What this notice is about You requested that we direct deposit the refund for your tax return, 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? The IRS limits 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? No, calling the IRS won’t do anything to speed up your refund. You don’t need to call us unless we ask you. If we need more information to process your refund, we’ll contact you by mail. Our telephone assistors won’t be able to 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? 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. You shouldn’t make major financial decisions based on the estimated issue date of a tax refund. If you don’t receive your refund within 4 weeks from the date of your notice, you can call the number at the top of your notice. Can I direct part of my refund into my tax professional’s checking or savings account to pay my tax preparation fee? No. You cannot direct your refund to someone else’s account (except for your spouse’s account when 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. 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.
