Understanding your CP53D notice

What this notice is about

You requested that we direct deposit your tax return refund, but we’re issuing you a paper check instead.

What you need to do

• If you filed this tax return, you’re not required to do anything at this time.
• If you didn’t file this tax return and you believe someone is using your personal information, to file the tax return, you should report the misuse to us by submitting Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF, or a police report indicating identity theft as the issue. Send either of these documents to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions.

You may want to

• Consider requesting and using an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), which can help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number.
• Monitor your financial accounts to determine if you’ve been the victim of non-tax fraud. You can find more information at the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft page.
• Track your refund on the IRS website.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I receiving a paper check? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)

We limit the number of direct deposit refunds to the same bank account or on the same pre-paid debit card. Also, we can’t deposit any part of a tax refund to an account that doesn’t belong to you.

Will calling the IRS give me additional information or allow me to get my refund sooner? (updated Jan. 15, 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.

Is the estimated date my tax preparer, tax software, or Where’s My Refund provided a guarantee of when I’ll get my refund? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)

You should receive your check in the mail within 4 weeks from the date of your notice, provided there are no additional pending issues with your tax return. However, we can’t guarantee the date when you’ll get your refund. While we can estimate, this is a “best-case scenario” where the tax return doesn’t require any additional review or corrections. We issue refunds as quickly as possible. If you don’t receive your refund within 4 weeks from the date of your notice, call the number on your notice.

Can I direct part of my refund into my tax professional’s checking or savings account to pay my tax preparation fee? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)

No. You can direct your refund to any of your checking or savings accounts, but you can’t direct your refund to someone else’s account (except for your spouse’s account, if you have a joint refund).

Tips for next year

Never direct your refund to an account that belongs to a relative, friend, or tax return preparer.

If you’re using a family financial account, you may want to consider alternatives or be aware that you will receive a paper refund if your refund is the fourth one being sent to the account or to a pre-paid debit card.