VALID › Notice Library › CP53B notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP53B notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
We tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We’reresearching your account for the next steps.
Read the full CP53B page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
We tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We’reresearching your account for the next steps.
What you need to do
You don’t need to do anything at this time.
You may want to
- Call us at the number on the notice if you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks
- Monitor your financial accounts
If you notice any suspicious or unusual activity, you should:
- Notify your financial institutions.
- Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus.
- Report any fraudulent activity to your local police or sheriff's department
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov
- Submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF
- Consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN to help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Learn more at Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I didn’t file a return?
Submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions.
(updated Jan. 14, 2025)
No.
Why will it take up to 10 weeks to receive my refund? (updated Jan. 14, 2025)
We must research your account to determine if you are entitled to the refund. We try to balance customer service and tax compliance by reviewing tax returns to prevent fraudulent or incorrect refunds. These critical reviews take time. The following also affect time frames:
- Bankruptcy
- An open audit
- A balance due on a related account (such as a different tax year)
Will calling the IRS give me additional information or speed my refund? (updated Jan. 14, 2025)
Unfortunately, calling the IRS won’t speed up your refund. You don’t need to call us unless we ask you to do so. If we need more information to process your refund, we’ll contact you by mail. Our telephone assistors cannot provide any additional information.
Tips for next year
- If you request a direct deposit refund, ensure the account you specify is in your name (or your spouse’s if you have a joint refund).
- If you changed your name due to a recent marriage or divorce, ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration.
- Never direct your refund to an account that belongs to a relative, friend, or tax return preparer.
What to do next
- Write down the date on the letter today.
- Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
- If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.
Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.