What this notice is about This notice tells you we tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We are researching your account, but it will take 8 to 10 weeks to reissue your refund. What you need to do If you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks. If you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks. Call us at the toll-free number on the top right corner of your notice. Please have your paperwork (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call. If you call us before then, we won’t have any information about the status of your refund. Frequently asked questions Why did my financial institution return my direct deposit refund to the IRS? A financial institution can reject a refund for many reasons. Usually though, one of the following items doesn't match its records: Name Social Security number Routing number Account number Why will it take up to 10 weeks to receive my refund? We must research your account to determine if you should get the refund. We try to balance customer service and tax compliance by reviewing tax returns to prevent fraudulent or incorrect refunds. Please note 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? Unfortunately, calling the IRS can’t speed 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? Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the date when a taxpayer will get his or her refund. While we can estimate, this is a “best-case scenario” where the tax return doesn’t require any additional review or corrections. We work hard to issue refunds as quickly as possible. Can I direct part of my refund into my tax professional’s checking or savings account to pay my tax preparation fee? No. You can direct your refund to any of your checking or savings accounts. 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 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). Reference tools Publication 1, Your Taxpayer Rights Publication 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers PDF Full list of tax forms and instructions Need help? You can authorize someone to contact the IRS on your behalf. See if you qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. If you can’t find what you need online, call the IRS number at the top of your notice or letter. If you didn’t receive a letter or notice, use telephone assistance. If you can't resolve the penalty on your own, contact Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within IRS.
