VALID › Notice Library › CP53W notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP53W notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
A refund check we sent was returned to us. We are reviewing your account to ensure the return and refund are valid.
Read the full CP53W page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
A refund check we sent was returned to us. We are reviewing your account to ensure the return and refund are valid.
What you need to do
You don’t need to do anything currently.
If you’re entitled to the refund, we’ll send you a new check in the mail; or If we need more information, we’ll send you a letter to explain what we need.
Please allow 10 weeks before checking the status of your refund. We can’t provide any information until we complete our research.
Additional information
Someone may have altered your check. Usually, this involves a change to the original payee’s name, address and/or refund amount. When this happens and the check is returned to us, we review related returns to ensure the returns and refund is valid.
If you believe you may be a victim of identity theft, visit our centralized identity theft page to learn how to protect yourself
Tips for next year
For a faster and more secure refund, consider requesting direct deposit for future refunds.
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.