How to handle the first or last name "True"? | ACA

The name True is sometimes used as a first name.

Handling the name "True" in Excel can be tricky because "True" is a reserved keyword in Excel used for Boolean values (TRUE or FALSE). If you try to use "True" as a text string, Excel will interpret it as the Boolean value instead. And when you create the files for electronic submission to the IRS, the name "True" will import as empty.

Here are two methods aimed at preventing Excel from interpreting the name as a Boolean value.

Precede with an Apostrophe
Prefix the name with an apostrophe ('), which tells Excel to treat the entry as text. For example, enter 'True in a cell. The apostrophe won't be visible in the cell, and Excel will interpret the entry as a text string.

Format as Text
Format the cell as text before entering the data. You can do this by selecting the cell, right-clicking, choosing "Format Cells," and then selecting the "Text" category. This method may not be foolproof, as Excel might still interpret it as a Boolean value in certain cases.