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CP53A notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP53A notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP53A notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We’re researching your account for the next steps.
What you need to do
- If you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks, call us at the number on your notice. Please have your paperwork (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call.
- If you call us before 10 weeks, we won’t have any information about the status of your refund.
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
Common questions
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
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. 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)
Unfortunately, calling the IRS can’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.
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the date when a taxpayer will get their 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.
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).
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