What this notice is about 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 complete our review and verify this refund. What you need to do You don’t need to do anything at this time. You may want to Call us at the toll-free 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 an IRS Identity Protection PIN to help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Learn more at IRS.gov/ippin. 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. 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 when you have a joint refund). Why will it take up to 10 weeks to receive my refund? We must research your account to determine if you are entitled to the refund. We try to balance customer service and tax compliance when we review tax returns. Refund timeframes are also affected by: 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? No, calling us won’t speed up your refund. You don’t need to call us unless we send you a letter that asks you to contact us. Our telephone assistors won’t be able to provide any additional information. Tips for next year If you request a direct deposit refund, be sure the account you specify is in your name (or your spouse’s if you have a joint refund). If you changed your name as a result of a recent marriage or divorce, be sure 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. Reference tools Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax 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.
