's not "legal".

My bank cashes all my checks with my stage name.

I might just have to call my old branch location and ask them, because they deposited a check with my stage name before and it was a little bigger than the one I got a couple of days ago (they believe me that I'm an actor thet just say that they don't want to get in trouble with their bosses and this is the bank branch manager talking).

I'd suggest opening an account with Actors Federal Credit Union. They will include your stage name as AKA, and process your payments made out to that name. Also, your bank might add that AKA when you show them your AFCU card bearing both names.

I believe you could also create an LLC with your stage name (eg, "Johnny Depp, LLC"), and then open a business account at your bank under the LLC name.

quote:

Originally posted by ManagerDad:
I believe you could also create an LLC with your stage name (eg, "Johnny Depp, LLC"), and then open a business account at your bank under the LLC name.

Yes, you can do that.


@skeeterkitty2004 - Another option is to meet with a bank representative. Get her or his card. Most banks will be understanding about a stage name. It would be helpful to bring documents as proof, but they may simply add a note on the account with your stage name without proof. It's better to acquire and bring some form of legit ID with both names.

Financial transactions will require a government ID of course. You can include your stage name on page 3 of your passport by writing it.

I've never heard of any banks in LA or SF having a problem with depositing stage name checks if you make the effort to meet with the bank to discuss it beforehand. Seattle probably isn't any different, I don't know.

quote:

Originally posted by Diana Swinburne:
I'd suggest opening an account with Actors Federal Credit Union. They will include your stage name as AKA, and process your payments made out to that name. Also, your ban k might add that AKA when you show them your AFCU card bearing both names.

Overlooked this. Yes. When there is opportunity to establish your stage name with an ID or paperwork, do it.

I'm having a really hard time with Wells Fargo. ARGH